- Why does the cream sink?
- Either it wasn't fatty enough, or you didn't whip it slightly, or there wasn't enough sugar in the coffee (density difference keeps it afloat).
Classic Irish coffee
Irish coffee is not just 'a splash in the coffee'. It is a precisely layered cocktail where the contrast between the cold, rich cream and the hot, sweet, alcoholic coffee is essential. Never stir it! You must drink the coffee through the cream.
Ingredients
120
ml
Fresh, hot black coffee (Lungo or Americano)
40
ml
Irish Whiskey (e.g., Jameson)
1
tbsp
Brown sugar
30
ml
Cold double cream (lightly whipped)
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Heatproof stemmed glass (Irish coffee glass)
- Bar spoon
Allergen Information
Milk
Instructions
1
✓
Preheat the glass with hot water, then pour it out.
Tip: A cold glass would immediately cool down the coffee.
2
✓
Stir the brown sugar into the hot coffee until completely dissolved.
Tip: Sugar increases the density of the coffee, which helps the cream stay on top.
3
✓
Add the whiskey and stir.
4
✓
Whip the cream just enough so it is pourable but thick (do not whip to stiff peaks!).
5
✓
Holding the back of a spoon against the surface of the coffee, gently pour the cream over it.
Tip: The spoon breaks the force of the flow, preventing the cream from mixing with the coffee.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 120 ml Fresh, hot black coffee (Lungo or Americano)
- 40 ml Irish Whiskey (e.g., Jameson)
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 30 ml Cold double cream (lightly whipped)