Irish Coffee Recipe (Jameson)

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My Jameson Irish Coffee Recipe combines hot coffee, brown sugar and a good Irish whiskey then topped with freshly whipped cream. It’s a classic cocktail and the perfect start or end to enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. This is the perfect Irish coffee that is sure to warm you from the inside out.

Ok, What is Jameson Irish Coffee Anyway?

Irish coffee is a popular cocktail made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey (like Jameson), sugar, and topped with a layer of whipped cream. It is believed to have originated in Ireland in the 1940s and gained popularity worldwide. The drink is typically served in a glass Irish coffee mug or coffee cup with a handle, and the whipped cream is floated on top of the drink to give it a distinct look. The warmth of the coffee and the strength of the whiskey make Irish coffee a popular after-dinner drink or a comforting beverage to warm you up on a cold day.

What Kind of Coffee is Best to Use?

Ultimately it comes down to personal preference, but it’s best to use a strong and robust coffee with a bold flavor that can stand up to the other ingredients. A dark roast coffee or an espresso blend is ideal as it has a strong and bold flavor that can hold its own when combined with the whiskey, sugar, and cream.

It’s also important to use freshly brewed hot coffee and to avoid using instant coffee or coffee that has been sitting for too long, as this can affect the overall taste and quality of the drink.

What Kind of Whiskey is Best to Use for Irish Coffee?

The type of whiskey used in an Irish coffee is mostly a matter of personal preference, but traditionally, Irish whiskey is used. Irish whiskey is smooth and slightly sweet, with hints of vanilla and caramel, which make it an excellent choice for this cocktail.

Popular brands of Irish whiskey that are commonly used in an Irish coffee include Jameson, Bushmills, Tullamore Dew, and Redbreast. Experiment with different brands and varieties of whiskey to find the one that best suits your taste.

Jameson whiskey has a rich history dating back to 1780 when John Jameson established the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin, Ireland, producing a triple-distilled smooth and iconic Irish whiskey that has become globally renowned. Here in the United States, it’s easily the most popular Irish Whiskey.

It’s important to note that while Irish whiskey is the traditional choice for an Irish coffee, other types of whiskey, such as bourbon or rye, can also be used. However, the flavor profile will be different, and it may not have the same traditional taste as an Irish coffee made with Irish whiskey.

Irish Coffee Ingredients

• coffee – hot, freshly brewed
• brown sugar – packed (could also substitute white sugar or any kind of sugar cubes)
• Irish whiskey
• heavy cream – cold

How to Make Jameson Irish Coffee

Okay, let’s make these already! For full recipe details, including ingredients needed, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is step by step what to expect when making Irish Coffee:

1. Divide Brown Sugar + Coffee Between 2 Glasses

Divide brown sugar into 2 heat proof glasses or mugs. These glass mugs are really cute and festive, but totally optional. Divide and pour freshly brewed coffee and Irish whiskey over top of brown sugar and stir until dissolved. 

2. Make Whipped Cream

Whip heavy cream with whisk until soft peaks form. 

Gently float whipped cream into mugs. One of the best ways to do this is by slowly pouring the whipped cream over the back of a spoon, dividing evenly between the mugs. Do not stir. 

3. Serve + Enjoy!

Enjoy hot, drinking the coffee through the whipped cream.

What to Serve With This Classic Irish Coffee Recipe

Irish coffee can be enjoyed on its own or paired with some delicious treats. Here are some ideas on what to serve with Irish coffee:

• Biscotti or cookies: The sweetness of biscotti or cookies can complement the bitter coffee and rich whiskey flavors of the Irish coffee.
• Chocolate: Dark chocolate or chocolate truffles can be an excellent pairing with Irish coffee, as the bitterness of the chocolate can enhance the flavors of the coffee and whiskey.
• Cheese: A small plate of cheese and crackers can be a great snack to have with Irish coffee. Cheese with a bold flavor, such as sharp cheddar or blue cheese, can balance the sweetness of the drink.
• Desserts: Any dessert with a caramel, toffee, or vanilla flavor profile can complement the flavors of an Irish coffee. Examples include crème brûlée, flan, or bread pudding.
• Fruit: Fresh fruit, such as berries, can provide a light and refreshing accompaniment to the rich and creamy Irish coffee.

Variations to Try!

Here are a few different ways to enjoy your Irish coffee:

• Baileys Irish coffee: Baileys Irish Cream is a popular addition to traditional Irish coffee, adding a sweet and creamy flavor to the drink. Simply substitute the Irish whiskey with Bailey’s Irish Cream and adjust the amount of sugar to taste.
• Nutty Irishman: The Nutty Irishman is a variation of Irish coffee that includes Frangelico, a hazelnut-flavored liqueur. To make a Nutty Irishman, simply add a shot of Frangelico to your Irish coffee and top with whipped cream.
• Irish coffee martini: For a more sophisticated take on Irish coffee, try an Irish coffee martini. Combine coffee liqueur, Irish whiskey, and espresso in a shaker with ice, shake, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with whipped cream and garnish with grated chocolate or cinnamon.
• Irish coffee milkshake: To turn your Irish coffee into a dessert, blend vanilla ice cream, coffee (cold brew coffee would be perfect here), Irish whiskey, and a dash of cinnamon in a blender until smooth. Serve in a tall glass with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

More St. Paddy’s Day Recipes to Try!

• Smoked Corned Beef
• Reuben Sandwich
• Irish Soda Bread
• Corned Beef Hash
• Mint Brownie Bites
• Mint Nanaimo Bars

More Festive Drinks to Try

• Smoked Old Fashioned
• Peppermint Espresso Martini
• Hot Toddy
• Coffee Mate Italian Cream Creamer Recipe
• Eggnog

I hope you enjoy this special St. Patrick’s Day cocktail surrounded by friends and lots of luck! It really is the BEST Irish Coffee and one of my all time favorite coffee drinks!

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.