Espresso-based coffee blends with Irish whiskey, rich and decadent cream, and a dash of sugar to create this ultimate dessert classic. Whether you're treating yourself this evening or entertaining a crowd, this will be a drink that makes it into your nightly routine. 😉
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We love a good coffee for dessert as much as anyone -- just see our 3-Minute Handcrafted Cappuccino if you don't believe us -- but some nights just call for something a little extra. Maybe you've had an extra long, hard day, or maybe you're looking for something a little different to serve company. Or, and this is our personal favorite, you simply wanted to treat yourself to a little something special tonight.
What is Irish Coffee?
Legend says that Irish coffee was invented in the 1940s by a bartender in an airport, of all places! Exactly which airport (Shannon, Dublin, or Foynes) remains up for debate, as well as the name of the bartender. Nevertheless, Joe Sheridan is credited for popularizing the beverage on both sides of the Atlantic for the drink's ability to reinvigorate jetlagged travelers.
Irish coffee is a mixture of coffee (in Ireland, the most common cup of coffee is a cappuccino, so our recipe uses espresso), Irish whiskey, rich cream, and a dash of sugar.
How to Make Irish Coffee
As it's name suggests, coffee constitutes the largest component of an Irish coffee, followed by an ounce or so of Irish whiskey. Double cream (or heavy cream, in the States) serves as the "head," much like with a pint of Guinness, and a dash of sugar enables this drink to be a popular dessert.
However, most American-style Irish coffees are topped with whipped cream rather than heavy cream. We've made both versions, as seen throughout this post. Since the whipped cream isn't as thick as the frothed heavy cream, some of it melts into the coffee, creating an overall lighter finish, as pictured below. This is merely personal preference, as both versions are positively delicious!
Reasons to Make This Recipe Today
- It takes less than 5 minutes to make -- whip up this drink after supper in less time than it will take to clear the table. Hmm, maybe those dishes can wait a little longer... 😉
- A crowd-pleaser -- whether we're eating out or dining in with friends, everyone's eyes light up when offered an Irish coffee, and it is almost always the dessert of choice out of the menu selection.
- Low-sugar dessert option -- this drink has a fraction of the sugar as many other popular desserts, and yet it is still every bit as indulgent and satisfying.
- High-drama with low effort -- have your guests ooh-and-aah over the creamy drizzle or piled-high foam that looks like it came straight from a professional kitchen. To elevate the drink even further, sprinkle a little spice on top, whether it be cinnamon, cocoa nibs, or a little nutmeg.
- A versatile foundation -- this drink is already sheer perfection as-is, but is also simple enough to support additional flavors. Feel free to experiment with flavoring the cream, adding additional spices, or whatever else your imagination and palette are pining for!
Ingredients
"Brew" up this delicious dessert in less than a couple of minutes with these 5 ingredients:
Medium-roast Espresso Instant Coffee -- medium-roast is essential for the best flavor and proves mild enough the be enjoyed by all without being too strong.
Boiling Water -- makes up the coffee base of the drink when combined with the instant espresso coffee.
Irish Whiskey -- it wouldn't be Irish coffee without it!
Heavy Cream (or Whipped Cream for the American version) -- traditional Irish coffee is made with "double cream," and heavy cream comes closest to replicating the rich, creamy texture.
White Granulated Sugar -- a bit of sweetness to balance the bitterness of the espresso and the mild kick of whiskey.
Tips for Success
- Traditional Irish coffee should have a very thick layer of cream on top that remains until the last drop. Use a milk frother to thicken the cream enough until it's the texture of whipped cream.
- And don't feel confined to just using Bailey's, as any Irish whiskey will do. We used single-malt Teeling whiskey for this recipe.
Detailed Preparation Instructions
Sprinkle the instant coffee to the bottom of the drinking glass and add six ounces of hot water.
Add the whiskey and sugar and stir.
Add the heavy cream to a separate glass and froth until a very thick consistency -- ~30 seconds. Pour over the top of the coffee in a slow, circular motion until it creates an entire layer of cream.
Sprinkle on any toppings, if desired.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Since this drink comes together in less than five minutes, we recommend making and drinking it fresh for the best results.
Traditional Irish Coffee
Equipment
- 1 8 oz glass preferably an Irish coffee glass
- 1 cocktail jigger
- 1 milk frother
- 1 teaspoon
- 1 kitchen scale
Ingredients
- 1.5 teaspoons medium-roast espresso instant coffee
- 6 ounces hot water
- 1 ounce Irish whiskey
- 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar
- 2 ounces heavy cream, whipped until thickened
Instructions
- Sprinkle the espresso powder directly into the drinking glass. Place the glass on the kitchen scale, tare, and measure six ounces of hot water.
- Add in the sugar and whiskey and stir.
- In a separate cup, froth the heavy cream until VERY thick -- about 30 seconds. Pour on top in a slow, circular motion. (For the American version, instead of heavy cream, squirt a healthy amount of whipped cream in a circular motion until the top is completely covered.)
- (Optional): Add any toppings, like nutmeg, cinnamon, or cocoa powder.
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