Irish Coffee
The ultimate winter warmer and a world-famous classic, the Irish Coffee is a perfect blend of sweet, hot coffee, and Irish whiskey, all enjoyed through a cool, thick layer of unsweetened cream. It's less a cocktail and more a perfectly constructed experience.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Irish Whiskey
- 4 oz Hot Brewed Coffee
- 2 tsp Brown Sugar
- 1 oz Fresh Heavy Cream, lightly whipped
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Preheat an Irish coffee mug or a heatproof glass by filling it with hot water. Let it sit for a minute, then discard the water.
- Dissolve the Sugar: Add the brown sugar to the warm mug, then pour in the hot coffee. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the Whiskey: Pour in the Irish whiskey and stir once more to combine.
- Float the Cream: Lightly whip the heavy cream until it just starts to thicken but is still pourable. To create the signature float, hold a warm spoon upside down over the coffee and slowly pour the cream over the back of the spoon.
- Serve: Serve immediately. The drink is meant to be sipped hot through the cool layer of cream, so do not stir.
Pro Tips for Perfection
The Cream is Crucial: The perfect Irish Coffee has a distinct layer of cream that floats on top. To achieve this, use fresh, cold heavy cream and whip it lightly until it thickens but doesn't form peaks. Pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon helps it float perfectly.
Don't Boil the Coffee: Use freshly brewed, high-quality coffee that is hot but not boiling. Boiling the coffee can extract bitter flavors that will overpower the delicate balance of the drink.