What is the Recipe About?
Classic Irish Coffee is a comforting and invigorating beverage that combines hot coffee, smooth Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and a topping of lightly whipped cream.
This drink is perfect for cozy evenings or as a delightful after-dinner treat. The rich blend of coffee and whiskey, balanced with the sweetness of brown sugar and the creamy finish, makes it a timeless favorite.
How to Serve?
Serve Classic Irish Coffee in a pre-warmed glass mug to maintain its warmth.
Start by adding a spoonful of brown sugar to the glass. Pour in a shot of Irish whiskey and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Fill the glass with freshly brewed hot coffee, leaving some room at the top. Gently float a layer of lightly whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
This drink is best enjoyed hot, with the cream providing a smooth contrast to the robust coffee and whiskey blend.
How to Pair?
Classic Irish Coffee pairs wonderfully with a variety of desserts and snacks.
Enjoy it with a slice of pecan cake, a piece of shortbread, or a buttery scone. It also complements lighter desserts like vanilla ice cream or a simple fruit tart. For a savory option, try pairing it with a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar or blue cheese.
The warming flavors of the Irish coffee make it a versatile companion to both sweet and savory treats.
Some Notes About the Recipe
- Coffee: Use freshly brewed, strong coffee for the best flavor. A dark roast works particularly well to complement the whiskey.
- Whiskey: Choose a high-quality Irish whiskey for a smooth and authentic taste. Jameson and Bushmills are popular choices.
- Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the drink. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
- Cream: Lightly whip the cream so it’s thick but still pourable. It should float on top of the coffee rather than mixing in.
- Glass: Pre-warm the glass by rinsing it with hot water before making the drink. This helps to keep the coffee hot longer.
- Extras: For added flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of grated nutmeg or cocoa powder on top of the cream. A vanilla bean or cinnamon stick can also be used as a stirrer for an extra touch of flavor.
Classic Irish Coffee
Equipment
- Coffee mug
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot freshly brewed coffee
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Ground nutmeg or cinnamon for garnish - optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, warm the whiskey over low heat for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to boil.
- Pour the hot coffee into a preheated coffee mug.
- Add the warmed whiskey and brown sugar to the mug and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently pour the whipped cream over the coffee mixture, using the back of a spoon to keep it in place.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some ground nutmeg or cinnamon on top of the whipped cream.
- Serve and enjoy your classic Irish coffee!