St. Patrick’s Day or not, creamy coffee with a kick tastes good any time of year. Try this authentically delicious Irish coffee made the good old-fashioned way — with cream, whiskey, coffee and some spice — to start your morning (or afternoon) off right.
Old-fashioned Irish coffee recipe
The key to perfect Irish coffee is in the coffee itself. It must be bold but not bitter, smooth but not sweet. Traditional drip-style coffee is most often used, but our favorite is using a French press with a medium- to dark-roast coffee. By allowing the coffee grounds to saturate the water first instead of forcing the water through a filter from the beginning, it opens up the characteristics of the coffee, highlighting its natural nuttiness and spice.
Ingredients:
- Coffee (6 ounces per person)
- Irish whiskey
- Brown sugar
- Nutmeg
- Liqueur (optional)
- Heavy cream
Directions:
- Pour a cup of coffee, leaving enough room for other liquid ingredients. Next, stir in a shot of Irish whiskey, 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar and a sprinkle of nutmeg until everything is well dissolved. You can also stir in about 1 tablespoon of liqueur like Baileys Irish Cream for added sweetness.
- Whip heavy cream until peaks form. Using a large spoon, scoop the cream, and top off the coffee. Be careful to not mix the cream into the coffee; it should float on top.
For a more daring ritual, instead of using a cup or mug, use a thick wineglass. Dip the rim in water, and then coat the rim with sugar. With a match, tilt the sugar-coated glass rim over the flame to crystallize the granules. Be sure to not knock off the caramelized layer when stirring in the ingredients.
Enjoy, and drink responsibly.
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Updated by Bethany Ramos on 2/29/16
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