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Jameson Irish Coffee Recipe

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There’s nothing quite like an Irish coffee to warm you up on a chilly night, or when you need a pick-me-up before a night out any time of year. It’s the drink you reach for after a good meal, by the fire, or any time you want to swap stories with friends. The best part? You only need a few ingredients, including Jameson Irish Whiskey, and about 20 minutes to make one at home.

Ready to indulge in the magic of this Irish whiskey cocktail? Learn the key ingredients and steps for a mischievous twist to your coffee.

What do you need

Ingredients

  • 35 ml
    Jameson Original
  • 60 ml
    Lightly Whipped Cream
  • 10 ml
    Demerara Sugar Syrup
  • 90 ml
    Espresso
  • Grated Nutmeg
  • 1⅙ Parts
    Jameson Original
  • 2 Parts
    Lightly Whipped Cream
  • ⅓ Parts
    Demerara Sugar Syrup
  • 3 Parts
    Espresso
  • Grated Nutmeg
20 minutes
1 serving
440 cals
Difficulty
Nutrition

  • Gluten
    Free

Glassware

  • Irish Coffee Glass

Equipment

  • Jigger

Step-by-step

How to make

Step 1

Add the Jameson, Demerara syrup and coffee to a pre heated tempered glass.

Top tip:

No whisk on hand? Use a blender to whip your cream, or a cocktail shaker with the spring from your cocktail strainer.

About this Cocktail

There are many famous whiskey cocktails known around the world for their fantastic flavour, a few of which we’ve come up with ourselves (here’s looking at you JGL). But, no cocktail is as iconically Irish, as the Irish Coffee. The ideal aperitif, always ready to warm your bones on a winter’s night, and Irish Coffee made with smooth triple-distilled Jameson Irish Whiskey is the perfect partner to any evening trading tales with friends.

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Irish Coffee FAQs

What is Irish Coffee?

Irish coffee is a classic warm cocktail made with hot coffee, sugar, Irish whiskey, and lightly whipped cream floated on top. It’s said to have been invented in the 1940s by a chef at an airport in County Limerick, Ireland, who served the spiked coffee to weary travelers on a frigid night. 

More than a drink, it’s become a symbol of Irish hospitality—equal parts warming, smooth, and welcoming. The key to a great one is good coffee and a smooth whiskey like Jameson Original.

Is Irish Coffee made with Irish cream or whiskey?

Traditional Irish coffee is made with Irish whiskey. While Irish cream brands are sometimes added for extra richness, an authentic Irish coffee relies on a smooth whiskey like Jameson Irish Whiskey for its signature warmth and flavor.

What alcohol is best for Irish Coffee?

A great Irish coffee starts with great whiskey, and that’s where Jameson Irish Whiskey comes in. Triple-distilled for signature smoothness and aged in oak casks for at least four years, Jameson is the go-to choice to bring spicy, nutty, and vanilla notes with hints of sweet sherry—flavors that play perfectly with rich espresso and sweet cream. It’s smooth enough to sip on its own, which is exactly what you want in a cocktail this simple.

Should you stir Irish Coffee?

You’ll want to stir the coffee, whiskey, and sugar together first so the sweetener dissolves fully. After that, gently float the cream on top and leave it—part of the experience is sipping the hot, sweetened coffee through the cool layer of cream.

What are some variations similar to Irish Coffee?

Once you’ve mastered the classic, it’s easy to put your own spin on an Irish coffee. Here are a few of our favorite ways to mix things up: 

  • Go dairy-free: Swap the whipped cream for whipped coconut cream or a barista-style oat milk foam for a vegan-friendly version. 
  • Sweeten it differently: Trade the Demerara syrup for brown sugar, maple syrup, or a dab of honey. 
  • Switch the garnish: Try grated cinnamon, cocoa powder, or a curl of orange peel instead of nutmeg. 
  • Make it iced: Pour everything over ice for a refreshing, cold-brew take on the classic. 
  • Add a flavored twist: A small splash of vanilla or hazelnut syrup pairs beautifully with Jameson’s smooth, nutty notes.

What’s the difference between Irish coffee and an espresso martini?

The key differences between an Irish coffee and espresso martini are the base ingredients and how the drink is typically served. 

An Irish coffee is usually served warm and made with hot drip coffee and Irish whiskey. An espresso martini is a chilled, shaken cocktail made with espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur.