How to Make Irish Coffee 10x Better, According to Martha Stewart

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting Irish coffee to end a meal, especially when the weather is chilly. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, caffeinated and boozy, making it an ideal after-dinner treat or a perfect brunch drink. Irish coffee walked so espresso martinis could run.

A traditional Irish coffee is made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey and sugar, and is then topped with lightly whipped cream. It’s a cozy and slightly boozy drink that’s especially popular in colder months or around St. Patrick’s Day.

While it's hard to beat a classic Irish coffee, Martha Stewart’s (@marthasrewart) take on the drink turns it into something truly irresistible, because of course, Martha has a delicious version. I can't wait to give this one a try!

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What Makes Martha Stewart's Irish Coffee Special?

As we said, traditional Irish coffee consists of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and a layer of whipped cream, but Martha Stewart’s version enhances the flavor profile with a few simple yet brilliant upgrades.

First, instead of plain cream, hers is lightly whipped and flavored with vanilla for extra richness and flavor. She also adds a hint of cocoa powder to deepen the coffee’s flavor, making it even more indulgent.

Martha also replaces the sugar with maple syrup, which brings a warm, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the whiskey.

These subtle changes make for a more complex and satisfying drink. This one is too good to save just for St. Patrick’s Day!

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What to Pair With Martha Stewart's Irish Coffee

This Irish coffee is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with desserts like chocolate cake, shortbread cookies or even a slice of apple pie with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. I think it would also be delicious with stuffed French toast or a big stack of pancakes. Whether you’re enjoying it after a hearty dinner or as a cozy treat on a chilly evening, this version of Irish coffee is a must-try.

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How to Make Irish Coffee Without Alcohol

You can make a non-alcoholic Irish coffee by replacing the Irish whiskey with a flavorful alternative while keeping the classic warm, creamy and slightly sweet profile.

To make this a mocktail, just brew some strong coffee and stir in brown sugar until it dissolves. Add vanilla extract (or caramel syrup for extra flavor) and almond extract for a rich, whiskey-like warmth.

Gently whip the heavy cream until it is slightly thickened but still pourable and slowly pour it onto the coffee.

This recipe gives you the cozy, indulgent experience of Irish coffee without the alcohol. You can even add a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra deliciousness!

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