Best Irish Coffee Recipe

Enjoy the Best Irish Coffee Recipe this side of the Atlantic!

We might not live on Irish soil, but we sure can appreciate delicious Irish inspired drinks! And there is nothing like a shot of Irish whiskey along with a jolt of caffeine to top off your Sunday dinner or even enjoy mid afternoon with friends.

What is Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee is a hot alcoholic beverage that originated in Ireland about the time of World War II. Since then it has made its way into the hearts of many people all over the world.

What’s in an Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee recipes require four main ingredients; strong coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and whipped cream. In this recipe we have chosen to use espresso in place of the brewed strong coffee.

• Coffee: A shot of espresso mixed with boiling water is delicious in place of brewed coffee. And a dark roast espresso is  best!
• Irish Whiskey: Jameson Irish whiskey is a good choice for Irish Coffee. It’s so smooth and is perfect combined with espresso.
• Sugar: I love to use dark brown sugar for my Irish Coffee. While other recipes may call for granulated sugar, light brown sugar or even maple syrup, I find the rich flavor of dark brown sugar is the best!
• Whipped Cream: You can’t beat the convenience of whipped cream in a can, so I like to keep this on hand always! But it’s also simple to whip your own cream as well. Plus, you can add a few drops of flavoring or green food coloring for a festive, St. Patty’s Day themed treat!

How To Whip Cream:

• Pour 1 cup whipping cream into a deep bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon powdered sugar. Mix with a hand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

How Do You Make Irish Coffee

It really could not be more simple!

1. Brew a shot of espresso and heat water to boil.
2. Add brown sugar to a clear coffee mug, pour in Irish whiskey and espresso shot.
3. Pour boiling water over coffee mixture and stir to be sure all sugar is dissolved.
4. Top with whipped cream, either freshly made or from a can. Serve immediately.

Ways To Serve Irish Coffee

While the traditional way to serve Irish Coffee is a delight, don’t let that stop you! Use your imagination for different and innovative ways to serve this delicious drink!

• Serve over ice! This makes a delightful summer drink. Simply make as directed, allow to cool slightly, then pour over ice. Top with whipped cream and serve with a straw!
• Sub out the whiskey! You can create a creamy version using an Irish Cream liquor like Baileys. Or maybe use half Baileys, half Irish whiskey! Or if you still want an Irish cream flavor without the alcohol, use a store bought Irish Cream coffee creamer and skip the whipped cream. So yummy!
• Decaf? If you prefer a decaffeinated version so you won’t be up all night, by all means use decaf espresso in the recipe. Nighty night!

So for the next National Irish Coffee Day (Jan 25, 2022), be sure to keep this easy and delicious recipe for Irish coffee on hand! And don’t forget to pay tribute to our Irish brothers and sisters this St. Patty’s Day with a steaming hot cup of Irish Coffee!

Recipes That Go With Irish Coffee!

• Lofthouse Frosted Cookies – light and delicious!
• Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – decadent.
• Double Chocolate Cookies – the best cookies!
• Brownie Bottom Peanut Butter Cream Pie – so yummy!

 

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