Whip Up These Irish Coffee Cocktails for St. Patrick's Day

New York City’s The Dead Rabbit knows a thing or two about Irish coffee. The Irish-focused bar sold over 40,000 of the classic last year, and it’s such a popular drink that the place has a dedicated Irish Coffee menu that includes its classic, frozen, Martini, and alcohol-free versions, with a spiced tequila version available at San Patricio’s, its Jersey City Mexican Cantina and Irish Pub outpost. Head bartender Cory O’Brien-Pniewski says the drink’s popularity is down to its approachability and the fact that it gets ordered at any time of the day.

“Out with friends and you need a little pick-me-up? Choose Irish coffee,” says O’Brien-Pniewski. “Late night last call at your local bar? Maybe that one last one can be an Irish Coffee. It’s a smaller, more manageable drink and can be enjoyed at all occasions."

There are many tips for creating the perfect Irish Coffee, but you can’t go wrong with this classic. We’ve also rounded up a few refreshing versions, including iced and frozen ones, as well as an elegant Martini-style cocktail, to celebrate Ireland’s national holiday.

Irish Coffee

O’Brien-Pniewski opts to use Teeling Small Batch, noting “really lovely notes of rum raisin and sweet biscuit, with just enough spice and alcohol proof to give it backbone.”

• 1 ½ oz. Teeling Small Batch
• 4 oz. freshly brewed coffee
• ½ oz. demerara syrup (recipe below)
• Heavy cream for float
• Grated nutmeg for garnish

In a warmed Irish coffee glass or mug, add whiskey, brewed coffee, and syrup, stir to combine. Top with cream from the back of a barspoon. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

Still in the mood for something warm? Try this rich chocolate version or a spiced citrusy iteration.

Café Clover

A chilled, minty twist on the classic created by Michael Lopez, head bartender at Lazy Bird, Chicago

• 1 ½ oz. Glendalough Irish Pot Still
• 1 ½ oz. cold brew coffee
• ½ oz. crème de menthe
• ½ oz. Licor 43
• ½ oz. demerara syrup (recipe below)
• ½ oz. Branca Menta
• Fresh mint sprig for garnish

Add all ingredients to a shaker, fill with ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice and garnish with mint sprig.

Maud’s Frozen Irish Coffee

Created by Aurele Berdoz, beverage director at Rhymer’s Club, Manhattan

“An indulgent treat that is reminiscent of soft-serve ice cream. Two stacks Irish Cream provides notes of cacao and vanilla that marry very nicely with the coffee flavors. And Two Stacks Irish whiskey adds a bit of backbone with its nutty and smoky flavor profile,” says Berdoz.

• 10 oz. cold brew coffee
• 1 ½ oz. Two Stacks Double Barrel
• 8 oz. Two Stacks Irish cream
• 5 oz. J. F. Hadens coffee liqueur
• 5 oz. oat milk
• 1 oz. demerara syrup (recipe below)
• Chocolate sauce and 3 espresso beans for garnish

Pour cold brew coffee into an ice tray and freeze.

Combine 3 ice cubes and all other ingredients and blend on high until smooth. Pour into a glass mug, garnish with chocolate sauce and espresso beans.

Demerara Syrup

• 1 cup demerara sugar
• ½ cup water

Combine sugar and water in a small pot. Bring to a simmer and stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and cool. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Over the Rainbow

Created by Selene Martinez, assistant bar manager at Big Bar, Los Angeles

This drink is a riff on a classic Tiperary, a Manhattan-style build made with Irish whiskey. This riff on a riff, so to speak, is a tribute to the infamous song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz,” often sung as a lullaby by her grandmother when she was a child. The red wine reduction is a nod to her grandmother’s go-to cocktail, a glass of red wine with half water, enjoyed while sharing stories of her Irish heritage in her adult years.

• 1 ½ oz. Slane
• ½ oz. green chartreuse
• ½ oz. Cocchi di Torino vermouth
• ⅛ oz. red wine redux (see below)
• 3 dashes orange bitters
• Lemon peel for garnish
• Fresh, artificial, or dried poppy flower for garnish, optional

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass and stir with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe. Rub lemon peel around the rim of the glass. Using a small wooden clip, attach flower.

Red Wine Redux

Boil 1/2 cup amount red wine until reduced by half. Chill for at least 20 minutes before using.