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Disclaimer: This post ‘Can You Make Irish Coffee with Bourbon‘ contains links to products I believe to be useful to the reader, from which I may earn a small commission.
As a whisky lover, I am deeply passionate about the marriage of coffee and whisky; a combination that I firmly believe complements each other seamlessly. Which is why I’m excited to dive into the realms of both coffee and whisky today, eager to share my perspective on the cherished Irish Coffee.
I’m especially delighted to answer a question that frequently comes my way and piques the curiosity of many: ‘Can you make Irish Coffee with Bourbon?’ – a question that adds an intriguing twist to our exploration of these two beloved beverages.
We’ll begin with the timeless Irish Coffee recipe and then delve into my twists and tips, including how to infuse some holiday cheer into this classic beverage. So what is the traditional Irish Coffee Recipe?
The Traditional Irish Coffee Recipe
Irish Coffee Ingredients:
- 100-150mL (3.4-5 ounces) hot, freshly brewed coffee (depending on the size of the glass)
- 1-2 teaspoons of brown sugar (or equivalent simple syrup)
- 25mL (0.85 ounces) Irish Whisky
- Freshly whipped cream for topping
Ingredients Instructions Notes:
My recommendation is to utilise the lungo setting on your Nespresso machine for a consistently outstanding coffee base. Combine the coffee with brown sugar or simple syrup until dissolved, stir in the Irish Whisky, and gently top it with whipped cream.
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Why is Irish Coffee So Festive?
The traditional Irish Coffee, with its harmonious blend of warm coffee and smooth whisky, stands as the quintessential winter comfort drink. Ideal for holiday gatherings and cosy nights, it’s comforting warmth and rich flavour profile make it a festive favourite.
The History of Irish Coffee
This beloved beverage has roots tracing back to the 1940s, originating at Foynes Airbase in Ireland. It is said that a chef created the concoction to warm up American passengers during a particularly chilly winter.
Combining hot coffee, Irish Whisky, and delicious cream, the drink quickly gained popularity and later evolved into the beloved classic we know today.
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The Important Question
Can You Make Irish Coffee with Bourbon?
I get asked ‘Can you make Irish Coffee with Bourbon?’ a lot! And the answer is a big fat YES!
Making Irish Coffee with Bourbon opens up a realm of possibilities for delightful twists.
My personal favourite is the beautiful Bourbon Bliss. This delicious drink transforms the classic by substituting Irish Whisky with Bourbon, introducing a sweeter, vanilla-infused note that adds a layer of complexity to the drink.
The result is a harmonious marriage of coffee warmth and bourbon sweetness that’s perfect for the holiday season.
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4 Alternative Irish Coffee Cocktail Recipes
While the classic Irish Coffee remains a staple, I find joy in experimenting with various variations. In addition to Bourbon Bliss, consider these other Irish Coffee’s, each with a unique personal twist:
- Try the Smokey Sensation, featuring a smoky Scotch like Lagavulin for an intense, rich flavour.
- Alternatively, indulge in the Creamy Dream by adding 25mL (0.85 ounces) of Baileys and omitting the sugar for a creamy, luxurious version. Feel free to adjust the whisky content to suit your taste.
- For an extra layer of decadence, try the Chocolate Delight. Top your Irish Coffee with whipped cream and a piece of chocolate from your liqueur chocolates collection, or simply grate some chocolate over the top.
- If you’re in the mood for a Scandinavian Twist, replace the whisky and simple syrup with 50mL (1.7 ounces) of Glayva for a sweet, spiced, and herbal flavor that transports you to winter wonderlands.
Which Irish Coffee Recipe Will You Be Trying?
Now that you know that yes, you can make Irish Coffee with Bourbon, will you be giving it a go? Or will you be trying one of the creamy cocktails? Or will you be paying homage to the traditional Irish Coffee recipe?
Whether you gravitate towards the traditional or relish in the joy of experimenting with flavours, these variations are certain to add a special touch to your holiday festivities.
Natalie