Irish Coffee is a common sight around St Patrick’s Day or for many people, any time you need a warming boost to a long day! What’s more fun is making a fall version of the classic and that’s what we have with this Pumpkin Spice Irish Coffee! It combines the quintessential flavors of fall with a delicious recipe that will warm you up on chilly evenings during those winter months as well.
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But be warned, there’s alcohol ahead…
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Festive Flavors: The creamy pumpkin spice blend beautifully complements the robust taste of classic Irish coffee, offering a unique fall twist on a traditional beverage.
- Perfect for Hosting: This boozy pumpkin spice Irish coffee is an excellent option for entertaining guests during the fall season. It’s a conversation starter and sure to impress, especially with the coffee lover in the room.
- Easy to Make: Despite its fancy appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple and doesn’t require any advanced bartending skills.
- Warmth and Comfort: This Irish coffee variant provides the perfect blend of warmth and comfort, making it an ideal choice for chilly autumn evenings.
What is Irish Coffee?
Traditional Irish Coffee is made with sweetened coffee and Irish whiskey and is topped with whipped cream. There’s no right or wrong answer as to what type of coffee you use but it is always good to go with a top quality favourite. If you know you enjoy the taste, you’ll love the classic recipe for Irish coffee version even more.
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Shop Brewforge →One quirk of making Irish coffee is to use two types of sugar. Most people use granulated white and brown sugar, a teaspoon of each. This helps to sweeten the drink but stops it from being too sickly. Plus if you find sugar an issue, use unsweetened cream for the whipped topping!
Whiskey or Irish Crème?
In traditional Irish Coffee, you definitely should use whiskey to get that classic flavor. And some people will argue it must be Irish and possibly that it must be Jameson’s! But that depends on your tastes and if you want to stump up for a bottle (it is nice though and fairly reasonably priced).
Bailey’s Irish Coffee is a version that replaces the whiskey with another famous Irish drink, Bailey’s. In this recipe, we’ve not gone with the branded version of Irish cream liqueur and just called for Irish Crème. But let’s face it, we could call it Bailey’s Pumpkin Spice Irish Coffee just as well.
If you want a bit of both, make an Irish Cream Coffee. This uses half whiskey and half Bailey’s or another Irish crème.
What you need to make Pumpkin Spice Irish Coffee
Homemade Whipped Cream ingredients:
- Heavy whipping cream: This is a dairy product with a high fat content that whips up quickly into a light and fluffy consistency. Look for one that is ultra-pasteurized for a longer shelf life.
- Real maple syrup: This all-natural sweetener, tapped straight from maple trees, provides a subtle sweet flavor and isn’t overly processed like some alternative sweeteners.
- Substitute pre-made whipped cream, if preferred: While homemade whipped cream offers a fresh flavor, pre-made versions offer convenience. Look for one that doesn’t contain too many additives.
- Cinnamon: It’s best to use freshly ground cinnamon for the most robust flavor, but pre-ground is also acceptable.
- Ground ginger: This adds a warm, spicy flavor to the mixture. As with cinnamon, fresher is better.
- Ground nutmeg: Nutmeg gives a sweet and nutty flavor to the mixture, and freshly grated provides the strongest taste.
- Ground allspice: Ground allspice contributes a blend of flavors reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Ground cloves: Cloves add a deep, slightly bitter flavor that balances well with the other sweet and warm spices.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Irish Coffee:
- Pumpkin pie spice: The spice mix prepared previously adds a festive fall flavor to this Irish coffee.
- Freshly brewed hot black coffee: Any favorite coffee blend will do, but consider using a medium or dark roast to complement the strong flavors of the other ingredients.
- Irish Crème: This liqueur adds a sweet, creamy, and slightly boozy flavor to the beverage.
- Additional pumpkin pie spice, for garnish: A little extra sprinkling of this spice mix on top not only enhances the flavor but also gives your coffee a festive appearance.
Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!
Substitutions and Additions
Whipped Cream Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream. Chilling the can overnight allows the cream to separate from the liquid, making it easier to whip.
- If you don’t have maple syrup, powdered sugar is a suitable replacement that will still add a touch of sweetness.
Spice Mix Substitutions:
- If you don’t have all the spices on hand, you can use a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend.
- For a slightly different flavor, consider substituting cardamom for the cloves.
Irish Coffee Substitutions:
- If you don’t have Irish Crème, you can use a mix of Irish whiskey and a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half as a substitute.
- For non-alcoholic version, omit the Irish Crème and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a hint of flavor.
Additions:
- Consider adding a caramel drizzle on top of the whipped cream for a touch of indulgence.
- For extra warmth, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pumpkin spice mix. Be careful not to add too much; a little goes a long way.
- Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top of the whipped cream for a sweet surprise.
