The Traditional Irish Coffee with Coconut Cream is a dairy-free version of the Irish favorite and prepared how the Irish traditionally make it.
There is not one Irish thing about me… German, oh yes, Scottish, perhaps, Southern 100%, New Yorker, definitely earned it and married a Dutchman. So no, there is no Irish blood in there (I think).
I have spent many a good time in traditional Irish pubs, experienced several Hoboken St. Patrick’s Day’s (certainly an experience you should try under the age of 27) and never missed the New York parade. I’ve also had a true Irish pub bartender prepare a traditional Irish Coffee for me once. So even though I’m not the least bit Irish I feel I can obviously pour a cup as good as the next Irishman given my experience. Right? Probably not…
I’ll still try!
The very first time I sipped an Irish coffee, the one also prepared by the true Irishman in the traditional Irish pub, football was on (aka soccer, not American football) and previously I was sipping a beer and not an Irish one either, in a quiet dark Irish pub. The Irishman, aka the bartender, asked if I’d like to try an Irish Coffee since he was making one for himself.
Ummm, yes, please!
This particular pub was known for making Irish Coffee since it was an unlikely place to get one, even though it was a pub since it was tucked away on a side street and very small. It also didn’t serve food. I washed as he began to vigorously grate the nutmeg into the small skillet. Then he sprinkled in some brown sugar, which began to bubble and then turned into a sweet smelling caramel-like substance. Next, he slashed a tiny amount of coffee before pouring in the Jameson, which a small he did so he tipped the pan ever so slightly to set it alight. Hello, showmanship!! The remaining coffee was added, swirled and then poured into the traditional Irish Coffee serving glass and topped with whipped cream.
So yes, this is my only prior experience in preparing a true Irish coffee, and I was only a spectator but I absolutely love this drink and so I set out to learn how to make it and make it my own in doing so. This is where the Coconut Milk whipped cream comes in…
Around here I try to get creative when it comes to food, which is why I like to “make it my own” as I say. Usually, this is a small tweak but often adds a tiny enough change to make the dish or drink, in this case, unique. I’ve been wanting to try out Coconut Milk whipped cream and when it came time to think about St. Patrick’s Day type recipes and Irish Coffee popped into my head, I knew it would be the perfect mix.
This slight twist on the traditional beverage gives it a slight coconut flavor, which makes the drink a little bit sweeter and adds a nice touch in my humble opinion ???? So if you’re looking for a simple way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, as I usually am, then prepare yourself a nice cup of this Irish Coffee.
What are your favorite foods to make around St. Patrick’s Day?
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Micro-Plane Grater
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowl
- Handheld Electric Mixer
Ingredients
COFFEE
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg freshly grated
- 1½ tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Prepared Hot Coffee
- 1 ounce Whiskey
COCONUT MILK WHIPPED CREAM
- 1 14-ounce can Full Fat Coconut Milk
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/8 teaspoon Nutmeg freshly grated
Instructions
- Heat a thick-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Grate fresh nutmeg into the pan with a micro-plane grater. Sprinkle 1 1/2 tablespoons of brown sugar evenly across the pan. The sugar will begin to melt and caramelize.
- Once the sugar has caramelized, about 2 to 3 minutes, add two tablespoons of hot coffee and swirl around the pan. Slowly add the whiskey and then pour in the remainder of the hot coffee and mix with a whisk for 2 more additional minutes.
- Chill your Coconut Milk overnight in the fridge (or for a minimum of 6 hours), being sure not to shake or tip the can.
- Place a mixing bowl into the refigerator for 10 minutes to chill before mixing the coconut cream. Remove the coconut milk from the fridge without tipping or shaking and remove the lid. Scrape the top, thick cream out and leave the liquid behind. Place into the chilled mixing bowl.
- Beat for 30 seconds with a mixer until creamy. Add the Vanilla Extract and Powdered Sugar and continue to mix until creamy and smooth, about 1 more minute.
- Pour the hot coffee mixture into two glasses and then top with the coconut cream. Use the micro-plane grater to grate some additional nutmeg on top.
Nice! I like the addition of nutmeg here, I didn’t think of that!
Thanks Kevin!! Apparently that’s “traditionally” how the Irish make it. I’m not one to buck tradition, especially when nutmeg is concerned ????