Irish Coffee Ice Pops Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it transforms coffee and whiskey into a delightful adult treat that perfectly balances sweetness and bold flavors. Plus, making these boozy popsicles is such a fun and creative way to indulge on a sunny afternoon, bringing a touch of Irish charm to my day!

Immerse yourself in the delightful flavor fusions that constitute my Irish Coffee Ice Pops. I adore the way strong coffee, a splash of Irish whiskey, and granulated sugar come together in harmonious, almost symphonic, proportions.

Heavy cream bestows a lusciousness on the mixture, while a little bit of Irish cream liqueur ensures that every last drop is as chilled-out as it looks. Pop one of these into your mouth, and you’ll get the perfect balance of cooling and flavor.

Flavor ingredients:

* Wild Irish Whiskey— potent yet smooth. * Granulated sugar—so sweet it’s almost sticky.

* Heavy cream—guilty pleasure. * Irish cream liqueur—a drop, a lot, it’s all good.

Ingredients

Coffee: Antioxidants abound, and the flavor is beyond compare.

Sugar, in granulated form: imparts sweetness and substance, is high in carbs.

Whiskey from Ireland: Delivers warmth and a smooth punch.

Thick cream: Thick, creamy texture; adds richness.

Irish Cream Liqueur: An optional sweetness with a hint of vanilla.

Salt: Improves tastes, offsets sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups freshly brewed strong coffee
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup Irish whiskey
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Irish cream liqueur (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Brew 2 cups of robust coffee and let it cool a bit.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the warm coffee with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved completely.

3. In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup Irish whiskey, 1 tablespoon Irish cream liqueur, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and add to the main mixing bowl. Continue mixing until everything is well blended and the mixture holds together.

4. Evenly pour half of this coffee mixture into popsicle molds, filling them halfway.

5. Put the molds in the freezer for approximately 1 hour, or until the mix is partially set.

6. Combine 1/4 cup heavy cream in a bowl. Whisk until slightly thickened but not stiff.

7. Take the molds out of the freezer, and pour evenly the thickened cream on top of the coffee mixture in each mold.

8. With the leftover coffee mixture, fill each mold to the brim, stopping just shy enough to allow for expansion.

9. Place popsicle sticks in the molds and freeze them for no less than four hours or until they’re completely set.

10. After the pops have frozen, run warm water over the molds’ exterior to help free and gently extract the ice pops. Serve without delay and relish the pops in their fresh state!

Equipment Needed

1. Coffee maker or kettle (to brew coffee)
2. Medium mixing bowl
3. Small mixing bowl
4. Whisk
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Popsicle molds
8. Popsicle sticks
9. Freezer
10. Spoon or ladle (for pouring)

FAQ

• Can I use decaffeinated coffee in this recipe?You can, of course, use decaffeinated coffee if you want to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume.
• Is there a non-alcoholic version?You can leave out the Irish whiskey and Irish cream liqueur and substitute them with vanilla extract for flavor.
• How long do the ice pops take to freeze?In most instances, the ice pops will need approximately 4-6 hours in the freezer for a complete set.
• Can I use a different type of whiskey?Although Irish whiskey is the classic option, feel free to use any other type of whiskey you prefer.
• What is the purpose of the pinch of salt?The ice pops feature sweet flavors, and the salt contributes to making those flavors really pop.
• Can I adjust the level of sweetness?Certainly! You can tailor the sugar content to suit your taste.

Substitutions and Variations

Granulated sugar:
You can replace it with 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup, adjusting it to taste since these are sweeter.
Irish whiskey:
Substitute the same amount of bourbon or other whiskey, if you like.
Heavy cream:
If you’re looking for a substitute, use coconut cream or half-and-half if you want a lighter option.
Irish cream liqueur (optional):
Substitute a coffee-flavored liqueur like Kahlúa or a homemade blend of cream and vanilla extract for an alcohol-free version.

Pro Tips

1. Coffee Strength Matters Use freshly brewed strong coffee for the best flavor. If you prefer a less intense coffee taste, try using half coffee and half milk while brewing. This will give the popsicles a creamier texture without compromising the flavor.

2. Sugar Dissolution Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved in the warm coffee before proceeding to the next steps. Incomplete dissolution can result in grainy popsicles. Stir continuously until the coffee mixture is smooth.

3. Layering Technique For clean layers, make sure the first coffee mixture layer is slightly set before adding the cream. This helps prevent the layers from mixing. To achieve sharper layers, pour the cream gently over the back of a spoon to help it float evenly on the coffee layer.

4. Whipped Cream Variation You can incorporate an additional swirl effect by mixing a small splash of Irish cream liqueur into the slightly thickened heavy cream before adding it to the molds. This adds both a decorative swirl and an extra flavor dimension to the popsicles.

5. Quick Release Tip When ready to serve, run the molds under warm water for just a few seconds to help release the popsicles effortlessly. Avoid using hot water, as it can melt the popsicles too quickly.