If you're looking for a way to shave off winter's chill, Irish coffee is the perfect warm coffee drink that combines its sweet, creamy flavor with a kick of whiskey. This hot beverage is traditionally made with 4 main ingredients: coffee, cream, sugar and whiskey. The steps here will walk you through how to make the perfect cup of Irish coffee.

• If you will be doing any entertaining this winter, you might want to consider serving Irish coffee to your guests. The beverage was invented in Ireland during World War II and brought to the United States in 1952 by the owner of the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco, California.Cocktail Times: Irish Coffee The information provided here will teach you the traditional recipe for Irish coffee, as well as provide you with different variations.

1. Warm the mug to avoid cracking.
2. Use heavy cream.
3. Thicken the cream by whisking.
4. Use the back of a spoon when pouring the cream.

• Water
  • You will need 6 oz for each cup.
• Coffee grounds
  • You will need to measure 2 tbsp for every 6oz of water.
• 2 tsp sugar
  • You can use either white or brown sugar, although brown sugar gives the best results.Irish Network Japan: Irish Coffee - The Recipe and Its History
• 1 oz of whiskey
  • Adjust this amount for for your particular taste.Start Cooking: Irish Coffee
• Heavy cream

• Coffee Maker

• Glass

• Bowl

• Whisk

• Spoon

1. Run the glass under hot water to prevent it from cracking when the hot coffee is poured.Irish Network Japan: Irish Coffee - The Recipe and Its History
2. Fill the glass with hot water and let set as you brew the coffee.
3. Add tap water to your coffee maker's water reservoir. You will need about 6 ounces of water per person.
4. Place a coffee filter in the basket.
5. Add about 2 tbsp of coffee grounds for every 6 oz of water.National Coffee Association: How to Brew Coffee
   • - For a complete guide on brewing the perfect portion of coffee, make sure to read Mahalo's guide on How to Make Good Coffee.
6. Turn the machine on and wait for the coffee to brew.
7. Empty the mug of the hot water.
8. Fill the mug 2/3rds of the way full with coffee.
9. Pour in the whiskey.
10. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. The sugar will help the cream float.Start Cooking: Irish Coffee
11. Thicken the cream by gently whisking it in a bowl.
12. Slowly pour the cream over the back of the spoon until about a 1/2 inch is floating on top of the coffee. The cream is meant to float since traditional Irish coffee is best tasted when sipped through the cream.Irish Network Japan: Irish Coffee - The Recipe and Its History

1. You can use whipped cream rather than heavy cream if desired.Cocktail Times: Irish Coffee

2. Use hot chocolate rather than coffee.Cocktail Times: Irish Coffee

3. Add green Creme de Menthe over the top of the cream for Saint Patrick's Day.Start Cooking: Irish Coffee

4. Add a dash of nutmeg.All Recipes: Irish Coffee