The one drink you need to make this St. Patrick's Day is this non alcoholic Irish coffee. It's quick to make, and takes just a few ingredients! It looks so fancy--but it's actually easy to do.
Check out our coffee snob's gift guide for some great gear to brew your own tasty java at home.
Questions
Is there alcohol in this drink?
Traditionally, it is made with Irish whiskey. There's no alcohol in my version, however.
Is it served hot or cold?
It is traditionally served hot to allow the sugar to dissolve. This drink tastes the best while it is hot and fresh.
Should you stir Irish coffee?
Yes, you'll need to stir it to dissolve the sugar and disperse the rum extract, then you'll pour the whipped cream on top. Be sure to let the drink stop swirling before pouring the cream on top!
How do you drink it?
Just sip it as you normally would. The liquid will flow through the layer of cream on top as you drink, which is delightful!
Who invented Irish coffee?
Joe Sheridan, a chef and bartender at the Flying Boat terminal in Foynes, Ireland, invented this drink in 1943. A plane was forced to return to the terminal because of bad weather, and Sheridan made these special drinks for the chilled passengers to enjoy. They've been popular ever since.
How to Make
Gather the ingredients: freshly brewed hot coffee, rum extract, brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, and cocoa powder (for an optional garnish).
Pour the coffee, rum extract, and brown sugar into a glass mug.
Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Whip the cream until thick and airy, but still pourable.
Make sure the surface is perfectly still from being stirred, then pour the cream over the back of a spoon. The cream should float perfectly on top.
Smooth the cream if needed with a spoon.
If desired, use a stencil to create a cocoa powder design on top.
Enjoy while they're still hot.
Are you ready to try this out? You'll need to make this for St. Patrick's Day this year!
Serve.
If you're looking for other coffee drinks, you'll definitely want to check out our tutorial for using different brewing techniques! Learn how to make Cuban coffee, Greek coffee, pour over coffee, moka pot coffee, and French press coffee.
Expert Tips
- Can't have caffeine? Use decaf coffee.
- Adjust the amounts of rum extract and brown sugar to taste.
- Use freshly brewed coffee for the best flavor.
- The whipped cream should be thick and airy, but still pourable.
- Be sure the coffee is still and not swirling when you pour the cream on top.
- Do a practice one in case you make a mistake pouring on the cream.
Recommended Tools
- Secura French Press: this insulated stainless steel French press is easy to use and clean.
- Hamilton Beach Electric Mixer: a practical and easy-to-use addition to your kitchen arsenal.
- Metal Sieves: we love this sturdy set of three sieves for draining, sifting, and straining.
- Pyrex 2-Cup Measuring Cup: it's easy to measure liquids and solids with this measuring cup.
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Recipe
How to Make Non Alcoholic Irish Coffee
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup strong black coffee
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon rum extract
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a glass mug with ⅔ cup of hot coffee. Add the sugar and rum extract and stir until dissolved. Let the cup stand still until the mixture has completely stopped swirling.
- Meanwhile, beat the cream in a medium bowl until it's thick and airy, but still pourable. Pour it into a jug with a spout.
- Pour the cream over the back of a spoon right in the center of each mug.
- If desired, dust the cream with cocoa powder using a stencil, and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Use strong, freshly brewed coffee for the best flavor. Use caffeinated or decaf, whichever you prefer.
- Adjust the amount of rum extract to your personal taste.
- Be sure to use real heavy whipping cream that you've whipped yourself. Cool Whip and Reddi Whip will not be good substitutes.
- Pour the whipped cream over the back of a spoon. This keeps the cream floating on top.
- Do a practice drink to check your cream-pouring skills. Go slow--you can always make another one!
Nutrition
Serving sizes and nutritional information are only an estimate and may vary from your results.
Roy Mayo
Just what I was looking for!
Emma
Glad you enjoyed it, Roy!
Aileen Laing
Rum extract - in fact any extract or essence has alcohol in it. Very little granted but it’s there. See ingredients. Will boiling it for a few hours help get it out or will it evaporate with the alcohol.
I’m on a transplant list so I have to be very careful
Emma
Yes, I realize that extracts do contain alcohol, but fortunately for most people it is negligible. In your situation, it would be best to simply omit it. It's optional.
Ken Gandy
Delicious and full body beverage. Best I’ve had.
Emma
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Misty Porter
This. recipe is amazing. Our retired Nurse Group meets in a church hall and
this makes such a nice treat as we meet and greet and reminisce about our St. Patrick Day experiences.
No one can believe it is non alcoholic.
This year we will have an afternoon treat for the church staff with our
"Irish coffee" treat.
Emma
That is so sweet, Misty! I'm absolutely thrilled that you and your friends have enjoyed this drink so much! Happy St. Patrick's Day!
James Wisher
Great recipe. I work in a very isolated location and no alcohol of any type is allowed. I miss my morning coffee without the Irish flavor. I will give this a try. Thank you.
Jim
Emma
I'm glad you can still enjoy your Irish coffee with my recipe, Jim! Thanks so much for your kind comment. Please let me know how you enjoyed the nonalcoholic version!
Alex
The coffee smells so good when it is brewing. I like the coffee when it has just the right amount of rum extract. It's divine!
Emma
Thank you, Alex! Irish coffee is such a fun treat on a cold morning.
Beth
Irish 🍀 coffee ☕️ is really good 😊. The foam on top of the coffee is pretty. The pictures are excellent.
Emma
Thank you, Beth! I'm glad that you enjoyed the Irish coffee!