Irish coffee is a classic cocktail that combines hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and a layer of lightly whipped cream on top. It’s both a warming beverage and a dessert-like treat.
Interesting Facts:
- Origin: Irish coffee was created in the 1940s by Joe Sheridan, a chef at Foynes Port (a precursor to Shannon Airport) in Ireland. It was originally served to warm up cold and weary travelers arriving by transatlantic flights.
- Naming: When an American passenger tasted it, they asked if it was Brazilian coffee. Joe Sheridan replied, “No, that’s Irish coffee,” and the name stuck.
- Presentation: The whipped cream is floated on top by pouring it gently over the back of a spoon. This technique ensures the cream doesn’t mix with the coffee, creating its iconic layered appearance.
- Authenticity: Traditional Irish coffee is served in a specific type of glass with a handle and a wide rim, often called an Irish coffee mug.
- Famous Quote: Joe Sheridan described Irish coffee as:
“Cream as rich as an Irish brogue, coffee as strong as a friendly hand, sugar as sweet as the tongue of a rogue, and whiskey as smooth as the wit of the land.”
Would you like to know how to make one?