Bill’s Killer Irish Coffee

An old traditional Irish Coffee recipe from Mr. Joe.

I have received many requests for how I make my version of Irish Coffee. let me begin by saying there are many, many different ways in which Irish Coffee is presented – from the simplistic shot of Jameson (or other) Irish Whiskey in a cup of fresh brewed coffee – to a mixture of several liquors in coffee. My version uses six liquors – five in the coffee itself plus one on the top as a garnish or decor/flair finish. I was shown this recipe by a older (80+ years) Irish gentleman who owned an Irish Pub in South Baltimore.

The following is a response by email to a good friend who had asked. I’ve has so many requests recently that I thought I would replicate that response here…

Gail, you had asked about my recipe for Irish Coffee —> Irish Hot Chocolate on FB. But I would prefer not to share there.
I tried the Irish Hot Chocolate last evening for our Happy Hour here at the house and Nancy said it was good. She is not much into the high octane drinks but does occasionally likes a Hot Chocolate with Fireball (we use Tennessee Fire by Jack Daniels because it is a much better whiskey than that used in Fireball). But I digress…
So, anyway my Irish Coffee is a two full shot drink made with six liquors. Start by pre-heating (with hot water) an Irish coffee glass (or mug or whatever you like). Then empty the water and…

• Pour one full jigger (the large size shot glass) of Irish Whiskey (Jameson or Tellamore Dew or ???) into the glass
• Add one-half jigger of Kahlua
• Add a healthy “splash” of Frangelica (or Amaretto) – for a “nutty flavor”
• Add a healthy splash of Triple Sec for a bit of an “orange” flavor
• Add a healthy splash of Licor 43 for a bit of a Cream sickle flavor

Note—those three “healthy splashes” should equal about another half shot in total – the combination of flavors adds more wonderful taste sensations than you’ve ever had in a bar-prepared Irish Coffee. 

• Add hot fresh made coffee – or Hot Chocolate – to with a half inch of the brim – stir gently with a spoon. You should end up with a drink that is about half coffee (or hot chocolate) and half liquor. 
• Top with real whipped cream (but we never make whipped cream – we use Ready Whip, which is cheating, but still tastes good).
• Drizzle green Creme de Menthe over the topping. 

Enjoy!

Your critiques will be appreciated. 

Note that the photograph is available as prints and other home bar decor items at my online gallery. Link: https://bill.pixels.com/featured/irish-coffee-time-bill-swartwout-photography.html