Irish Coffee
An Irish Coffee is the ultimate warm and indulgent cocktail for cold winter weather. This classic cocktail combines hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and a dollop of whipped cream for a rich and creamy treat. It is often served after dinner as a dessert drink or as a cozy nightcap. The drink was a hit, and soon became popular with both locals and tourists alike. In the 1950s, Irish Coffee was introduced to the United States by a travel writer named Stanton Delaplane. Delaplane had tasted the drink at the Shannon Airport in Ireland and was so impressed that he convinced a bartender at the Buena Vista Hotel in San Francisco to recreate it. The bartender, Jack Koeppler, struggled to get the cream to float on top of the coffee, so he traveled to Ireland to learn the proper technique from Chef Sheridan. Today, Irish Coffee is enjoyed all over the world, and is often associated with the warmth and hospitality of Ireland. If you ever find yourself in Ireland, be sure to visit the Foynes Flying Boat Museum, where you can learn more about the history of Irish Coffee and even sample the original recipe created by Chef Joe Sheridan
How to Make It
If you want to make a delicious Irish coffee, you will need a few ingredients such as hot coffee, whiskey, sugar, and cream.
Here is a traditional Irish coffee recipe that you can easily make at home.
Variations
Irish coffee is a classic after-dinner drink that has been enjoyed for decades. While the traditional Irish coffee recipe calls for hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and whipped cream, there are many variations of this delicious cocktail that you can try. Here are some of the most popular variations:
Irish Cream Coffee
This sweeter variation on Irish coffee features hot coffee and Irish cream liqueur, a blend of Irish whiskey, cream, and sugar. To make it, simply pour a shot of Irish cream liqueur into a heatproof glass, top with hot coffee, and stir. Finish with a dollop of lightly whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Highland Coffee
Highland coffee features Scotch whisky as its primary spirit, lending the brewed coffee a smokier edge. To make it, simply replace the Irish whiskey in the traditional recipe with Scotch whisky. Finish with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Nutella Irish Coffee
This variation adds a chocolaty twist to the traditional Irish coffee recipe. To make it, add a spoonful of Nutella to the hot coffee and stir until it melts. Then, add a shot of Irish whiskey and a spoonful of brown sugar. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Irish Coffee Martini
This variation turns the classic Irish coffee into a sophisticated cocktail. To make it, shake Irish whiskey, brewed coffee, and a splash of simple syrup with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a dollop of whipped cream.
Irish Coffee Milkshake
This variation turns the classic Irish coffee into a creamy, frozen treat. To make it, blend brewed coffee, vanilla ice cream, Irish whiskey, and a spoonful of granulated sugar until smooth. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream.
No matter which variation you choose, Irish coffee is sure to warm you up and satisfy your sweet tooth. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation!
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz (40ml) of Irish Whiskey
- 3 oz (80ml) of hot coffee
- 1 oz (30ml) whipped cream
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
Instructions
- Fill a coffee mug with hot water and let it sit to heat the glass, before pouring the water away
- Add the whiskey and sugar to the hot glass first, then pour over the coffee
- Stir the mixture together
- Use the back of a spoon to gently pour the cream over the top of the drink, forming a floating layer
