By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026
Serves 2
5 min
Irish Coffee
Recipe GLPR0a52db57f35f97
A classic Irish Coffee is a warm, soothing cocktail that combines hot strong coffee with smooth Irish whiskey, topped with a luxurious layer of lightly sweetened whipped cream. This sophisticated drink is perfect for an evening digestif or after-dinner treat. The contrast between the hot coffee below and the cool, creamy topping creates an indulgent sensory experience.
Save recipes you love
Create a free Grocery List Plus account to save recipes, rate them, and add every ingredient to your grocery list in one tap.
Ingredients
6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons muscovado sugar or dark brown sugar, divided
½ cup hot, strongly brewed coffee
¼ cup Irish whiskey
Directions
Pour the hot strong coffee into two heatproof mugs or glasses, filling each about three-quarters full. Divide the 1/4 cup Irish whiskey between the two mugs and stir gently to combine.
In a chilled bowl, whip the 6 tablespoons of heavy cream with an electric mixer or whisk until soft peaks form—the cream should be thick and fluffy but still pourable.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of muscovado or dark brown sugar into the whipped cream and fold gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
Slowly pour the sweetened whipped cream over the back of a spoon held just above the surface of each coffee-whiskey mixture, allowing it to float gently on top. The cream should sit as a distinct layer without immediately sinking.
Garnish each drink with the remaining 1 teaspoon of brown sugar sprinkled lightly over the cream layer. Serve immediately while the coffee is still hot and the cream is cold.
Comments
Irish coffee is honest about its 5-minute time and requires only four ingredients available at any Charlotte grocery chain—heavy cream, muscovado sugar, coffee, and Irish whiskey are all stocked at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, and Kroger without a second stop. At roughly $3 to $4 per serving, it's a reasonable indulgence for two people. The drink does not reheat, so it's a same-night pour, and while it demands a light hand whipping the cream, it's not fussy or demanding of constant attention. The only mild drawback is that muscovado sugar's molasses notes are lovely but not essential; plain brown sugar works just as well if you're in a pinch.
Sign in or create a free account to add your review.
