Irish Coffee

A lot of people searching for “shots of coffee” end up here. Half of them are looking for information related about espresso shots. The other half are looking for something even more uplifting – coffee and liquor.

I’ve spent more than a few nights at Irish bars through out New York and Chicago, so I know a few recipes for Irish Coffee. My favorite recipe is coffee and Jameson because it’s easy to make and it mixes the wonderful flavors of both worlds.

However, it’s been a while since I’ve made Irish Coffee at home and the results weren’t so great the first time around. The recipe I followed had me pouring a cup ¾ full with coffee, the remaining quarter with Jameson and topping it with whipped cream. Even with my deep Irish roots and having graduated from one of the highest rated party schools in the northeast, it was too strong for me. I added more coffee and whipped cream, but the Jameson taste was still over the top.

Here’s how I modified it:

• If I wanted milk or sugar, I added them first.
• I poured the cup almost full with hot coffee (dark coffee or a flavor with chocolate), leaving just enough room for an ounce of Jameson. I poured the whiskey on an overturned spoon to even it out across the top of the coffee.
• Then, I put whipped cream on top of it. I’ve read that you want to put the whipped cream on top quickly to seal in the alcohol before it evaporates and dilutes the taste.
• If I was in a mood for it, I’ve added chocolate or caramel syrup. However, be warned that the guy in the corner seat at the neighborhood Irish bar might give you a hard time for that.

And that’s it. My slightly modified version came out a lot more drinkable. It’s a perfect after dinner drink for when you have friends over or when you want to stay warm on a cold, rainy night.

I have many other variations of Irish Coffee and alcohol related coffee beverages so check back soon for more “shots of coffee.”

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Photo by Kenn Wilson.

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