When I was studying abroad in Barcelona, I had Belgian friends who took me to Gentse Feesten, a massive music festival in Ghent. The entire city springs to life with street performers, art shows, and live music that goes until the wee hours of the morning.
The girls warned me ahead of time that the festival was a marathon, not a sprint, and that staying up until sunrise was simply how things were done. But when 2am rolled around, I remember thinking, how in the world am I going to make it to sunrise?
Right on cue, my friend appeared holding four piping hot Irish coffees, ready to wake us up and keep the night going.
I was hooked instantly. There’s something about the combination of hot whiskey-spiked coffee and cold cream that I absolutely adore. So much so that a few years later, when I was visiting Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day, I definitely had one too many.
This version is my very non-traditional take on the classic Irish coffee, inspired by one of my favorite lattes. The base is similar, but instead of simple syrup we use maple syrup, which gives the drink a subtle caramel-like sweetness and a little extra depth. Then it’s topped with a salted maple whipped cream that’s so addictive you’ll have to remind yourself not to drink it straight from the glass.
So whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year or just need a cozy caffeine boost to get you out the door, this salted maple Irish coffee is the perfect excuse to celebrate.
Tips for the Salted Maple Whipped Cream
1. Start with very cold cream
Cold heavy cream whips faster and holds its structure better. It is also key to add the maple syrup and salt after whipping, as it can affect the ability of the whipped cream to thicken.
2. Don’t overwhip
You want the cream to be soft and pourable, not stiff. Traditional Irish coffee cream should gently float and slowly melt into the coffee.
3. Taste before adding extra salt
Maple syrup varies in sweetness and salt intensity can depend on the salt brand you use, so start with 1/16 tsp per ½ cup cream and adjust from there.
4. Use a spoon to pour the cream
To keep the cream sitting on top of the coffee vs mixing in, set a spoon bottom side up right at the edge of the coffee and pour the cream over the back of a spoon so it sits gently on top.
Salted Maple Irish Coffee
- Total Time: 5
Description
A salted maple Irish coffee, perfect for St Patty’s Day celebrations or cozy nights in.5
Ingredients
For the Salted Maple Irish Coffee(per serving):
- 1 oz Irish Whiskey
- 3½ oz brewed coffee, hot
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1–2oz maple whip (recipe below)
- Freshly grated nutmeg for topping (optional)
For the Salted Maple Whipped Cream (makes 2-4 servings):
- ½ cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 1½ tbsps maple syrup
- Pinch of salt (between 1/16-⅛ tsp, taste and adjust)
Instructions
For the Salted Maple Irish Coffee:
- Fill an Irish coffee glass with hot water and let it stand.
- Discard the water and add the whiskey, coffee, and 2 tsp maple syrup. Stir to combine.
- Whip the cold heavy cream with a stand mixer, whisk, or blender to soft peaks, then gently fold in the maple syrup and salt.
- Top the Irish coffee with the salted maple whip. Use a bar spoon when pouring to keep the cream and coffee layers separate.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Cocktails