Salted Caramel Irish Coffee Cocktail Recipe

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

Salted Caramel Irish Coffee Cocktail Recipe
This drink blends strong, hot coffee and Irish whiskey with smooth salted caramel. I usually add a dollop of whipped topping for that perfect sweet balance.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

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)
  • Stirring spoon
  • 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

I think this is best enjoyed while it’s still warm. The caramel and whiskey flavors pop more that way.
If you want a super-smooth finish, whip your own cream until it’s just holding soft peaks. I do this when I have the time.
The amount of caramel and whiskey is flexible—add more or less depending on your mood. I find a dark roast coffee makes everything taste a bit bolder.
Got leftover caramel? Stick it in the fridge and use it again later. With store-bought whipped cream, I’d say add it right before serving so it doesn’t collapse.

Must Have Ingredients

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.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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