Joe Sheridan’s Original Classic Irish Coffee Recipe
Article & Photos by: allie albanese
Learn how to make the perfect Irish Coffee with this classic recipe! Discover its history, the best Irish whiskey to use, expert tips for the perfect cream float, and fun variations to try. Whether for St. Patrick’s Day or a cozy night in, this boozy coffee cocktail never disappoints!
Looking for a cozy sip on a cold day? Look no further than this delicious Irish Coffee recipe. Combining hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a layer of cream, this simple yet satisfying drink has been warming people up for decades.
Though often linked to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, this classic 4-ingredient cocktail was actually first created in the mid-19th century to comfort weary travelers on a chilly night. Since then, it’s become a staple in bars, restaurants, and coffeehouses worldwide.
In this article, I’ll take you through the history of Irish Coffee and show you exactly how to make one at home. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a whiskey fan, or just in the mood for something warm and boozy, read on to learn everything you need to know about Ireland’s most famous boozy coffee drink!
What Is Irish Coffee?
Hailing from the Emerald Isle, an Irish Coffee combines Irish whiskey and hot coffee, sweetened with brown sugar and topped with a dazzling layer of cream.
While it’s often enjoyed on St. Patrick’s Day, this classic cocktail is far from just a holiday tradition. The simple ingredients in Irish Coffee work together to create the perfect pick-me-up on a chilly day, a satisfying after-dinner treat, or a cozy nightcap by the fire.
Irish Coffee Origin
The history of Irish Coffee traces back to a cold winter night in 1944 at Foynes Port Airbase near County Limerick, Ireland — one of the biggest civilian airports in Europe at the time. When a flight full of American passengers was forced to turn back due to bad weather, airport chef Joe Sheridan decided to warm them up with something special. He added Irish whiskey to hot coffee, sweetened it with brown sugar, and topped it with cream.
As the story goes, his coffee concoction was such a hit that the crowd fell silent until someone piped up and asked, “Is this Brazilian coffee?” To which Sheridan famously replied, “No, it’s IRISH coffee!”
Fast forward to the early 1950s when San Francisco Chronicle travel writer Stanton Delaplane discovered Irish Coffee in Ireland and knew it needed a place in the U.S. A frequent patron of San Francisco’s Buena Vista Restaurant, he introduced the drink to Buena Vista’s owner Jack Koeppler, who beceme determined to recreate it. But getting the cream to float just right proved to be a challenge.
After many failed attempts, Koeppler flew to Shannon Airport — Foynes’ successor — to learn from the experts. Armed with the proper technique, he brought the perfected recipe back to San Francisco, where it quickly became a hit.
Thanks to Koeppler’s dedication and Delaplane’s national newspaper column, Irish Coffee gained popularity across the United States. Today, Buena Vista Café is still one of the most famous places enjoy to one, serving more than 2,000 glasses on a busy day!
Irish Coffee Ingredients
Just four simple ingredients are all you need to make an Irish Coffee. But the quality of the individual ingredients matters, so choose wisely!
- COFFEE: The foundation of any good Irish Coffee is a strong, quality brew. A dark roast with notes of chocolate, caramel, or a slight smokiness works best. I recommend an espresso or French press coffee preparation for a robust flavor that won’t get lost against the whiskey. Lighter roasts tend to be too mild, so stick with something that has enough depth to hold its own.
- IRISH WHISKEY: No Irish Coffee is complete without a good shot of Irish Whiskey! But because it’s such a large part of the drink, quality matters. Choose an Irish whiskey you enjoy sipping neat — it’ll blend even better with the coffee.
- BROWN SUGAR: A touch of brown sugar brings warmth and subtle caramel notes, helping to balance the bitterness of the coffee and the strength of the whiskey. If you prefer, you can swap it for white sugar simple syrup, raw sugar cubes, or even demerara sugar syrup as a sweetening agent, but brown sugar is the classic choice.
- HEAVY CREAM: And finally, the pièce de résistance! The pillowy layer of cream isn’t just for looks — it’s an essential part of the experience. Use full-fat heavy cream and whip it lightly so it floats on top without sinking. Freshly whipped is best, giving you that velvety texture that makes Irish Coffee what it is.
