The unofficial beverage holiday, National Irish Coffee Day comes along just once a year on January 25. Rich, cozy, and brimming with a touch of Irish charm, it’s theperfect excuse to propose a toast with a warm cocktail hand. Whether you prefer the classic blend of hot coffee, smooth Irish whiskey, and a cloud of whipped cream or enjoy giving tradition a creative twist, this day celebrates the art of combining comfort and kick in one cup. From elegant riffs on the original to inventive coffee-inspired cocktails, it’s all about savoring that irresistible balance of warmth, sweetness, and spirit.
Here are 6 cocktails ideal for enjoying National Irish Coffee Day with your friends and family from top spirit brands such as Muff Liquor Company, Middle West Spirits, Sagamore, Loca Loka, Tia Maria and Koloa.
Espresso Rye Martini
Ingredients:
-2 oz Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey
-2 oz Espresso
-.5 oz Simple Syrup
-3 Drops Chocolate Bitters
-Espresso Beans and Orange Peel for Garnish
Method: Pour Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey, espresso, simple syrup and bitters into a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with 3 espresso beans and an orange twist.
Muff Irish Coffee
Ingredients:
-1 oz Muff Irish Whiskey
-0.5 oz Galliano Espresso Liqueur
-6 oz Freshly Brewed Hot Coffee
-1-2 tsp Brown Sugar
-Heavy Cream (for topping)
-Garnish: Cocoa Powder
Method: Brew a strong cup of hot coffee. In a heatproof glass, add all ingredients. Pour the hot coffee into the glass and stir gently to mix. Top with Cream: Carefully pour heavy cream over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the coffee Sprinkle cocoa powder on top for garnish.
Mexican Irish Coffee
Ingredients:
-1.5 oz Loca Loka Reposado Tequila
-1 oz Coffee Liqueur
-6 oz Freshly Brewed Hot Coffee
-1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
-Heavy Cream (for topping)
-Garnish: Mini Marshmallows and Cinnamon Stick
Method: Brew a strong cup of hot coffee. In a heatproof glass, add all ingredients. Pour the hot coffee into the glass and stir gently to mix. Top with Cream: Carefully pour heavy cream over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the coffee. Garnish with mini marshmallows and cinnamon stick.
Tia Irish Coffee
Ingredients:
-1 oz Tia Maria Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
-1 oz The Busker Blend Irish Whiskey
-1 oz Freshly Brewed Hot Coffee
-Heavy Cream (for topping)
-Garnish: Grated Nutmeg
Method: Brew a strong cup of hot coffee. In a heatproof glass, add all ingredients. Pour the hot coffee into the glass and stir gently to mix. Top with Cream: Carefully pour heavy cream over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the coffee. Garnish with grated nutmeg.
Rummy Whipped Coffee
Ingredients:
-2 oz Rummy Whipped Coffee*
-2 oz Koloa Kaua’i Coffee Rum
-1 oz Hot Water
-1 oz Instant Coffee
-1 oz Honey
-4 oz Mac Nut Milk
-Garnish: Whipped Coffee
Method: In a tall bowl, add water, coffee, and honey. Whip on high speed with a hand mixer until the mixture is fluffy and light. In a chilled glass, slowly, pour Koloa Kaua’i Coffee Rum, then ice and milk last. Top with whipped coffee. When creating layered cocktails, use a bar spoon to keep the layers from mixing.
Middle West Coffee
Ingredients:
-1.5 oz Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve Straight Wheated Bourbon
-0.25 oz Mocha Simple Syrup
-0.5 oz Fresh Espresso
Cocktail Method: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a Nick & Nora glass.
The Middle West Spirits Bourbon Cream Infused Cold Foam Float is made with Heavy Cream, Middle West Spirits Bourbon Cream and Simple Syrup (optional, to taste). In a mixing container or blender, combine: 1 cup heavy cream, 2–3 oz Middle West Spirits Bourbon Cream and Optional: ½–1 oz simple syrup, depending on desired sweetness. Blend or froth until thick but still pourable (similar to a cold foam or soft whipped cream texture). Sometimes it’s easier to start with heavy whipped cream and add bourbon cream to soften. Spoon or gently pour the foam on top of the cocktail or coffee beverage, allowing it to float naturally. Serve immediately for best texture and presentation.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Producers
