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Coffee Cocktails

Irish Coffee

Served in a Irish Coffee Cup

Reviewed by , Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Coffee Cocktailalcoholic6.6% ABV4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
174 cal6.6% ABV1.13 US std5.4g sugar6.0g carbsAbout these numbers

About this drink

Irish Coffee is closely associated with Joe Sheridan and Foynes Airport in Ireland in the 1940s, where coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and cream became a warming travel-era serve. Its history matters because it is both a coffee drink and a whiskey cocktail.

Difficulty

Easy

Why: 4 ingredients, uses cream

Best for: BBQ, Steak, Dessert

Ingredients

BaseModifierSweetenerDairy / texture
  • 1 1/2 ozIrish WhiskeyBase
  • 8 ozCoffeeModifier
  • 1 tspSugarSweetener
  • 1 tblspWhipped CreamDairy / texture

How to Make It

  1. Heat the coffee, whiskey and sugar; do not boil.
  2. Pour into glass and top with cream; serve hot.TopTopping adds length, bubbles, dilution or sweetness near the end.

Best For

DessertAfter DinnerWinter / Cozy

Food Pairings

BBQSteak

Diet & Lifestyle

Gluten-FreeVegetarian

Make it your way

Adjust this drink

Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.Make it simplerTry drinks with three ingredients or fewer.

Swap notes

Milk and creamMilk, cream and creamy ingredients change body, texture and sweetness perception. They are not neutral swaps. With citrus, add slowly and watch for curdling or texture changes.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.

Explore next

Cocktail recipesMocktail alternativesFood pairingsFlavors

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Irish Coffee?
The Irish Coffee is a coffee cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Irish Coffee Cup. It has an ABV of approximately 6.6%. A standard serving contains approximately 174 calories.
What does a Irish Coffee taste like?
Irish Coffee has a flavour profile featuring Sugar, Sweet, Coffee, Cream. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
What food goes well with a Irish Coffee?
Irish Coffee pairs well with BBQ, Steak. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
How strong is a Irish Coffee?
The Irish Coffee has an ABV of approximately 6.6%. That's approximately 1.13 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 174 calories, 5.4g sugar, 6.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
When is a Irish Coffee typically served?
Irish Coffee is a popular choice for Dessert, After Dinner, Winter / Cozy. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
What drinks are similar to a Irish Coffee?
If you enjoy Irish Coffee, try other coffee cocktails that share the same spirit base or espresso-forward profile. The Espresso Martini, White Russian and Irish Coffee are popular alternatives in this category.
Can I make a Irish Coffee at home?
Yes. The Irish Coffee uses 4 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Irish Coffee Cup. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare coffee cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
How do I use sensory profiles to find coffee cocktails I like?
Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Irish Coffee with other coffee cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.