The balance of this drink relies on the separation of elements. Hot coffee and whiskey sit beneath a collar of cool, thick cream. We do not stir the two together. The pleasure comes from the hot liquid passing through the cold fat as you sip. It is a robust finish to a meal or a way to warm up after time spent outdoors.
The sugar serves a structural purpose as well as a flavor one. Dissolving it completely in the hot coffee creates a specific density that allows the cream to float on the surface rather than sinking immediately. It requires no complex equipment, just a steady hand and good ingredients.
The Recipe Yields: 1 serving | Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 1/2 ounces Irish whisky
- Hot strong black coffee
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine the Base Into an 8-ounce stemmed glass or coffee cup, measure the sugar and the Irish whisky. Pour in the hot coffee to fill the glass to within 1/2-inch of the top. Stir vigorously to ensure the sugar is dissolved completely.
- Top and Serve Top with a spoonful of whipped cream. It is important not to stir the cream into the coffee. Serve immediately and sip the hot coffee through the cool cream.
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Irish Coffee
This Classic Irish Coffee recipe focuses on the perfect balance of temperature and texture. Strong hot coffee and Irish whiskey are sweetened just enough to allow a layer of cool, thick cream to float on top. It is a robust winter cocktail meant to be sipped without stirring.
Ingredients
Instructions
Combine the Base
-
Into an 8-ounce stemmed glass or coffee cup, measure the sugar and the Irish whisky. Pour in the hot coffee to fill the glass to within 1/2-inch of the top. Stir vigorously to ensure the sugar is dissolved completely.
Top and Serve
-
Top with a spoonful of whipped cream. It is important not to stir the cream into the coffee. Serve immediately and sip the hot coffee through the cool cream.
