Warm up with an iconic Irish coffee! Our take on the classic is a comforting blend of whiskey and maple-sweetened coffee, topped with a cloud of whiskey whipped cream. It’s an easy recipe that takes just 10 minutes to make!
Irish coffee is about as classic and comforting as it gets, and it’s one of my favorite ways to warm up on a chilly evening. With hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and a touch of maple syrup, it comes together in minutes and feels instantly special, whether I’m making it for a quiet night in or a small celebration.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make Irish coffee at home, the process is refreshingly simple. The only additional step is the whiskey-whipped cream, which is absolutely worth it and easier than it sounds. I’ll either use an electric mixer or shake the cream, Irish whiskey, and maple syrup in a tightly sealed jar until it thickens—keeping a close eye so it stays soft and pillowy.
To serve, I pour the whiskey and maple syrup into mugs, top them with hot coffee, and finish with a generous dollop of the whipped cream (plus a little shaved chocolate if I’m feeling fancy). There’s truly no wrong time for a warm mug of Irish coffee—it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, holiday mornings, special occasions, or as a cozy after-dinner drink on cold winter nights.
Tips for making the best Irish coffee
Here are my tips for making the best Irish coffee at home:
- A dark roast coffee will have a more robust flavor to match the strong taste of the whiskey. You can use any coffee you like, but freshly brewed is a best.
- I know there are a lot of amazing whiskeys on the market, but in this case, only Irish whiskey will do.
- To help your whipped cream float , hold a warm teaspoon over the mug, and pour it slowly onto the coffee’s surface.
- Warm your mug first. This keeps the drink warmer for longer.
- Top it off with some chocolate shavings, or a dusting of nutmeg or cocoa powder.
How do you get the whipped cream to float?
The whipped cream on top of an Irish coffee is an important part of the experience. One trick that works is to hold a warm teaspoon over the mug and pour the whipped cream slowly over the spoon onto the coffee’s surface.
What’s an Irish coffee mug?
An Irish coffee mug is primarily used to serve Irish coffee. It’s a clear glass mug with a short stem and a footed base.
What’s the best kind of Irish whiskey to use?
Jameson is a good quality classic Irish whiskey. Bushmills is another less expensive option.
Can I use Bailey’s instead of whiskey?
Bailey’s is a liqueur made with cream, cocoa, and Irish whiskey. Using it instead of Irish whiskey would turn this drink into an Irish cream latte , which is also delicious!
Irish Coffee Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 2 ounces Irish whiskey
- ▢ 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ▢ 12 ounces hot brewed coffee
Whiskey Whipped Cream
- ▢ ⅓ cup whipping cream
- ▢ 1 tablespoon Irish whiskey
- ▢ 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Start by making the whiskey whipped cream. Add the cream, whiskey, and maple syrup to a medium-sized bowl. Using electric beaters, whip the cream until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. ⅓ cup whipping cream, 1 tablespoon Irish whiskey, 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Add one ounce of whiskey and maple syrup to each mug. Pour in the coffee, leaving a little room at the top for the cream. 2 ounces Irish whiskey, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 12 ounces hot brewed coffee
- Top the coffee with whipped cream and serve right away.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Irish Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Irish whiskey
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 12 ounces hot brewed coffee
Whiskey Whipped Cream
- ⅓ cup whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon Irish whiskey
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Start by making the whiskey whipped cream. Add the cream, whiskey, and maple syrup to a medium-sized bowl. Using electric beaters, whip the cream until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. ⅓ cup whipping cream, 1 tablespoon Irish whiskey, 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Add one ounce of whiskey and maple syrup to each mug. Pour in the coffee, leaving a little room at the top for the cream. 2 ounces Irish whiskey, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 12 ounces hot brewed coffee
- Top the coffee with whipped cream and serve right away.
