Dissolve the sugar, then float chilled cream over a spoon

Irish Coffee

A warming classic that dissolves sugar into whiskey-laced coffee before a chilled cream layer is floated on top.

Verified by CocktailSteps Editorial TeamReviewed August 25, 2026

Measured for the room

Ingredients

Number of servings

Amounts scale from the verified one-glass recipe. Technique and timing stay unchanged.

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Approximate U.S. shelf prices reviewed July 2026. Local price and availability vary.

Measured method

01
Add the hot coffee
4 oz hot coffee
Pour 4 oz hot coffee into a preheated Irish coffee glass.
Add the hot coffee visual check
02
Add the Irish whiskey
1⅔ oz Irish whiskey
Pour 1⅔ oz Irish whiskey into the hot coffee.
Add the Irish whiskey visual check
03
Add the sugar
1 tsp white cane sugar
Add 1 teaspoon white cane sugar to the coffee.
Add the sugar visual check
04
Dissolve the sugar
Stir gently · 6 sec
Stir gently for 6 seconds until the sugar dissolves.
Dissolve the sugar visual check
05
Float the cream
1⅔ oz lightly whipped heavy cream
Float 1⅔ oz lightly whipped heavy cream over the back of a bar spoon.
Float the cream visual check

Key move

Keep the cream cool and lightly whipped so it floats as a distinct cap

Set the station

Know the pour

Hot coffee lengthens the Irish whiskey beneath a rich cream cap.

Contains alcohol. Serve hot with care, only to adults of legal drinking age, and enjoy responsibly.

Keep the station moving

Build over ice, float the cream, then fold it through gently

Cool coffee, clean vodka, and a slow cap of cream.

Muddle gently in the serving glass, then stir over cracked ice

Fresh lime, cane sugar, and grassy cachaça over cracked ice.

Build over one large cube and stir

Spirit-forward, softly sweet, and finished with orange oils.