Coffee Special - Irish Italian Cheesecake Stallion

Chicago's Most Decadent Irish Coffee (Available All March 2026 at Chapel Street Café)

If you think you know Irish coffee, we've got a little surprise for you.

This March at Chapel Street Café in Chicago, we're serving something truly special: The Irish-Italian Cheesecake Stallion. It's a rich, indulgent coffee cocktail that blends Irish whiskey tradition with Italian sweetness and pastry-level decadence.

And yes, it's exactly as outrageous—and delicious—as it sounds.

This drink isn't just a clever name. It's actually the first-place winning recipe from the 2020 Slane Irish Whiskey Bartenders & Baristas Irish Coffee Competition, a contest that brought together some of the most creative coffee and cocktail minds in the industry. 

IRISH ITALIAN CHEESECAKE STALLION

We've recreated it here at Chapel Street for a limited run all through March, just in time for St. Patrick's Day.

What Makes the Irish-Italian Cheesecake Stallion Special

At its core, the drink is a beautifully balanced Irish whiskey coffee cocktail, but with layers that push it far beyond the standard pub version.

Here's what goes into it:

• Browned Butter–Washed Whiskey

• Licor 43 for warm vanilla sweetness

• Fresh Even Keel coffee

• Black Walnut bitters

• A thick layer of Cheesecake whipped cream

• Finished with a dusting of cinnamon

The result?

Something between an Irish coffee, an espresso cocktail, and a slice of cheesecake dessert—all in one glass.

According to the original competition build, the drink combines Licor 43, browned-butter-washed whiskey, and hot coffee, then finishes with black walnut bitters and a piped cheesecake whipped cream topping. 

In other words: coffee, whiskey, dessert, and magic.

The Secret Weapon: Browned Butter Whiskey

The flavor that makes this drink unforgettable is the browned butter–washed whiskey.

Butter is gently browned until the milk solids caramelize, creating deep nutty flavors. The butter is then infused into whiskey and frozen so the fat can be filtered out. What remains is whiskey with a rich, toasted, almost pastry-like flavor. 

It's the kind of ingredient you normally only find in serious cocktail bars or chef-driven kitchens.

Paired with coffee, it creates something incredibly smooth, warm, and layered.

Cheesecake Whipped Cream (Yes, Really)

Then comes the crown jewel.

Instead of ordinary whipped cream, the drink gets a cheesecake whipped cream topping made with cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a touch of salt. 

The texture is thick and luxurious, almost like a light cheesecake mousse floating on top of hot coffee.

Each sip pulls a little of that creamy topping through the whiskey and coffee below.

A Perfect St. Patrick's Day Drink in Chicago

Chicago goes big for St. Patrick's Day, and we wanted something a little more interesting than green beer.

The Irish-Italian Cheesecake Stallion hits that perfect sweet spot:

• festive but elevated

• indulgent but balanced

• comforting but still cocktail-worthy

It's ideal after dinner, during brunch, or honestly just whenever Chicago weather decides winter isn't finished with us yet.

Where to Try It

You can find the Irish-Italian Cheesecake Stallion exclusively at:

Chapel Street Café
Streeterville, Chicago

It's available all through March, but like any seasonal special, once the month is gone, so is the drink.

Why People Are Ordering It

Three words: comfort and spectacle.

Guests love it because it feels like:

• a craft cocktail

• a specialty coffee

• and dessert

all at the same time.

Plus, let's be honest: the name alone makes it impossible not to order.

Come Try the Stallion

If you're searching for:

• the best Irish coffee in Chicago

• a St. Patrick's Day cocktail near the Magnificent Mile

• or simply an unforgettable coffee drink

the Irish-Italian Cheesecake Stallion is waiting for you.

But only for March.

After that, the Stallion rides off into the sunset.