• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home Decor
  • Paint Colors
  • DIY Projects
  • Recipes
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
Jenna Kate at Home
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home Decor
  • Paint Colors
  • DIY Projects
  • Recipes
  • Contact Me
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Homepage » Recipes » Drinks

    How To Make a Traditional Irish Coffee

    Posted: Mar 10, 2021 · Updated: Mar 10, 2021 ·This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    400 shares
    • Share It
    • Tweet It
    • Email It
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    irish coffee recipe pin

    An Irish coffee is the perfect adult beverage to celebrate St.Patrick's Day. There are many American versions out there, but this is the true authentic Irish way to make it!

    Glass of Irish coffee with a bottle of Jameson Irish whiskey in the background

    An Irish coffee requires only a few simple ingredients, and I can attest (as not much of a coffee lover) that this drink is such a treat. It's nicely sweet, but not overly so, creamy with just enough whiskey for the perfect aftertaste.

    At home in Ireland, we've always just served it alone, but by all means break out the Irish scones or soda bread for a late afternoon (probably not a morning!?) treat. Heck, you could even serve it alongside some Irish Stew or Shepherd's Pie if the traditional pint of Guinness isn't quite your thing!

    Close up of the distinct layers in the Irish coffee

    Like any coffee drink, the quality of the coffee is important. Not instant coffee granules, please! Only freshly brewed coffee. In our home, we like to use our Nespresso, since it brews in such a way that it leaves a thick "creme" at the top of the coffee. That's why my Irish coffee has 3 distinct layers, as opposed to just two. I think it looks a little fancier!

    The other important thing to remember is to use Irish whiskey. Jameson is usually the go-to, but Paddy Old Irish Whiskey or Tullamore Dew are two other excellent Irish whiskies (that the Irish actually do drink!).

    Pouring whiskey into the black coffee

    Finally, in order for the cream to settle on top and not disperse throughout the coffee, you will need to slowly pour it over the back of a warm spoon. It makes all the difference in how it looks! Spot what I'm doing wrong in the photo below - the spoon is not upside down! doh!- and you can see how the cream instantly sinks.

    Adding cream over a warm spoon into the coffee

    I hope you'll enjoy celebrating St.Patrick's Day just like the Irish do with this delicious Irish Coffee!

    traditional Irish coffee in a glass coffee cup
    Table of Contents show
    1 Traditional Irish Coffee

    Traditional Irish Coffee

    Jenna Shaughnessy
    A creamy and perfectly sweet drink to celebrate St.Patrick's like the Irish do!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine Irish
    Servings 1
    Calories 236 kcal

    Equipment

    • warmed teaspoon

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
    • 4 oz black coffee freshly brewed
    • 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
    • 1 oz partly whipped cream

    Instructions
     

    • Add brown sugar to a glass
    • Pour in the hot coffee. Mix together until the sugar has dissolved.
    • Add the whiskey and stir again.
    • Allow the mixture to rest for a few seconds before pouring the cream over the back of a warmed spoon, allowing it to gently settle on top of the coffee.
    • Serve immediately.

    Notes

    The cream does not need to be whipped at all, but the added thickness does help it to settle better on top. Partly whipped means it's just starting to thicken, so half of it is lightly whipped but the rest is still runny.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 236kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 15mgPotassium: 88mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 417IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @JennaKateatHome or Tag #JennaKateatHome

    « Best Sherwin Williams Colors For North Facing Rooms
    Best Living Room Paint Colors 2022 »
    400 shares
    • Share It
    • Tweet It
    • Email It

    Reader Interactions

    Unfortunately, I no longer have the time to answer personalized paint color questions. If you leave a comment asking for personalized advice, it will not be answered. Sorry!

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    the author sitting in front of a door

    Hi, I'm Jenna, a busy mom of 3 boys, and the author & photographer here at JennaKateatHome.com. My goal is for you and your family to LOVE the home you live in. I’ll show you how to create a home that looks good, feels good, and functions well!

    More about me →

    Spring Recipes

    • Fresh Fruit Cake
    • How to Make Homemade Lemon Curd
    • Green Goddess Rice Pilaf
    • Salty Dog Grapefruit Cocktail

    Decorating Tips

    • How to Decorate a Large Wall
    • Where To Start When Decorating A New Home From Scratch
    • How to Incorporate Color Trends In Your Home
    • How to Make a Builder Grade Home Look Custom

    Popular

    • My Kitchen Remodel Reveal!
    • Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
    • 10 Stunning Ideas For Built Ins Around a Fireplace
    • 10 Of The Best Kitchen Island Colors

    Get Your Copy Today!

    Footer

    About Jenna Shaughnessy

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Hi, I'm Jenna, a busy mom of 3 boys, and the author & photographer here at JennaKateatHome.com. My goal is for you and your family to LOVE the home you live in. I’ll show you how to create a home that looks good, feels good, and functions well!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    as seen in the new york times, house beautiful. real simple, reader's digest, the pioneer woman and more

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Subscribe

    Other Links

    • Sign up for The Beginner's Guide to Decorating
    • Buy my decorating e-book
    • Watch The Web Stories

    Services

    • Work With Me/ Brand Partnerships

    Jenna Kate at Home LLC is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Jenna Kate at Home LLC