Cocktail recipe

Irish Coffee

Hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and cold cream. Drink through the cream; do not stir it in.

Quick facts

GlassWarm handled glass
MethodBuild hot, float cream
Time5 minutes
GarnishNone

Ingredients

  • 120 ml strong hot coffee
  • 40 ml Irish whiskey
  • 10 ml brown sugar syrup, or 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 30 ml lightly whipped cold cream

How to make

  1. Warm the glass with hot water, then empty it so the drink stays hot.
  2. Add sugar and strong coffee. Stir until the sugar has fully dissolved.
  3. Add Irish whiskey and stir once more so the base is even and hot.
  4. Float cold cream over the back of a spoon. Serve without stirring.

Recipe balance

  • Coffee 60%
  • Irish whiskey 20%
  • Sugar syrup 5%
  • Cream 15%

Where it matters

Irish Coffee is associated with Irish hospitality: hot coffee, local whiskey and a cool cream cap in one glass.

Good to know

ProfileHot, sweet, coffee-led and creamy without being stirred together.
AdjustUse less sugar for a drier drink, but keep enough sweetness to carry the whiskey.
Common missOver-whipping the cream. It should be pourable enough to float.