Irish Coffee with Whipped Cream (Hot or Iced Version)
There’s something truly magical about sipping on a warm, fragrant cup of Irish coffee, especially when topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream. This delightful concoction perfectly marries rich coffee and smooth whiskey for a warm hug in a mug. Whether you enjoy it hot during a chilly winter evening or iced on a summer afternoon, Irish coffee always delivers comfort and satisfaction. The blend of flavors creates that wonderful balance between the deep coffee notes and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup, with the whipped cream adding an enchanting finish.
Table of Contents

I remember the first time I tasted Irish coffee at a quaint little café in Dublin. It was love at first sip! The creamy topping beautifully floated on the hot coffee and whiskey, each mouthful was a delightful experience. Today, I share with you this easy recipe for Irish Coffee with Whipped Cream (Hot or Iced Version), perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day. Trust me; once you learn to make this, you’ll never look at store-bought Irish coffee the same way again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just five minutes of prep time, you can whip up a cozy cup.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich coffee, smooth whiskey, and creamy whipped cream is nothing short of heavenly.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Topped with fluffy whipped cream, this drink looks just as good as it tastes.
- Flexible Serving: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this drink is always a treat.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust sweetness with maple syrup or use dairy-free whipped cream if needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ ounces Irish whiskey: A smooth whiskey, such as Jameson, complements the coffee beautifully. If you prefer a different brand, any Irish whiskey will work well.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup: This adds a touch of natural sweetness. Feel free to use less or more based on your sweetness preference, or substitute with honey or agave syrup.
- 6 ounces hot freshly brewed coffee: About ¾ cup of your favorite roast will do. The richer the coffee, the better your Irish coffee will be!
- Whipped cream: Perfect for topping off your drink, it adds a luxurious texture. You can use store-bought or make your own for an extra special touch.
How to Make Irish Coffee with Whipped Cream (Hot or Iced Version)
Prepare the Mug: Start by pouring the 1 ½ ounces of Irish whiskey and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup into a heat-safe mug. The warmth of the mug helps bring out those beautiful whiskey notes.
Mix the Base: Add a splash of your 6 ounces of hot freshly brewed coffee to the mug, just enough to mix and dissolve the maple syrup. Stir with a spoon until the syrup is completely melted. This little step is crucial for a balanced sweetness throughout the drink.
Combine the Coffee: Now, pour in the remaining coffee. I recommend tasting it at this stage—this is your chance to add more maple syrup if you like a sweeter coffee! Don’t be shy—make it your own.
Top It Off: Here’s where the magic happens: gently add the whipped cream on top of your drink. If your whipped cream is lightly whipped (think soft peaks), you might need to pour it over the back of a spoon to let it float beautifully. Serve this delicious coffee while it’s still warm, and enjoy the cozy moment you’ve just created!

Storing & Reheating
Since Irish coffee is best enjoyed fresh, it’s not ideal for storing. However, if you prepare more than you can drink, you can refrigerate the coffee (without the whiskey or whipped cream) for up to 2 days in an airtight container. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. The whipped cream should be added right before serving, as it will lose its texture over time.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- When making Irish coffee, ensure your coffee is freshly brewed to bring out its best flavors.
- For the whipped cream, avoid over-whipping; soft peaks are ideal as they’ll float better on the coffee.
- If you find your coffee too hot after adding the whiskey, it’s okay to let it cool slightly before topping it with cream.
- Experiment with different coffee blends or flavored syrups to find your perfect combination.
- Remember that enjoying this drink is all about balance; play around with the whiskey and syrup ratios until it hits the right note for you!
Enjoying your very own Irish Coffee with Whipped Cream (Hot or Iced Version) is such a treat. The combination of flavors, the rich aroma, and that luxurious topping come together to create a drink that feels like a special occasion, even if it’s just a quiet moment at home. Try it out, let your taste buds guide your adjustments, and invite a friend for a beautiful coffee experience. You won’t regret it!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this coffee drink without whiskey?
Absolutely! You can create a non-alcoholic version using decaf coffee and just skip the whiskey while sweetening it with more maple syrup or a flavored syrup of your choice.
How can I make this drink vegan?
To make your Irish coffee vegan, simply use plant-based whipped cream made from coconut or soy. Your coffee will remain just as delicious, and you won’t miss the dairy!
Is it okay to drink Irish coffee iced?
Yes, you can enjoy Irish coffee iced! Prepare your coffee, let it cool, pour it over ice, and follow the same steps to top it with whipped cream. It’s refreshing on a warm day!
What if I don’t have maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey, agave syrup, or even regular granulated sugar can work as alternatives. Just adjust the amount to achieve your desired sweetness!
PrintMore Drinks Recipes
- Easy cupids-potion-float
- Healthy Pink Drink Strawberry Refresher (Whole30, Caffeine-Free, Vegan)
- Blood Orange Bourbon Smash
- Cupid Float Valentine’s Day Drink
- Korean Strawberry Milk
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card

Irish Coffee with Whipped Cream (Hot or Iced Version)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Beverage preparation
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Irish Coffee with Whipped Cream recipe blends the rich flavor of Irish whiskey and coffee, topped with a luscious whipped cream. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal treat for coffee lovers looking for a comforting drink any time of day.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces irish whiskey (that’s 3 tablespoons/i used jameson)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup, to taste
- 6 ounces hot freshly brewed coffee (that’s ¾ cup/use your favorite roast)
- whipped cream, for topping
Instructions
- Pour the whiskey and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup into a heat-safe mug.
- Add a splash of coffee and stir until the maple syrup dissolves.
- Pour in the remaining coffee and taste; adjust sweetness with more syrup if desired.
- Top with whipped cream, pouring it slowly over a spoon for a beautiful float effect, and serve warm.
Notes
Use your favorite coffee roast for the best flavor.
Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your sweetness preference.
For a cold version, chill the coffee and serve over ice with whipped cream on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
