Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee

Irish coffee is a popular mixed drink that combines coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, topped with a thick layer of whipped cream. It is believed to have been created in the 1940s by a chef named Joe Sheridan at the Foynes Flying Boat Terminal in County Limerick, Ireland.

The story goes that on a cold and rainy evening, a group of American passengers disembarked from a flight and asked for something to warm them up. Sheridan decided to serve them coffee with a splash of Irish whiskey, and to make it look more appealing, he topped it off with whipped cream. One of the passengers asked if it was Brazilian coffee, to which Sheridan replied, “No, that’s Irish coffee.”

The drink quickly gained popularity and was soon served in bars and restaurants across Ireland. In 1952, a journalist named Stanton Delaplane brought the recipe to the United States and introduced it to the Buena Vista Café in San Francisco. The café still serves Irish coffee to this day and claims to have served over 30 million of them.

Making Irish coffee is a simple process, but it requires a few key ingredients and the proper technique. First, you will need a heatproof glass, such as a mug or a stemmed glass. Next, brew a strong cup of coffee and add sugar to taste. Some people prefer to use brown sugar, which gives the drink a slightly different flavor.

Next, add Irish whiskey. The most traditional type of whiskey to use is Jameson Irish Whiskey, but any good quality Irish whiskey will do. The amount of whiskey can vary depending on personal preference, but a general rule of thumb is to use about 1 ounce (30ml) per serving.

Finally, top the drink off with a thick layer of whipped cream. This can be made by whipping heavy cream with a little sugar, or you can use pre-made whipped cream from a can. The cream should be spooned gently on top of the coffee so that it floats, and it should be slightly thicker than the coffee.

Directions

1. Fill a heat proof mug with with Coffee
2. Sweeten to taste
3. Add 30ml/1oz of Irish Whiskey
4. Top with Whipped Cream

The key to making a great Irish coffee is to serve it hot, and to enjoy it immediately. The whipped cream should be spooned on top just before serving, as it will melt quickly if left in contact with the hot liquid.

Irish coffee is a perfect drink to warm you up on a cold winter night, or to enjoy after a delicious meal. It’s also a popular choice for brunch or as a dessert drink. This simple yet delicious drink has become a classic and is enjoyed all over the world, from Ireland to the United States, and beyond.