How to make the recipe
In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until it’s light and fluffy, doubling in size.
Gradually add maple syrup while blending and set aside.
Mix the pumpkin pie spice ingredients in a separate bowl and set aside.
Add one tablespoon of the pumpkin pie spice mix to your fresh coffee grounds. Gently shake to mix it evenly. Brew your coffee as usual.
In each coffee cup, pour 2 oz. of Irish Cream. Add 4 oz. of the freshly brewed spiced coffee.
Finish off with a generous topping of whipped cream. Sprinkle some more pumpkin pie spice on top before serving. Enjoy your Spiced Pumpkin Pie Coffee!
Recipe tips
- You can definitely use store-bought pumpkin spice if you don’t want to make your own pumpkin pie spice Or you can adjust the ingredients to get the flavour you love best. If you make more than you need, pop it in an airtight container and it will last for 3-4 weeks.
- If you prefer your warm drink on the sweeter side, consider adding a bit more maple syrup to the whipped cream.
- Feel free to play with the ratio of Irish Crème to coffee, adjusting to your liking.
- For a fun twist, add a splash of Hazelnut liqueur along with the Irish Crème for a nutty kick to your coffee cocktail.
- Try using decaf coffee for a night-time version of this delightful drink.
- If you’re serving to a crowd, consider brewing your spiced coffee in a large French press for easy serving.
- For those who enjoy darker, bolder coffee flavors, opt for a dark roast coffee bean.
- For an extra festive touch, consider using a cinnamon stick as a stirrer.
Storage & Reheating
This delicious Pumpkin Spice Irish Coffee is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to experience the full richness of its fresh flavors and warm temperature. If you need to store any leftovers, place them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It’s important to note that the whipped cream may deflate over time.
As for freezing, it isn’t recommended. The texture of the coffee and especially the whipped cream may be compromised due to freezing and thawing.
To reheat, transfer the refrigerated coffee without the whipped cream into a saucepan and gently warm over low heat. Do not bring it to a boil as this can affect the flavor and consistency of the Irish Crème. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it reaches the desired temperature. Add the whipped cream after reheating and sprinkle some fresh pumpkin pie spice on top.
Recipe FAQ
Can I make this Pumpkin Pie Spice Irish Coffee ahead of time?
Unfortunately, this recipe is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. The whipped cream and the heat of the coffee are integral for the overall experience.
I don’t like strong coffee. Can I use a light roast instead?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the coffee roast according to your preference. The recipe is versatile and can accommodate personal taste variations.
Can I substitute maple syrup with honey in the whipped cream?
A: Yes, you can. However, keep in mind that honey has a stronger flavor than maple syrup, which could change the flavor profile of the whipped cream.
Is there a non-dairy alternative to Irish Crème?
Yes, there are a number of non-dairy Irish Crème liqueurs available on the market. Alternatively, you can substitute Irish Crème with a mix of non-dairy milk, a sweetener of your choice, and a non-alcoholic vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
While brewed coffee is recommended for the best flavor, you can use instant coffee in a pinch. Just remember to adjust the amount of coffee to your liking.
Boozy Pumpkin Spice Irish Coffee Recipe with Whipped Cream
Make your own tasty Pumpkin Spice Irish Coffee with whipped cream for a boozy and warm fall drink
Ingredients
- Homemade Whipped Cream ingredients:*
- • 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- • 2 T. real maple syrup
- * substitute pre-made whipped cream, if preferred.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice:
- • 3 T. cinnamon
- • 1 T. ground ginger
- • 1 T. ground nutmeg
- • 2 t. ground allspice
- • 2 t. ground cloves
- Pumpkin Pie Spice Irish Coffee:
- • 1 T. pumpkin pie spice
- • 16 oz. freshly brewed hot coffee
- • 8 oz. Irish Crème
- • additional pumpkin pie spice, for garnish
Instructions
ONE: In a large glass bowl, blend 1 pint of heavy whipping cream with a hand mixer or immersion blender until it doubles in size and changes texture. Then, drizzle maple syrup into the bowl and continue blending until the mixture is light and fluffy. Set aside.
TWO: Combine the pumpkin pie spice ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
THREE: Before brewing, sprinkle fresh coffee grounds with one tablespoon pumpkin pie spice and gently shake to evenly combine the mixture. Brew spiced coffee grounds as usual.
FOUR: Pour 2 oz. Irish Cream into each cup and top with 4 oz. of freshly brewed coffee. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice before serving.
Notes
You can definitely use store-bought pumpkin spice if you don’t want to make your own. Or you can adjust the ingredients to get the flavour you love best. If you make more than you need, pop it in an airtight container and it will last for 3-4 weeks.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 562Total Fat: 48gSaturated Fat: 29gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 146mgSodium: 120mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 5gSugar: 16gProtein: 6g
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