Best Whiskey for Irish coffee
While any Irish Whiskey will get the job done, quality is important to ensure you get the best Irish Coffee experience. I like to use a classic Irish Whiskey, and some of my favorites include:
- JAMESON WHISKEY: Irish Coffee with Jameson is the most popular choice worldwide, and for good reason. Its smooth profile, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice, makes it a natural fit.
- BUSHMILLS ORIGINAL: Bushmills Irish Whiskey brings subtle nuttiness and an earthy caramel flavor, adding a touch of depth to your Irish Coffee without overwhelming the other flavors.
- TULLAMORE D.E.W.: Tullamore’s triple-distilled blend combines grain and malt whiskey for a mellow, slightly sweet flavor with hints of vanilla and spice, making it a great choice for a well-rounded Irish Coffee.
What Cream is Best for Irish Coffee?
The humble cream in coffee cocktails like this one might seem like an afterthought, but this drink’s success hinges on using the right kind! Here’s what you need to know:
- USE FULL FAT: Skim or low-fat options won’t cut it here. This coffee cocktail needs full-fat heavy whipping cream to create the cream consistency of the drink. To ensure you get the perfect Irish Coffee cream topper, opt for cream or double cream with at least 30% fat content.
- FRESHLY WHIPPED IS BEST: Skip the canned whipped cream — it’s too sweet and lacks the silky texture that the real stuff has. Instead, whip fresh cream just until it thickens slightly. You’re aiming for soft peaks, not stiff whipped cream, to ensure the cream floats on top of the coffee while still blending with each sip. It takes just a few minutes of prep time, and the difference is undeniable!
That said, if you can’t have dairy, don’t worry! Lightly whipped coconut cream, soy cream, or even barista-style oat milk can create a similar creamy layer while keeping the drink lactose-free.
How To Make Irish Coffee at Home
Irish Coffee is simple to make, but getting the exact proportions and technique just right is the key. Follow these steps for the best results:
- WARM YOUR MUG: Pour hot water into your Irish Coffee glass and swirl it around. Let it sit for a couple minutes and then discard the water. (My mom does this whenever she makes me coffee and not only is it a nice touch, but it really does keep your coffee hot for longer!)
- COMBINE COFFEE AND SUGAR: Add 2 teaspoons of rich demerara sugar or brown sugar to the bottom of the glass. Pour in 4 oz of black coffee and stir until fully dissolved. Be careful not to overfill, or else the coffee component will throw off the balance of the drink!
- ADD WHISKEY: Use a jigger to measure out 1 ½ ounces Irish Whiskey. Pour it into the coffee and give it a gentle stir to combine.
- TOP WITH CREAM: Spoon about an inch-high dollop of unsweetened lightly whipped cream on top. Just make sure not to overwhip your cream – it should be frothy with soft peaks so that it’s thick enough to float on top of the liquid but not so thick that it doesn’t easily blend into the coffee. And if you need help keeping the cream from immediately sinking into the coffee, pour it slowly over the back of a spoon.
How To Drink Irish Coffee
Now that you’ve made the perfect Irish Coffee, let’s talk about the best way to enjoy it!
Traditionally, Irish Coffee is served in clear, stemmed, heatproof Irish Coffee mugs with a handle. This type of coffee vessel keeps not only keep your coffee cocktail hot, but also allows you to see the different layers in it.
But if you don’t have Irish coffee glasses, don’t worry. The good news is that any ceramic mug or heatproof glass will work just fine.
Do you stir Irish coffee before drinking?
That’s up to you! Some people like to stir everything together, while others prefer to sip it as is and let the flavors blend naturally.
But if it’s your first time trying Irish Coffee, I recommend skipping the stir. Watching the cream melt into the coffee is all part of the fun!
Baileys Irish Coffee (vs. Traditional)
Although Baileys makes a delicious addition to an Irish Coffee, Baileys Irish Coffee and true Irish Coffee are not the same thing.
The key difference is in the cream. While traditional Irish Coffee calls for a thick layer of cream on top, Baileys Irish Cream Coffee replaces it with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur. This results in a sweeter flavor profile compared to classic Irish Coffee.
