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I learned how to make authentic Irish coffee when I visited the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco. This authentic Irish coffee is made with coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar cubes, and a homemade frothy whipped cream. It adds texture and creaminess and balances the coffee and whiskey.
Table of Contents
Brief History
The Buena Vista cafe is famous for introducing Irish coffee to America in 1952. Then-owner, Jack Koeppler, first tried an Irish coffee at the Shannon Airport in Ireland. He was determined to recreate the cocktail.
With the help of international travel writer, Stanton Delaplane, they were able to reproduce the perfect rendition of the cocktail back in the States. If you’ve never been to the Buena Vista Cafe, it’s an awesome bustling spot that serves Irish coffees by the dozen.
This Irish coffee recipe is made almost exactly how the famous drink was made over 50 years ago. It’s a delicious and boozy cocktail that is a real experience.
If you enjoyed this cocktail, you will also enjoy my espresso martini and my simple chocolate martini. If you like eggnog or creamy drinks, you will also enjoy my creamy vanilla eggnog cocktail.
Ingredient Notes
- Medium roast hot coffee: nothing too bold or light. A balanced coffee is best for this recipe so you can showcase the other flavors.
- Irish whiskey: Tullamore D.E.W. is my whiskey of choice however you can also use Jameson’s
- Sugar cubes: traditionally 2 sugar cubes are used but you can also use 2 teaspoons of sugar.
- Whipping cream: this is for barely whipped cream that is whipped yet thin enough to pour. For best results, skip the canned whipped creams. It only takes 60 seconds to make.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Perfecting Whipped Cream Consistency
The whipped cream (thickened cream) served at the Buena Vista Cafe is very particular. It’s intentionally underwhipped so that’s easily pourable yet thick enough to float on the surface. As the cocktail is sipped, the cream will start to settle and mix into the drink.
My method for creating the whipped cream is to shake whipping cream in a mason jar until the desired frothy texture is reached (about 45-60 seconds). If you go too far and the cream gets too thick, you can stir in extra cream to help thin it out.
How to Make Irish Coffee
Step 1.
Add whipping cream to a lidded mason jar or sealed container. Shake vigorously for 45-60 seconds and then check the consistency. You want the cream to be thickened and frothy but easily pourable. If it gets too thick, thin it out with a little extra cream and stir to mix.
Step 2.
Preheat each serving glass with very hot water for a few minutes (image 2a). This keeps the drink hotter for longer. Empty the water and add coffee and sugar (image 2b).
Step 3.
Stir until sugar is dissolved (image 3a). Add whiskey and stir again to mix (image 3b).
Step 4.
Float whipped cream by gently pouring a 1/2 inch collar of cream over a spoon at the coffee’s surface (about 1-2 ounces). Serve immediately. This cocktail is traditionally served in a 6-ounce coffee glass.
Expert Tips
- Pouring the cream over a spoon on top of the drink will help to keep the cream on the surface. The process is similar to layering Guinness in a black and tan. If the cream mixes instantly, it’s not whipped enough.
- I would not recommend substituting any whipped cream alternatives or canned whipped cream-it’s simply not the same experience.
More Dessert Cocktails
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Irish Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 4 ounces medium roast hot coffee
- 1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey, Tullamore D.E.W. or Jameson’s
- 2 teaspoons sugar, 2 sugar cubes
- 2 ounces lightly whipped cream
Whipped cream
- 1 cup whipping cream, serves 4-6 with 1-2 ounces per coffee
Instructions
For the whipped cream
- Add whipping cream to a lidded mason jar or sealed container. Shake vigorously for 45-60 seconds and then check the consistency. You want the cream to be thickened and frothy but easily pourable. If it gets too thick, thin it out with a little extra cream and stir to mix.
Irish coffee
- Preheat each serving glass with very hot water for a few minutes. This keeps the drink hotter for longer.
- Empty the water and add coffee and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Add whiskey and stir again to mix.
- Float whipped cream by gently pouring a 1/2 inch collar of cream over a spoon at the coffee’s surface (about 1-2 ounces). Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
