Irish coffee is a popular cocktail that combines hot coffee with Irish whiskey and is typically topped with a layer of cream. Find here a step-by-step recipe for authentic Irish Coffee, including the ingredients you´ll need, the right equipment, some non-alcoholic alternatives for the whiskey, and some additional tips to make you an at-home barista.

What are the main characteristics of Irish Coffee?

The popular beverage combines coffee, whiskey, sugar, and cream. Irish coffee is known for its comforting, warming qualities and is often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink. It’s both a beverage and a dessert, celebrated for its delightful blend of sweetness, bitterness, and the smoothness of the cream!

Coffee Base

The foundation of Irish coffee is strong, hot coffee, usually brewed to be robust enough to balance the other components.

Irish Whiskey

A smooth Irish whiskey is added to the coffee. The whiskey is chosen for its mellow and slightly sweet characteristics, which complement the bitterness of the coffee.

Sugar

Brown sugar is traditionally used to sweeten the drink. The sugar is essential as it helps the cream float on top of the coffee and whiskey mixture; when properly stirred, it sweetens the coffee and helps form a layer between the coffee and the cream.

Vegan Cream

Fresh vegan cream, lightly whipped to a silky texture, is gently poured over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the hot coffee and whiskey mixture. The cream should be thick enough to float but not as stiff as whipped cream. I mean, of course, we opt for a vegan cream alternative since nowadays we are educated & smart enough not to consume dairy anymore. Find here some great & insanely tasty vegan creams!

Find Here the EASIEST & Best Way to Make Cold Brew Coffee Yourself!

Serving Method

Irish coffee is typically served in a glass to showcase its beautiful layers: warm brown coffee at the bottom, whiskey melded within, and a cool layer of cream floating on top.

Drinking Method

It is traditionally drunk through the cream on top, which provides a rich, creamy taste that contrasts beautifully with the hot, spiked coffee below. So, don´t use a straw to drink your Irish Coffee.

The perfect blend of contrasting flavors and textures makes the beverage a popular choice, especially in colder weather or as an after-dinner drink. So now that we know more about the drink, let´s dive into the recipe & create it ourselves!

Irish Coffee Recipe

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a vegan Irish coffee using plant-based alternatives to the cream. The other ingredients are 100% authentic. You can find a list with non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives at the end of the recipe!

Irish Coffee Ingredients:

• 1 cup of freshly brewed hot coffee
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
• 1.5 ounces of Irish whiskey
• Vegan whipped cream (coconut or soy-based)
• Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for garnish

Equipment you´ll need to make an authentic Irish Coffee:

• Heat-resistant glass (since we wanna see the layers)
• Spoon for stirring
• Whisk or electric mixer for the whipped cream (if making from scratch)

Step-by-Step Guide on how to make the perfect Irish Coffee

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee

Brew your coffee as you normally would. A strong, robust coffee works best for Irish coffee to balance the whiskey’s flavor.

Step 2: Warm Your Glass

Since you wanna see the result of the layering, you should serve your Irish Coffee in a glass. To prevent it from cracking & to keep your drink warm longer, preheat the glass before serving. Do this by filling the glass with hot water and dumping it out before adding the coffee. Find here some Irish Coffee glasses that are perfect for the ultimate Aesthetic!

Step 3: Add Sugar and Whiskey

• Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the preheated glass.
• Pour in the freshly brewed hot coffee and stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Add 1.5 ounces of Irish whiskey to the mixture and stir again to blend everything together.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

If using store-bought vegan whipped cream, shake well and set aside. If making your own, whisk or beat the chilled coconut cream (or other plant-based cream) until it achieves a light and fluffy consistency. Optionally, you can sweeten it with a little sugar or vanilla extract.

Step 5: Layer the Cream

Carefully float the whipped cream on top of the coffee by pouring it over the back of a spoon just above its surface. This technique helps the cream to spread evenly without sinking.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

If desired, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon on top of the cream for an extra flavor. Serve the drink immediately, advising to sip the Irish coffee through the cream layer for the full experience.

Tips for the Ultimate Flavor!

Coffee Choice

A strong, bold coffee like a French press or espresso works best for this recipe. Find here some suitable blends!

Whiskey Alternatives

If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or a whiskey-flavored syrup.

Cream Float

Achieving the perfect cream float might take a bit of practice. The key is to ensure the cream is whipped enough to be thick but still pourable.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make an insanely delicious iced coffee!

You Did It! You made an authentic vegan Irish Coffee. Enjoy it! It’s a delightful treat, especially on cold days or as a festive after-dinner beverage.