Irish Coffee Variations
Although Irish whiskey is the heart of traditional Irish Coffee, swapping in other spirits can create tasty flavor twists. Here are some different ways to make this cozy drink:
- BOURBON: With its sweet fruit notes and vanilla-forward flavor profile, bourbon gives this drink a more rounded flavor compared to Irish whiskey.
- SCOTCH: A lighter scotch adds a touch of smoke and depth without overwhelming the coffee. For a more robust flavor profile, try a peaty Islay scotch for a more pronounced smoky character.
- BRANDY: Cognac or armagnac introduces floral and fruity notes that add a refined twist. But use sparingly to avoid overpowering the drink.
- RUM: Dark rum’s molasses-like sweetness provides a nice contrast to the bitterness of the coffee, creating a more dessert-like version.
- COFFEE LIQUEUR: For an Espresso Martini-inspired take, try Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur or Tia Maria. These liqueurs enhance the bold coffee flavor while adding a touch of sweetness.
But the variations don’t have to stop with the liquor! Experiment with different coffee roasts, swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup, or add a finishing touch by dusting the cream with cinnamon, nutmeg, or chocolate shavings. It may not be a traditional Irish Coffee, but these fun ways to riff on this classic can be just as delicious!
FAQs About This Classic Irish Coffee Recipe
Irish Coffee has been around for decades, but in recent years, it has regained popularity as a go-to classic cocktail. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about this coffee-and-Whiskey dream team.
What is the best liquor for Irish coffee?
When it comes to the recipe for authentic Irish Coffee, tradition reigns supreme: Irish whiskey is the undisputed king of liquors for this classic drink. Although Jameson Irish Coffee may be the most well-known version, don’t shy away from exploring other Irish whiskeys to find your favorite brand you like best.
Can you put milk in Irish coffee?
No, you don’t make Irish Coffee with milk! The creamy layer on top comes from lightly whipped heavy cream, which is thicker and has a higher fat content than milk. This gives a classic Irish Coffee cocktail its signature cream texture and allows the cream to float rather than sink or mix in.
Do they drink Irish coffee in Ireland?
Yes, but Irish Coffee is not an everyday drink in Ireland. While Irish Coffee is popular in pubs and restaurants — especially in tourist-heavy areas — it’s typically enjoyed by locals as an occasional treat, similar to how Americans drink eggnog around the holidays.
What is Irish coffee called in Ireland?
Irish Coffee in Ireland is called just that: Irish Coffee! Occasionally, you’ll hear it called Gaelic Coffee or Caife Gaelach (its Irish name), but ‘Irish Coffee’ is its standard name both at home and abroad.
What alcohol is in Irish coffee?
There’s only one kind of alcohol in a traditional Irish Coffee: Irish whiskey!
How Strong is Irish Coffee?
Irish Coffee with whiskey typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 7–12%, depending on the amount and type of Irish whiskey used.
What’s in an Irish coffee?
Irish Coffee is made with just four ingredients: strong, freshly brewed coffee, Irish whiskey, a touch of sweet brown sugar, and rich, lightly whipped heavy cream.
Or, in the words of Joe Sheridan, the original formulation calls for:
Cream that’s as rich as an Irish Brogue;
Joe Sheridan, Irish Chef
Coffee that’s as strong as a friendly hand;
Sugar that’s as sweet as the tongue of a rogue;
and Whiskey that’s as smooth as the wit of the land!
What is Irish coffee without alcohol?
Irish Coffee without alcohol is just coffee with cream and sugar.
Why is Irish coffee called Irish coffee?
Irish Coffee gets its name from its key ingredient – Irish whiskey – as well as the fact that it was originally created in Ireland.
Does Irish coffee have alcohol?
Yes, Irish coffee is traditionally made with Irish whiskey, which gives the drink its signature kick.
Is Irish coffee with baileys or whiskey?
Traditional Irish Coffee is made with Irish whiskey, not Baileys. While both Baileys Coffee and Irish Coffee make for cozy companions on a cold day, they are distinctly different drinks.
Classic Irish Coffees are made with strong coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and whipped heavy cream, resulting in Irish Coffee drinks that are layered, complex, and a touch bittersweet.
Baileys Coffee, on the other hand, replaces the whiskey and sugar with Baileys Irish Cream (a liqueur made from a blend of Irish whiskey, cream, chocolate, and vanilla), resulting in a drink that’s sweeter and a touch creamier.
What is so special about Irish coffee?
Irish coffee is so good because it’s all about balance – the bold coffee wakes you up, the Whiskey warms you from within, and the sugar + cream combo provides a sweet reward. In my opinion, it’s the perfect combination of bitter, sweet, boozy, and cozy!
Best Irish Coffee Recipe: The Wrap-Up
Surprisingly simple yet undeniably complex, an Irish Coffee cocktail isn’t just a drink for Saint Patrick’s Day. It’s a fun way to give your favorite coffee a little kick, a delicious after-dinner drink, and a perfect sipper on a frigid night.
Delicious from the first sip to the last, Irish coffee is like a warm hug in a mug and a reminder that sometimes the simplest things are indeed the most satisfying!
Did You Make This Irish Coffee Drink?
Tell me all about it! Did you stick to the original recipe for Irish Coffee or put your own spin on it? Drop a comment below (and don’t forget to leave a star rating!) to share your tips on how you made your coffee Irish or even a story about your favorite Irish Coffee-drinking experience!
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A writer and photographer, Allie Albanese is the founder and curator of Parched Around the World. Here she seeks to tell stories about the intersection of food, drinks, cultures, and traditions in places near and far.
As the Beverage Director and Bar Manager of a high-volume cocktail bar, Allie spent years honing her mixology skills and learning about the fascinating world of drinks. In the time since, she’s worked as a wine and cocktail consultant for both private and corporate clients, as well as a freelance journalist writing about cocktails, wine, food, and travel for various publications across the United States and abroad.
When mixing a drink for herself, you’ll likely find Allie with a fresh Gin Gimlet or a spicy Old Fashioned in hand!
Disclosure: Articles throughout Parched Around the World may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something using one of them, I may earn a small commission for sharing items I personally use and love. This comes at no cost to you, but helps support Parched and allows me to keep this website running! For more information, please see my full Privacy Policy.
Hi Friends, I’m Allie!
I’m an Italian-German-Southerner with a deep passion for food, drinks & travel. After 15 years in NYC as a Certified Sommelier & cocktail creator, plus a stint in New Zealand learning how to make wine, I’m now back home in Georgia where I blend my love for culinary arts & travel into my work as a writer & photographer. Thank you so much for joining me here at Parched where I look forward to exploring the world together one bite, sip & adventure at a time!
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Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
Thanks a lot! An Irish Coffee is such a delicious classic cocktail, and the story behind it makes it all the more fun to drink. 😀☕
This drink relaxes me.
It definitely has that effect!
Incredible
Many thanks, much appreciated!
Healing
I agree, especially on a cold day! 🥶❄️
I enjoyed
I’m so glad! It’s such a tasty coffee drink.
great back story
Isn’t it?! I love learning the story behind how a recipe came to be — I think it makes this drink taste even better! 😀
Perfect
Many thanks! I think this is the perfect drink myself. 😁 Joe Sheridan was a genius creating it!
No words needed.
I agree, this is one of those classic cocktail recipes that does all it’s talking through it’s deliciousness!
My cousin suggested this blog to me. It’s wonderful, thank you!
That is so kind of your cousin! Thank you for taking time to explore Parched and for your nice comment, I truly appreciate it.
I always email your website posts to my contacts because if I like to read them I know they will too!
That’s really nice of you! Thanks so much for reading and for sharing my articles with your friends, I’m so appreciative. 🤍
Very nice recipe and story
I really appreciate that, thank you! I always enjoy learning the story behind a drink or recipe — it somehow makes it taste better. 😄
Hey There. I found your blog using MSN. This is a really well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark your site and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.
This comment put such a smile on my face! Thank you very much for your kind words, it means so much to me. I appreciate you visiting Parched and hope that you find other useful posts and information throughout the site.