Easy Irish Coffee

There’s nothing cozier than a warm, boozy Irish Coffee on a chilly evening! This recipe is so simple, you’ll feel like you’re at a fancy café in minutes.

It’s just the right mix of strong coffee, a splash of Irish whiskey, and a sweet whipped cream topping that makes it feel like a hug in a mug. I love making this for guests after dinner (or honestly just for myself when I want to feel fancy).

Let’s get to it!

What You’ll Need:

1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey (Jameson is a classic!)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)

Pro Tips:

Use freshly brewed, hot coffee for the best flavor and warmth!
Don’t skip warming the mug first—it keeps your coffee hot longer. Just pour hot water in the mug for a minute, then dump it out before making your drink.
Gently spoon the whipped cream over the back of a spoon onto the coffee to help it float perfectly on top.
For extra flair, dust the top with a pinch of cocoa powder or grated nutmeg.
If making for kids or non-drinkers, skip the whiskey and just use whipped cream for a fun, cozy treat!

Tools You’ll Need:

A mug (glass mugs are traditional, but any will work!)
Spoon
Measuring cup or shot glass
Small whisk (optional, for whipping cream if making it fresh)

Substitutions & Variations:

No brown sugar? Use regular white sugar or even honey.
Swap Irish whiskey for bourbon if that’s what you have on hand.
Make it decaf if you’re serving this in the evening.
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the whiskey and use a splash of vanilla extract instead.

Make Ahead Tips:

This is best made fresh, but you can brew your coffee ahead of time and keep it warm in a thermos. The whipped cream can also be whipped a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge.

How to Make Easy Irish Coffee:

1. Warm Your Mug

Fill your mug with hot water, let it sit for a minute, then pour out the water.

A glass mug being warmed with steaming hot water being poured into it from a kettle, on a white marble counter with hints of gold.

2. Add Sugar and Whiskey

Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the mug, then pour in 1 1/2 oz of Irish whiskey. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

A small glass mug with brown sugar at the bottom and Irish whiskey being poured into it from a bottle, with a spoon nearby for stirring.

3. Add Coffee

Slowly pour in 1 cup of hot, freshly brewed coffee. Stir gently to mix.

A glass mug with sugar and whiskey at the bottom as steaming black coffee is poured in, with a spoon and coffee pot nearby.

4. Top with Whipped Cream

Gently spoon whipped cream over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the coffee.

A hand holding a spoon gently placing a dollop of whipped cream onto a glass mug of Irish coffee, with a canister of whipped cream and a bowl of sugar nearby.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, and don’t forget to sip through the whipped cream for the full experience!

A finished glass mug of Irish coffee topped with a fluffy layer of whipped cream, garnished with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, set on a marble counter with a cozy knit scarf and a coffee pot in the background.

Leftovers & Storage:

Irish coffee is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftover coffee, store it in the fridge and reheat when needed. Whipped cream can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

And there you have it—a warm, delicious Irish coffee you can make at home in minutes! It’s the perfect treat for a cozy night in, to impress guests, or to enjoy while you’re curled up with a good book. I hope you try this recipe and love it as much as I do! If you do, leave me a comment below and let me know how it turned out—or share your own twist! Sláinte! ☕🍀