Irish Coffee Cocktail Recipe

Irish Coffee is the kind of drink that just hits the spot right away. You’re mixing hot coffee, smooth Irish whiskey, a bit of sugar, and a thick layer of cream on top. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect on cold nights. It also works well for gatherings or a relaxed after-dinner drink. The strong coffee and whiskey play off each other, while the sugar smooths out the edges.

This irish coffee cocktail recipe shows you how to make it at home using the classic floating cream method. The drink dates back to 1943, when Chef Joe Sheridan created it at Foynes Airport in Ireland to warm up tired travelers crossing the Atlantic. In 1952, travel writer Stanton Delaplane brought it to San Francisco’s Buena Vista Cafe, where they refined the floating cream technique. Today, the cafe serves around 2,000 Irish Coffees every day.

You’ll learn the exact steps to put this drink together the right way. I’ll also share simple tips for getting the cream to float properly and small tweaks that help you get the best flavor every time.

What's in an Irish Coffee Cocktail?

You only need four simple ingredients to make this drink work: Irish whiskey, hot coffee, sugar, and cream. That’s it. Each one has a job to do, and when they come together, you get that smooth, cozy balance Irish Coffee is known for.

Ingredients Notes and Substitutions

Irish Whiskey - Irish whiskey is the base of the drink, mainly because it’s smooth and easy to sip with coffee. Jameson is a solid go-to since it’s affordable and easy to find. Bushmills has a lighter, softer taste, while Redbreast leans richer and more complex.

It really comes down to what you enjoy. If you like something mellow, go lighter. If you want more depth, pick a bolder bottle.

Coffee - You want strong, hot, freshly brewed coffee here. That makes a big difference. Medium or dark roast works best since it gives the drink more body and balance. A French press gives you a fuller feel, while pour-over keeps things clean and smooth.

If drip coffee is what you have, that’s totally fine. Instant coffee also works in a pinch (just make it stronger than usual). Decaf is a good option if you’re making this later at night.

Sugar - Brown sugar is the classic choice because it adds a deeper, warmer sweetness. White sugar will work, but it can taste a little flat. Demerara sugar is another good option if you like subtle caramel notes.

Simple syrup is also handy. It dissolves fast and helps the cream float more easily on top.

Cream - Heavy cream is what you want here. Lightly whip it until it thickens but still pours. You’re not making whipped cream for dessert. It should be smooth and just thick enough to float when you pour it over a spoon.

For dairy-free options, oat cream floats nicely. Coconut cream also works, but it adds a noticeable tropical flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Before you start, grab a few basic tools.

• Heatproof glass or mug
• Measuring jigger
• Bar spoon
• Whisk or milk frother for the cream

A good stainless steel cocktail set makes this easier since it usually includes both a jigger and spoon, so you’re not hunting around your kitchen.

How to Make an Irish Coffee Cocktail

Start by warming your glass with hot water. This helps keep your Irish Coffee hot longer and lowers the risk of the glass cracking.

Dump out the water, then add your hot coffee and sugar. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves. This step matters because the sugar boosts the flavor and also helps the cream float on top later.

Next, pour in your Irish whiskey and give it a quick stir. The heat from the coffee brings out those warm whiskey notes and ties everything together.

Now for the fun part... floating the cream. Warm your cream slightly and whip it just until it thickens. You want it to still pour, not turn stiff. Slowly pour the cream over the back of a warm spoon, holding it just above the coffee.

The cream should sit on top like a soft cloud. That clean layer is what gives an Irish Coffee cocktail its classic look.

This is what makes the drink so good. You sip the cool cream first, then the hot, sweet, boozy coffee underneath. That contrast is the whole point.

Getting the cream texture right is key. If it’s too thick, it won’t pour. If it’s too thin, it sinks straight down. Shaking it in a jar or using a milk frother usually gets it just right.

I’ll share the exact measurements in the recipe card below. For now, focus on these steps. Once you get the technique down, the drink comes together easily every time.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Irish Coffee

• Warm your glass first.

Fill it with hot water before you start. This keeps your Irish coffee hot and rich instead of cooling down too fast.

• Whip the cream lightly.

You want it soft and pourable, not thick like dessert topping. If it pours slowly, you’re on the right track.

• Do not over-whip the cream.

Cream that’s too thick will not float and will sit heavy on top.

• Pour the cream slowly.

Rushing this step can break the coffee layer and ruin the clean float.

• Always dissolve the sugar fully.

Stir until it completely melts into the coffee. This helps with flavor and makes the cream float better.

• Use brown sugar when possible.

It adds a deeper, warmer sweetness than white sugar. Start small and adjust to your taste.

• Pour the cream over a warm spoon.

Holding a warm spoon just above the coffee helps the cream settle gently on top.

• Preheat your tools.

Cold spoons or tools can drop the drink’s temperature and affect how the cream floats.

Irish Coffee Recipe Variations

• Baileys Irish Coffee

Swap the whiskey for Irish cream liqueur. You get a sweeter, creamier drink. Some people like using both Baileys and Irish whiskey when they want something richer.

• Iced Irish Coffee

Brew strong coffee and let it cool first. Pour it over ice with whiskey and sugar, then top it with cold cream that you shake until it thickens.

• Plant-Based Irish Coffee

Use coconut cream for a thick, floatable topping. Oat cream and almond cream also work well if you want a lighter flavor.

• Hazelnut Irish Coffee

Add a splash of hazelnut syrup for a soft, nutty flavor that pairs well with coffee.

• Vanilla Irish Coffee

Use vanilla syrup instead of plain sugar for a smoother, slightly sweeter taste.

• Chocolate Irish Coffee

Mix in a little chocolate liqueur for a mocha-style drink.

• Frangelico Irish Coffee

Add Frangelico along with the whiskey for extra depth and warmth.

• Peppermint Irish Coffee

Stir in a small amount of peppermint syrup. This one works especially well during winter.

• Kahlúa Irish Coffee

Use Kahlúa for a stronger coffee-forward flavor with added sweetness.

• You migh also like: Kahlúa Hot Chocolate Recipe | Best Cocktails with Kahlúa

Most versions still benefit from a cream topping for that classic look and smooth finish. For iced versions, some people skip the cream, but it’s always optional.

More Whiskey Cocktails You'll Love

If you’re in the mood to keep exploring, here are a few great whiskey drinks to try next.

• Whiskey Sour
• Old Fashioned
• John Collins
• Whiskey and Coke
• Manhattan
• Irish Mule
• Irish Maid
• Hot Toddy
• Jameson and Ginger Ale
• Mint Julep
• Gold Rush
• Irish Coffee Martini
• Bourbon Buck
• Bourbon Highball

Each one shows off whiskey in a different way. If you want more ideas, check out this guide to the best mixers for whiskey and this list of must-try bourbon cocktails for even more inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions