St Patrick’s Irish Coffee
A warm mug of Irish coffee on a chilly evening, and in our household, it has become a cherished tradition—especially around St. Patrick’s Day. There’s just something about that smooth blend of rich coffee, a touch of Irish whiskey, and the velvety whipped cream that makes it the perfect after-dinner indulgence. It started as a treat my husband and I would enjoy on special occasions, but over time, it became a little ritual we look forward to when the holiday rolls around.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how simple yet luxurious it feels. You don’t need a fancy bar setup or a long list of ingredients. Just a few pantry staples and a good-quality Irish whiskey, and you’ve got yourself a warm, comforting drink that tastes like something straight out of an Irish pub. And that first sip? Absolute bliss! The way the whiskey mingles with the hot coffee, slightly mellowed by the brown sugar and topped with that dreamy layer of whipped cream—it’s the kind of thing that makes you close your eyes and savor the moment.
The best part is how much our friends and family enjoy it too. It’s always a hit when we host St. Patrick’s Day gatherings, and even those who don’t typically drink whiskey can’t resist a taste. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive celebration, this Irish coffee recipe never disappoints, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I make Irish coffee without alcohol?
Absolutely! If you’d like a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the whiskey and replace it with a splash of vanilla extract for a hint of warmth and depth.
What’s the best whiskey for Irish coffee?
Any good-quality Irish whiskey will do, but classics like Jameson, Bushmills, or Tullamore D.E.W. are excellent choices.
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, but brown sugar adds a lovely depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the whiskey.
How do I get the whipped cream to float on top?
The trick is to lightly whip the cream so it’s thick but still pourable, then gently pour it over the back of a spoon to create that signature floating layer.
What You Need to Make St. Patrick’s Irish Coffee
1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
1-2 tsp brown sugar, to taste
2 tbsp heavy cream, lightly whipped
Optional: green food coloring for a festive touch
Special Equipment:
Heatproof glass or mug
Spoon for layering the whipped cream
How to Make St. Patrick’s Irish Coffee
Brew a fresh cup of hot coffee and pour it into a heatproof glass or mug.
Stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved.
Add the Irish whiskey and mix well.
Lightly whip the heavy cream until it thickens but is still pourable. If desired, add a drop of green food coloring for a festive St. Patrick’s Day twist.
Slowly pour the whipped cream over the back of a spoon so it gently floats on top.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best St. Patrick’s Irish Coffee
Use freshly brewed coffee for the best flavor. A strong, dark roast works beautifully.
Don’t overwhip the cream. It should be thick yet pourable to create that perfect floating layer.
Warm your glass before pouring the coffee in to keep your drink hotter for longer.
Adjust sweetness to taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add an extra teaspoon of brown sugar.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Absolutely delicious! Made this for a St. Patrick’s Day party, and it was a huge hit. The whipped cream trick worked perfectly!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Really good! I used Jameson, and it turned out smooth and flavorful. Next time, I’ll add a little more sugar.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Such a cozy drink! I love how simple yet decadent it feels. Will be making this often.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Tasty and warming. I didn’t have brown sugar, so I used regular, but it still tasted great.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The perfect way to end a meal. Loved the hint of sweetness and the creaminess from the whipped topping.”
Printable Recipe
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St. Patrick's Irish Coffee
A warm and comforting St. Patrick’s Irish Coffee that blends rich coffee, smooth Irish whiskey, and lightly whipped cream for a festive and delicious treat. Perfect for cozy nights in or celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
- 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
- 1-2 tsp brown sugar, to taste
- 2 tbsp heavy cream, lightly whipped
- Optional: green food coloring for a festive touch
- Special Equipment:
- Heatproof glass or mug
- Spoon for layering the whipped cream
Instructions
- Brew a fresh cup of hot coffee and pour it into a heatproof glass or mug.
- Stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved.
- Add the Irish whiskey and mix well.
- Lightly whip the heavy cream until it thickens but is still pourable. If desired, add a drop of green food coloring for a festive St. Patrick’s Day twist.
- Slowly pour the whipped cream over the back of a spoon so it gently floats on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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