Take a fun, cozy dessert drink...and then add chocolate. Melted dark chocolate combined with espresso coffee, brown sugar, Irish whiskey, and topped with frothed heavy cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for the ultimate cozy drink!
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The Irish coffee was specifically crafted in Ireland with comfort in mind. Legend goes that a bartender working at one of the country's major airports was tasked with creating a beverage that would help rejuvenate weary travelers from the whipping rain and wind. And what better way to help bring a jolt of vitality to passengers than by serving them a shot of whiskey and espresso?
By adding a dose of melted chocolate, of course!
Of course, chocolate wasn't part of the original recipe, but hey-- this is a chocolate blog, after all. Chocolate also shares the same flavor compounds as almost every type of spirit, making it an ideal pairing that can elevate many traditional cocktail recipes like this one.
What is Irish Coffee?
Irish coffee is a mixture of coffee and Irish whiskey, lightly sweetened with sugar and topped with cream. And while Irish coffee is already considered a classic dessert, this recipe adds an extra layer by first including a healthy dose of melted dark chocolate, and then adorning with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Chocolate, coffee, and nutmeg are all complementary to one another, making this a well-rounded, decadent dessert choice!
Reasons to Make This Recipe Today
- Checks all of the dessert boxes -- for those occasions when you can't decide between chocolate, coffee, or a drink for dessert, now you can have all three in one!
- It takes 5 minutes -- while foraging in the pantry technically takes less time, are you really going to get the same satisfaction out of, say, a Poptart than a fancier, homemade dessert? Don't think so!
- Readily available ingredients -- you might already have all of the ingredients for this recipe on hand. If not, all of them can be found at your local grocery store.
- Fun for guests -- have you ever noticed that when you're out with a group and an Irish coffee is on the menu that almost the entire table will order one? That's because even though they are super simple to make, hardly anyone thinks to make one at home for themselves. Break the mold by being a hero to your friends and family at your next hosting engagement!
Ingredients
Dark chocolate -- milk chocolate seems to dilute this recipe too much, making it too sweet and diffusing the impact of the deeper notes. Use a premium, unflavored dark chocolate whenever possible.
Medium-roast instant espresso -- medium-roast allows for the coffee to shine through without becoming too bitter. Again, go for a neutral flavor that will not drastically alter the final product.
Irish whiskey -- it wouldn't be an Irish coffee without it! And don't use Bailey's, since the Irish consider that a completely different drink (known as a "Bailey's Coffee"). To make a true Irish coffee, you must use Irish whiskey.
Light brown sugar -- brings a little added "warmth" and sweetness than regular white sugar.
Heavy cream -- authentic Irish coffee uses cream, rather than whipped cream like in the States. Use a milk frother to thicken the heavy cream so it sits like a thick foam on top.
Ground nutmeg -- a staple in Teeling Whiskey's Irish coffee, nutmeg helps enhance cocoa's natural flavors, as well as doubling as a garnish.
Tips for Success
- Don't worry about combining chocolate and water, as the ratios have been adjusted to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
- Use whole nutmeg and grate it fresh for the most intense flavor. Store bought nutmeg loses its potency after about one month.
Detailed Preparation Instructions
- Melt the chocolate completely in a heatproof bowl in either in the microwave or using a double boiler. Spoon into the Irish coffee glass.
- In a separate mug, make the coffee by combining hot water and instant espresso and stirring to combine. Pour the coffee over the chocolate in the glass.
- Add in the sugar and whiskey to the glass and stir.
- In a clean mug, froth the heavy cream with a milk frother until thick, 1 minute. Pour the cream overtop the coffee.
- Grate fresh nutmeg (or sprinkle ground nutmeg) over the cream and serve immediately.
Chocolate Irish Coffee
Equipment
- 1 8-ounce Irish coffee mug
- 1 cocktail jigger
- 1 handheld milk frother
- 1 teaspoon
- 1 kitchen scale
Ingredients
- 1 ounce dark chocolate
- 1.5 teaspoons medium-roast espresso instant coffee I always use Nescafe Gold "Blond" or "Intense" varieties
- 5 ounces hot water for ease, use an electric kettle
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 1.5 ounces Irish whiskey
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- 1 pinch whole nutmeg, grated or 1 pinch ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Add the dark chocolate to a heatproof bowl and microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted. Scoop into the coffee glass.
- In a separate mug, mix the instant espresso and hot water and stir to combine. Pour into the Irish coffee mug and stir. Add in the whiskey and sugar and stir.
- In a separate bowl or mug, froth the heavy cream using the milk frother until thickened, 15 seconds. Slowly pour (or scoop using a teaspoon) the cream over the coffee.
- Grate or sprinkle the ground nutmeg overtop and serve immediately.
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