Jump to:
- What is Irish Coffee?
- Irish Coffee Ingredients
- How To Make Irish Coffee
- Add a Twist To The Traditional Irish Coffee
Caffeine Meets Craic: Recipe for the Perfect Irish Coffee
Raise a glass of Irish coffee and add a little extra something special to your day! This blog post will show you how to make a classic Irish coffee, from its ingredients to its history to its method of preparation. So, if you’re looking to test out your home barista skills and impress with this beloved classic, check out this guide and learn all you need to know to prepare a perfect cup of Irish coffee!
Irish Coffee with a Sprinkle of Cinnamon
What is Irish Coffee?
Irish coffee is a popular drink combining coffee, Irish whiskey, and brown sugar, topped with a thick layer of cream. The drink was first served in Foynes Port, Ireland in the 1940s, by Chef Joe Sheridan. Legend has it that a group of passengers travelling in a Pan American Flying Boat (giant seaplane), bound for New York, was served Irish whiskey in their coffee by Sheridan as an attempt to warm them up due to frigid weather conditions. Although many recipes for the drink had existed prior to this, the combination of coffee and whiskey was only called “Irish Coffee” after Sheridan’s memorable story. Since then, Irish coffee has become an iconic beverage around the world.
Irish Coffee Ingredients (Servings: 1)
Before having a craic at making your own Irish Coffee at home, you will need a few easy-to-find ingredients: coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and whipped cream.
- 3 shots of freshly brewed coffee (120ml) - Blend Down Under, Outback Roast
- 1.5 shots of Irish whiskey (60ml)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 45ml whipped cream or whipping cream
- Cinnamon to sprinkle
Ingredients for an Irish Coffee: Coffee, Brown Sugar, Coffee Liqeur, Vodka, Whipped Cream, and Cinnamon (optional)
How to Make Irish Coffee
- Start by heating up freshly brewed coffee (stovetop or in a heatproof mug in the microwave)
- Take off the heat. Add the Irish whiskey and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and stir until the whiskey and sugar have dissolved.
- Pour into a mug (if you haven't already)
- For the final touch, float some whipped cream on top of the coffee-whiskey mixture and voila! (For best results, make fresh by whiskey some whipping cream until fluffy)
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top
- Just like that, you’ve created your own delicious homemade Irish coffee! Enjoy!
Done brewing? It’s time to recycle and repurpose your used coffee capsules and coffee grounds.
Add a Twist To The Traditional Irish Coffee
Craving a twist on the original? Try one of these three delicious variations of traditional Irish coffee:
- Caramel Irish Coffee - a sweeter twist on the classic, made with Irish whiskey, a spoon of brown sugar, and caramel sauce, topped with hot coffee and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Mocha Irish Coffee - a luxurious treat, made with a shot of espresso, Irish whiskey, dark cocoa powder, and topped with cream.
- Maple Irish Coffee - focuses on the nuttiness of whiskey melded with real maple syrup, and topped with a spoonful of whipped cream.
All three variations use the same steps to make and can be easily prepared by pouring the whiskey into your mug, adding your choice of flavourings, then topping everything off with hot coffee and cream.
Share the Love of Irish coffee
The perfect cup of Irish coffee is always personalized and customized to your personal tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer adding a hint of nutmeg or like it extra creamy, crafting your own Irish coffee is an experience like none other, and one that should always be shared.
