Irish Coffee
The world's most famous coffee cocktail, born at the Foynes airbase in 1943 and perfected at the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco. Smooth Irish whiskey, hot coffee, and a floating crown of lightly whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
- 5 oz Hot brewed coffee
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1.5 oz Heavy cream (lightly whipped)
- freshly grated nutmeg (garnish) garnish
Pairs With
Serve alongside Irish brown bread, smoked salmon, or a light seafood appetizer to bridge the coffee's richness with fresh, delicate flavors. The cream and whiskey warmth pairs beautifully with subtle, briny dishes.
Instructions
Preheat a stemmed glass or Irish coffee mug by filling it with hot water, then discard the water
Add brown sugar to the warmed glass and pour in the hot coffee
Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved
Add Irish whiskey and stir once more to combine
Lightly whip the heavy cream until it just begins to thicken but still pours freely
Pour the cream slowly over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the coffee
Tips
The cream should be whipped only to a pourable consistency, not stiff peaks; it must float and act as a cool, rich lid you sip the coffee through Use a medium-roast coffee so it does not overpower the whiskey; Jameson or Redbreast 12 work beautifully here Never stir after adding the cream; the drink is meant to be sipped through the cold cream layer