Your Best Classic Irish Coffee to Celebrate St.Patrick’s Day!

Classic Irish Coffee is a classic cocktail of Irish origin that is prepared with boiling sweetened coffee, topped with Irish whiskey and topped with a layer of lightly whipped cream.

Irish coffee is a type of proper coffee that is never stirred, but is prepared with lightly whipped cream, dense and not very liquid, so that it does not sink into the drink and helps keep it nice and hot. This Irish cocktail, in fact, can be defined as a hot drink as it is excellent to enjoy on cold days: however, you have to pay attention to the alcohol content of this coffee cocktail, which is quite high: about 10% volume.

What is Classic Irish Coffee? History and Origins

Irish coffee has its origins in Ireland, specifically in 1943 at the Foynes airport, where it was created by Joe Sheridan, a chef. The story goes that Sheridan prepared the warm, comforting drink for a group of passengers whose flight had been canceled, using hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream to warm them up. When a passenger mistakenly asked if it was Brazilian coffee, Sheridan reportedly replied, "No, it's Irish coffee!" The drink gained international fame when a journalist from the San Francisco Chronicle featured it in an article, and from there, its popularity spread globally. Irish coffee became a beloved beverage, especially enjoyed during colder months, and remains a staple in many bars and cafes around the world.

Pro Tips for The Best Irish Coffee

• Pre-warm your glass or mug with hot water before making the coffee. This helps maintain the temperature of the drink longer.
• Use lightly whipped cream (not too thick) to float on top of the coffee. The cream should be soft enough to pour but thick enough to sit gently on the coffee surface without sinking.
• Adjust the sugar to your taste, but typically 1-2 teaspoons of brown sugar will provide the perfect sweetness to balance the bitterness of the coffee and the smoothness of the whiskey.
• Irish coffee is best served immediately after making to preserve the warm, comforting layers of coffee, whiskey, and cream.

What is The Difference Between Baileys Coffee and Irish Coffee?

Irish coffee is made with Irish whiskey, hot coffee, sugar, and cream. In contrast, Bailey's coffee features Bailey's Irish Cream, a creamy liqueur made with Irish whiskey, cream, and other flavorings, mixed with hot coffee. While both are delicious coffee-based drinks, Irish coffee has a stronger, more robust whiskey flavor, while Bailey's coffee is creamier and sweeter due to the liqueur.

What Liquor is Best To Use for Irish Coffee?

The whiskey is a key ingredient, so select a good-quality Irish whiskey like Jameson or Bushmills. The smoother, the better, as it will blend seamlessly with the coffee.

What Coffee Should I Use for Irish Coffee?

For the best flavor, brew fresh, strong coffee. Opt for a bold, full-bodied coffee to complement the richness of the whiskey.

Should You Use Single or Double Cream for Irish Coffee?

For Irish coffee, it's best to use double cream (also known as heavy cream) as it has a richer, thicker texture that floats nicely on top of the coffee. The thicker consistency of double cream creates the signature creamy layer, enhancing the drink's smoothness and luxurious mouthfeel. Single cream can be used if you prefer a lighter texture, but double cream is traditionally preferred for the perfect Irish coffee experience.

Should You Stir Irish Coffee?

It's generally not recommended to stir Irish coffee after adding the cream. The cream is meant to float on top, creating a distinct layer. Stirring would mix the cream with the coffee, losing the signature presentation and texture. Instead, enjoy the contrast of the rich, warm coffee and smooth cream, sipping the drink through the cream layer.

Can You Make Non-Alcoholic Irish Coffee?

Yes, you can make an alcohol-free version of Irish coffee by simply omitting the Irish whiskey. Replace it with an additional splash of hot water or a flavored syrup like vanilla or caramel to add sweetness and depth. The rest of the ingredients—strong coffee, sugar, and cream—remain the same, giving you a warm, comforting drink without the alcohol.

Can You Make Classic Irish Coffee Ahead of Time?

While it's best to make Irish coffee fresh to preserve the temperature and texture, you can prepare the coffee base ahead of time. Brew the coffee and mix it with the sugar and whiskey, then store it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, reheat the coffee and top with freshly whipped cream.

How to Store Classic Irish Coffee

If you have any leftover Irish coffee, it's best to separate the coffee and cream before storing. Store the coffee mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Whip fresh cream just before serving. However, the cream may lose its texture, so it’s recommended to enjoy Irish coffee fresh for the best experience.

How to Make Classic Irish Coffee

Pour hot coffee into the cup.

Add the brown sugar and mix.

Add the Irish whiskey, stirring again to combine.

Finally, gently pour the fresh cream onto the back of a spoon.

Add a coffee bean to decorate.

Enjoy it immediately!