Go Back
+ servings
A glass mug with Irish Coffee on a vintage green table topped with green sprinkles and edible gold.
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Irish Coffee Recipe (Baileys and Whiskey)

Just like they serve in the pubs of Ireland, this is a classic Irish Coffee recipe for any time of year! It can be made with a kick of Jameson Irish whiskey and or a dash of Baileys Irish Cream. Garnish with beautiful edible gold, shamrock sprinkles, or shaved chocolate to make this one fancy coffee drink. This original Irish coffee is a simple recipe for special dinners, St. Patrick's Day, or the holidays for an after dinner drink. Or one of the best ways to relax on chilly evenings is to get cozy with a Baileys Coffee in front of the fire...
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: Irish
Keyword: Baileys Coffee, Irish Coffee, Jameson Whiskey, St. Patrick's Day Drink
Servings: 1
Calories: 454kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup hot water
  • 2-3 teaspoons light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup brewed hot coffee
  • 3 tablespoons Irish whiskey 1 shot
  • ¼ cup heavy cream for topping
  • chocolate shavings, 24 karat edible gold, green shamrock sprinkles
  • 3 tablespoons optional: Bailey's Irish Cream 1 shot

Instructions

  • Brew a pot of good quailty coffee.
  • Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream (¼ cup makes one drink) in a mixing bowl, with an electric mixer or by hand, whisk cream until soft peaks form. Cream should be thick but still pourable.
  • Fill the glass mug with hot water and let sit 1 minute. Pour out hot water and add brown sugar to your mug. Pour in hot coffee till the glass is ¾ full and stir to dissolve sugar, then pour in the whiskey.
  • Top with cream by gently pouring over the back of a warm spoon to form a thick layer on top.
  • Garnish with chocolate shavings, edible gold leaf, or sprinkles on top of thick cream.

Video

Notes

Irish Coffee Top Tips

  • Irish Whiskey: Is the classic way to make Irish Coffee. There are many Irish whiskeys on the market. Some of the most popular are, Jameson, Teeling, and Bushmills. Some people also use Baileys Irish Cream and love it but it is not in the original recipe. 
  • Chocolate: Use a good quality bar of dark chocolate, and a small handheld grater to garnish the top.
  • Shamrock Sprinkles: Can be ordered online, and look so fun for this St. Patrick's Day recipe on white whipped cream.
  • Edible Gold: Yes, that's right. Order 24K edible gold online, and use a toothpick to place it on the whipped cream. It is perfectly safe and used in all kinds of desserts and drink recipes.
  • Glass Cups: You can use any mug, but glass cups really make this special!
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Mix with a small hand mixer or whip with a whisk. You can drop a couple of drops of green dye into the cream for St Patrick's Day. Whip until thickens but still moves when poured over the back of a spoon on top.

Irish Coffee Twists and Variations

Warning coffee lovers: These inspirational ideas are not true Irish coffee ingredients. But, these are fun twists, popular flavor swaps, and extra kick additions to the original, and are in the recipe card below. This is an American favorite to have on Christmas morning coffee to sip in front of the fireplace while opening presents...
  • Your Favorite Coffee or Decaf Coffee
  • Spoon of Cool Whip
  • Splash Of Bailey Irish Cream Liqueur for a Bailey’s Irish coffee
  • Sugar Cubes
  • Sweet Finish of Chocolate Liqueur
  • Instant Coffee
  • Sugar Sprinkles on Pretty Glass Rim
  • Chocolate Coffee Bombs
  • Sprinkle of Cinnamon
  • Dash of Cocoa Powder
  • Ice Cream
  • Coconut Milk
  • Maple syrup
  • Grate of Real Nutmeg
  • Caramel Syrup
  • Simple Syrup
  • Extra Whiskey
  • Spoonful of Sugar

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 454kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 144mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 875IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1mg