Salted caramel and Irish coffee are two flavors I really love on their own. But when you put them together, you get a drink that’s rich, sweet, and somehow even cozier than you’d expect.
This Salted Caramel Irish Coffee Cocktail comes together fast, with just a handful of familiar ingredients. It’s ideal for a chilly evening or just hanging out with friends.
I like how the salted caramel brings a creamy, almost silky twist to the bold coffee and Irish whiskey. Whenever I want a cocktail that feels a little more special but doesn’t require much fuss, this is my go-to recipe.
Salted Caramel Irish Coffee Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Heatproof glass mug (8-10 oz)
- Coffee maker (drip, French press, or pod style)
- Tablespoon (for caramel sauce)
- Measuring jigger (for whiskey and liqueur)
- Milk frother or small whisk (for whipped cream)
- Fine grater or microplane (for optional chocolate topping)
- Paper towels (for spills)
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee medium or dark roast
- 1 –1.5 oz Irish whiskey Jameson works well
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur like Kahlúa
- 1 –2 tbsp salted caramel sauce plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tsp brown sugar optional, for extra sweetness
- Whipped cream homemade or store-bought
- Sea salt flakes for garnish
- Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder optional
Instructions
- Brew 1 cup of hot coffee and pour it into a heatproof glass mug.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of salted caramel sauce into the coffee. Stir until it melts in completely.
- Add 1–1.5 ounces of Irish whiskey and 0.5 ounce of coffee liqueur. Stir again.
- If you want it sweeter, toss in 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and stir until it disappears.
- Top with a big spoonful of whipped cream. I try to let it float right on the surface for that classic look.
- Drizzle a little extra salted caramel sauce over the cream.
- Sprinkle on a pinch of sea salt flakes. Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder is a nice touch, but totally optional.
- Serve it warm, right away—don’t wait around.
- Nothing too tricky here, but really whisking in the caramel makes the drink extra smooth.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The first thing I notice when I sip this Salted Caramel Irish Coffee Cocktail is the sweet, buttery caramel. It just melts into the bold, slightly bitter coffee underneath.
There’s a gentle warmth from the Irish whiskey. I feel it on my tongue, but it never overpowers the rest.
That hint of salt? It balances the sweetness and gives every sip a little extra depth.
The whipped cream on top makes the whole thing creamy and rich. Sometimes, right at the end, I get this crisp note from the coffee—almost like a little wake-up call.
Key Flavors I experience:
- Sweet caramel
- Warm Irish whiskey
- Strong, brewed coffee
- A hint of salt
- Creamy whipped finish
I just love how all these flavors come together. Each one stands out, but none of them drown out the others. It’s rich, warm, and honestly, a little bit comforting.
Substitute
If I don’t have some ingredients on hand, I can still enjoy a Salted Caramel Irish Coffee by making a few swaps.
Here are some simple substitutions I use:
Equipment:
- I use a regular coffee mug if I don’t have a clear glass.
- A spoon can replace a cocktail stirrer.
Ingredients:
- I use strong brewed hot coffee or espresso if I run out of regular coffee.
- Any whiskey works if I don’t have Irish whiskey.
- For salted caramel syrup, I might mix caramel sauce with a pinch of salt.
- If I’m low on heavy cream, I substitute half-and-half or whipped topping.
- Brown sugar can take the place of caramel syrup in a pinch.
Instructions:
- I brew a strong cup of coffee with my chosen substitute.
- I pour in the whiskey and caramel syrup or my homemade blend.
- I stir well and top with cream or my alternative.
- I add a sprinkle of sea salt if I want extra flavor.
