Irish Coffee

On St. Patrick’s Day, start the morning off just right with a warm mug filled with Irish Coffee! This classic boozy coffee recipe has been around since the 1940’s, and it’s stayed popular over the years for good reason. It’s sweet, creamy, warm, and perfectly spiked with Irish whiskey. Cheers!

Irish Coffee

It’s March, which means we’re all seeing shirts that say things like “Irish you were beer” in our local Targets. While beer (especially green beer) is a worthy St. Paddy’s day staple, it’s not nearly as exciting as a mug full of Irish coffee! Your grandfather probably agrees with me on that one – go ahead and ask him! This creamy, spiked, tasty coffee has been an Irish staple since about 1943, and it’s not going away anytime soon.

If anything, I feel like this traditional Irish beverage is gaining popularity each year, and not just on St. Patrick’s Day! A sip of whiskey-spiked hot coffee complete with freshly whipped cream, light brown sugar, and a touch of fresh nutmeg is delicious all day every day, whether it’s March or September. Also, while it’s best enjoyed in the morning, it’s also lovely to enjoy as an after dinner treat as well.

Never had an Irish coffee before? Don’t let the whiskey scare you away! When it’s measured just right and paired with the other ingredients, especially the strongly brewed coffee, it’s smooth and pleasant. While you certainly can add an additional splash of whiskey in there, keep in mind that I’ve measured the ingredients just right so that this drink is perfect for sipping on without having too much of a kick.

How to Make It

Whether you’re making a single serving all for you or a whole batch for a party, you’re going to love how quick and easy this recipe is.

Mix the sugar into the coffee. Add 8 ounces of coffee (depending on mug size) and light brown sugar into mug stir until melted.

Stir in the whiskey. Pour in 1 ½ ounces of Irish Whiskey and stir.

Top and enjoy! Top with 3-4 tablespoons of whipped cream and a dash of freshly ground nutmeg.

If I’m running low on time, I usually just use store-bought whipped cream. However, if you don’t mind the extra step, you should top your Irish coffee off with some Stabilized Whipped Cream!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use decaf coffee?

Absolutely! Feel free to switch up your coffee if you prefer. If you plan on having this drink later in the evening and caffeine keeps you up, decaf is the perfect option. You will still get to enjoy all the great flavors in this Irish coffee.

Can I use cold coffee?

Yes, you can. It is recommended to pour boiling hot water in the mug first and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to heat up the glass. Pour the water out, then add your sugar quickly to start melting. Finally, add your coffee, and enjoy! If you choose to use cold coffee, definitely check out How to Make the BEST Cold Brew Coffee.

Can I make Irish coffee ahead of time?

I definitely recommend making this coffee fresh and enjoying it that way. It’s such a quick moving recipe, it really won’t save you much time by making it ahead of time anyways. If you plan on making it for a party, however, you should have a pitcher of hot (or iced) coffee ready to go! That way, you can pour, mix, and repeat with ease.

Cheers, and good morning! Here are a few more of my favorite coffee cocktails.

• The Nutty Irishman Cocktail
• Boozy Peppermint Mocha Coffee
• Whipped Coffee Mudslide Cocktail
• Espresso Martini

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