Irish Coffee is one of Ireland's most famous cocktails and originated in the 1940s. The story of this drink is linked to Foynes airport on the west coast of Ireland.
In the 1940s, transatlantic flights were long and difficult. Some flights had to turn back due to weather conditions. One night, due to bad weather, a plane bound for America returned to Foynes. The passengers were cold and tired.
“Sometimes a cup of warmth is enough to change a whole day”
To warm up the passengers, Joe Sheridan, the chef of the airport restaurant, added some Irish whiskey to the hot coffee and served it with cream. When one of the passengers asked if this drink was Brazilian coffee, Sheridan smiled and replied:
"No, it's Irish Coffee."
This drink quickly became very popular and became the most famous drink at the airport. Later, American travel writer Stanton Delaplane introduced this cocktail to America. The famous Buena Vista Cafe bar in San Francisco was one of the places that popularized Irish Coffee.
Today Irish Coffee is one of the classic hot cocktails known worldwide. The intense aroma of coffee, the warm character of whiskey and the soft texture of cream combine to create a balanced and relaxing drink.
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Ingredients
Unit System
40 mlIrish Whiskey
120 mlhot coffee
1 teaspoonbrown sugar
30 mlcream
(optional)a pinch of cocoa or grated chocolate
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Method
1
Add hot coffee to a heatproof Irish Coffee mug.
2
Add brown sugar and stir until completely dissolved.
3
Add Irish whiskey.
4
Slowly add the cream over a bar spoon to keep it on top.
5
Garnish with cocoa or grated chocolate and serve.
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Bartender Tips
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Use strong coffee - Fresh and strong coffee determines the aromatic character of the cocktail.
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Choose Irish whiskey - Irish whiskey provides a smoother and more balanced taste.
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Whipping the cream - The cream should be slightly runny so that it forms a layer over the coffee.
Irish Mule - A fresh, spicy and vibrant cocktail made with Irish whiskey, lime juice and ginger beer. With its slightly sour and aromatic taste, it offers a pleasant drink at any time.
Remember the Maine is a classic cocktail with strength and character, made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and cherry liqueur. With its slightly smoky touch and aromatics, it's a drink similar to the Manhattan family, but with a depth all its own.
