Irish Coffee Recipe - Traditional Method (2024)

Coffee or whiskey, on their own, are delicious. Combining the two, then adding cream is heavenly, and everyone needs to try at least one in their lifetime.

Making an Irish coffee is easy, but it’s an essential recipe to add to your repertoire. This silky smooth, creamy drink is the ultimate beverage to serve guests after their meal.

The Irish coffee was created in Ireland back in 1942 by an Irish chef. A planeload of passengers attempted to fly to New York, but the weather was too severe, so they were forced to turn back. On their arrival, the Irish chef added some whiskey and cream to their coffees as a warming arrival beverage for the passengers. They proved to be very popular, and the name, Irish Coffee, was born!

If you’re partial to the occasional whiskey, you may want to make your own (if it’s allowed where you live). Check out this helpful moonshine still review, which looks at the best home distilling kits currently on the market.

Recipe

How to make the perfect Irish coffee

• It is essential to choose a good quality whiskey, such as The Dead Rabbit or Jameson, to enhance the flavor of your drink. But don’t get carried away and use Midleton Bluebell or some other high-end whiskey – using them in co*cktails is blasphemy.
• Avoid using cream from a can as it will taint the flavor of your hot beverage. Instead, use heavy cream and whip it until soft peaks form.
• A nice touch is to warm the glass before serving. It is warming on a cold winter’s night, and it’ll keep your coffee heated longer. Heat the glass in an oven at a low temperature or fill it with boiling water for 2 minutes.
• Replace the sugar with real maple syrup. Not only do the flavors blend perfectly, but it’s also easier to stir in a liquid than sugar granules.
• Instead of using low-quality drip coffee, consider using a French press or a pod coffee machine. If you’re thinking about investing in a new single-serve pod machine, be sure to check out this review of Verismo Vs Keurig before you buy it.
• If caffeine keeps you awake at night, use decaffeinated coffee.
• For a vegan option, replace the cream with whipped coconut cream. There will be a subtle taste of coconut.

How strong is a cup of Irish coffee?

The strength of Irish coffee will depend on the type of whiskey used; using an 80-proof bottle will result in a drink that is 9% ABV.

Other related articles

Learn the secret to making a whiskey sour.
Why is coffee served with water?

Get a recipe for festive sangria.

Summing up

Irish coffee is a delicious co*cktail that lovers of caffeine will appreciate. Made from freshly brewed coffee, a decent splash of whiskey, and thick cream, it’s a winning combination. There are plenty of variations to the recipe: don’t like caffeine? Use decaf. On a low-fat diet? Use half-n-half instead.

What is your favorite whiskey for making Irish coffee? Please share it with us in the comments below.