Irish Coffee

Irish coffee is a sumptuous cocktail made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream. It is a popular after-dinner drink and is often served in restaurants and bars all around the world.

The history of Irish coffee can be traced back to the 1940s in Ireland. The drink was created to warm up passengers at Foynes airport in County Limerick, where flights would stop to refuel during transatlantic flights. At the time, air travel was still in its infancy, and flying in unpressurized planes was uncomfortable and often cold.

The story goes that one evening, a flight was forced to return to Foynes due to bad weather. The passengers were cold and tired, and Joe Sheridan, the chef at the airport, decided to make them a hot drink to warm them up. He mixed some hot coffee with Irish whiskey and a little sugar, and topped it off with whipped cream.

The passengers loved the drink, and one of them asked if it was Brazilian coffee. Joe replied, “No, it’s Irish coffee.” The name stuck, and the drink became popular among air travelers.

In the 1950s, Irish coffee was introduced to the United States by a travel writer named Stanton Delaplane, who tasted it at the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco. The cafe’s owner, Jack Koeppler, was so impressed with the drink that he worked with the Irish coffee creator, Joe Sheridan, to perfect the recipe and bring it to the masses.

Today, Irish coffee is enjoyed all over the world and has become a beloved after-dinner drink. It is a symbol of Irish hospitality and warmth and is often associated with the cozy, comfortable atmosphere of traditional Irish pubs.

To make an Irish coffee, follow these steps:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of hot brewed coffee
• 1 1/2 oz of Irish whiskey
• 1-2 tsp of granulated sugar (or to taste)
• Whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Brew a fresh cup of coffee.
2. In a separate glass, add the whiskey and sugar.
3. Pour the hot coffee into the glass with whiskey and sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
4. Top with whipped cream.
5. Optionally, dust some cocoa powder or cinnamon on top of the whipped cream.

Enjoy your warm and delicious Irish coffee!