Irish Coffee Recipe

Preparation

1. 1

   Warm the glass

   Preheat an Irish coffee glass (8–10 fl oz) or a heatproof mug by filling it with hot water. Let sit for 30 seconds, then pour out the water and dry the inside briefly so it remains warm.

2. 2

   Sweeten and add whiskey

   Place 1 teaspoon brown sugar in the warmed glass. Pour in 1.5 fl oz Irish whiskey, then add 6 fl oz freshly brewed hot black coffee, leaving about 1 inch (2–3 cm) of headspace at the top for the cream. Stir briskly until the sugar is fully dissolved (15–20 seconds).

3. 3

   Prepare the cream

   Lightly whip 2 tablespoons of cold heavy cream just until it thickens slightly and holds a soft ribbon — you want it pourable but viscous, not stiff peaks. Alternatively, vigorously shake cream in a small jar for 20–30 seconds.

4. 4

   Float the cream

   Hold a spoon upside down over the coffee with the tip just above the surface and slowly pour the slightly thickened cream over the back of the spoon so it floats on top, creating a distinct cream layer.

5. 5

   Garnish and serve

   Optionally grate a little nutmeg or dust with cocoa powder over the cream (about 1/4 tsp). Serve immediately without stirring — drink the hot coffee through the chilled cream layer.