Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Celebrate with These Irish Coffee Recipes.
Get in the spirit of the season! Whether you want to listen to a little Irish music or wear green, St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. What better way to celebrate than a few of these fun takes on Irish coffee? All you need is some milk, some coffee, and some flavored syrups. We recommend Monin or Torani for flavorings. We’re also sharing some their great recipes.
The Fascinating History and Original Recipe of Irish Coffee
When it comes to iconic coffee cocktails, few can rival the allure and history of the classic Irish Coffee. This beloved beverage, with its warming blend of coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream, has delighted drinkers for decades. But where did it all begin? Let’s journey back to the 1940s to uncover the origins of this timeless drink.
The Birthplace of Irish Coffee
The story of Irish Coffee starts at Shannon Airport in Ireland, a bustling hub that welcomed numerous passengers from the United States, including Hollywood stars and notable political figures. During this era, the airport had recently opened a new restaurant, which quickly became a popular spot for weary travelers.
The young and talented chef, Joe Sheridan, worked at this restaurant. One cold and stormy night, as tired and chilled passengers arrived from their flights, Chef Joe decided to create a special drink to warm them up. Thus, the first Irish Coffee was born—a delightful concoction designed to lift the spirits and warm the bodies of those travelers.
The Recipe That Started It All
Joe Sheridan’s original Irish Coffee recipe is simple yet exquisite. Here’s how you can recreate it:
Ingredients:
Freshly brewed hot coffee1 tablespoon of brown sugar1 shot (about 1.5 oz) of Irish whiskeyFresh cream, lightly whipped
Instructions:
Preheat a glass by filling it with hot water. Let it sit for a few seconds, then pour out the water.Add the hot coffee to the warm glass, filling it about three-quarters full.Stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved.Add the Irish whiskey to the mixture.Top with a layer of lightly whipped cream by pouring it over the back of a spoon so it floats on top. Do not stir.
The result is a beautifully layered drink, with the warm coffee and whiskey at the bottom and the cool cream on top, creating a harmonious blend when sipped.
The Journey to America
Irish Coffee’s journey to international fame didn’t stop at Shannon Airport. The drink caught the attention of Stanton Delaplane, a well-known travel writer, during one of his visits. Enthralled by the drink, he shared his discovery with Jack Koeppler, the then-owner of the Buena Vista Café in San Francisco.
Determined to recreate this delightful beverage, Jack and Stanton embarked on a quest to master the recipe. After several attempts and a memorable trip back to Shannon Airport to learn from the source, they finally perfected it. The Buena Vista Café began serving Irish Coffee in 1952, and it quickly became a staple, drawing crowds eager to taste this Irish treasure.
A Timeless Classic
Today, Irish Coffee is enjoyed worldwide, beloved for its rich flavors and comforting warmth. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire on a cold evening or simply looking for a delightful treat, this classic cocktail offers a perfect blend of strong coffee, smooth whiskey, and creamy sweetness.
At Passport Coffee, we cherish the history and tradition behind this iconic drink. We invite you to try making Joe Sheridan’s original Irish Coffee recipe at home and experience a piece of coffee history.
For more exciting coffee recipes and stories, stay tuned to our blog. And don’t forget to check out our selection of premium coffee beans, perfect for crafting the perfect Irish Coffee and other delicious brews.
We can’t forget the fun cereal Lucky Charms! Now you can create the cereal milk lattes. It’s magically delicious!
