Irish coffee offers the best of both worlds: caffeine and alcohol. Potentially three worlds, lest we forget about the heavy whipped cream that makes it delectable. If you’re looking for a perfect summer nightcap (or really, year-round nightcap), then one of these spiked coffees is definitely the way to go. Slàinte.
Best of NYC Irish Coffee: Fraunces Tavern (Financial District)
Who doesn’t love Stumptown coffee? At Fraunces Tavern, one of New York’s landmark restaurants, that’s exactly the brew they use in combination with the patron’s pick of Irish whiskey. A sprinkle of sugar and some thick cream get the rest of the job done. Established in 1762, they know what they’re doing here. 54 Pearl St., 212-968-1776, frauncestavern.com
Best of NYC Irish Coffee: The Dead Rabbit (Financial District)
Don’t let the name scare you off, because The Dead Rabbit’s Irish Coffee is not one you want to miss. The stemmed glass makes this drink appear as glamorous as it actually is thanks to its Sumatra Mandheling Coffee and Clontarf 1014 blend. As for the sugar? Demerara syrup is used to sweeten this drink up. Whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg tops it all off. 30 Water St., 646-422-7906, deadrabbitnyc.com
Best of NYC Irish Coffee: Ryan’s Daughter (Upper East Side)
The Classic Irish Coffee served at Ryan’s Daughter combines freshly brewed java and Irish whiskey with some brown sugar as a sweetener. Heavy cream finishes off the mixture, floating on top of the perfectly balanced beverage. Ryan’s Daughter also serves up a Daughters Coffee that tosses in a shot of Bailey’s for a sweeter taste. 350 E. 85th St., 212-628-2613, ryansdaughter.nyc
Best of NYC Irish Coffee: PJ Moran’s (Midtown East)
PJ Moran’s is a NYC staple when it comes to pubs with old-world charm. They don’t mess around with their drinks, instead serving up a traditional Irish Coffee that hits all the right notes. Sometimes you only need a little coffee, whiskey, sugar, and fresh cream to get the work done right. 3 E. 48th St., 212-753-6640, pjmorans.com
Best of NYC Irish Coffee: Betony (Midtown West)
For those who like things a little creamier, it’s time to order up an Irish Cream at Betony. A thick blend of heavy cream, Irish whiskey, demerara sugar, and egg yolks makes Bailey’s look like a joke. If you’re still missing your caffeine kick, you can always order a cup of joe on the side and create your own Irish Coffee at the table. 41 W. 57th St., 212-465-2400, betony-nyc.com
Best of NYC Irish Coffee: Foxy John’s (Midtown East)
Foxy John’s is one of the city’s rising hotspots (perhaps thanks to those $1 oysters served up all day?). While they offer up one of the most welcoming dining spaces in the area, it’s their Irish Coffee that seals the deal. You’ll feel like you’re sitting in the heart of Ireland with one sip from this beloved cocktail. 143 E. 47th St., 646-838-5534, foxyjohns.com
Best of NYC Irish Coffee: John Dory Oyster Bar (Flatiron)
John Dory’s signature Irish Coffee isn’t the most traditional concoction on this list, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best. Jameson and espresso come together with both brown and white sugar cubes to make this one of a kind Irish Coffee. So good, you don’t even need the cream on top. 1196 Broadway, 212-792-9000, thejohndory.com
