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How to Make Irish Coffee

End an Irish-style St. Patrick’s Day meal with this classic flavoured coffee.

Joe Sheridan was the Irish barman who invented this drink. He said “good Irish coffee should feature cream as rich as an Irish brogue, coffee as strong as a friendly hand, sugar as sweet as the tongue of a rogue, and whisky as smooth as the wit of the land.”

Step 1

For each coffee, whip 2 Tbsp. whipping cream until lightly thickened, but still fluid enough to pour. Pour boiling water into a glass coffee cup to heat it. Pour out the water and fill cup 3/4's full with hot, strong coffee.

Step 2

Quickly stir 1 to 2 tsp. white or brown sugar into the coffee until dissolved. Stir in a shot of Irish whiskey.

Step 3

Top the coffee with the cream, ensuring it floats on top. Carefully do this by pouring the cream against the back of a spoon to help it spread across the surface of the coffee and not sink. Or more simply, by dipping a spoon into hot water and then quickly, but carefully, scooping, setting and spreading the whipped cream on top of the coffee.