How to Make the Classic Irish Coffee

399px-Irish_coffee_glass.jpg?width=374Irish coffee – that delicious hot drink combining coffee, good whiskey and cream – has become such a classic nowadays, that it hardly raises an eyebrow anymore. In fact, one might say that it has fallen out of fashion even. But once you try it, especially on a wet and cold evening, you will quickly become a fan! Why am I mentioning it here now? Because it was invented here in Foynes, at the airport, now the Flying Boat Museum. Legend has it that in 1942, a flight had set off for the United States, but had to turn back because of bad weather 10 hours later. In order to cheer up the frustrated passengers, Chef Joe Sheridan had added a whee drop of the good stuff to their coffees… and so a legendary drink was born.

Here is the official recipe (see me making and enjoying my Irish Coffee below)

Step One
In your Irish Coffee Glass, place a teaspoon and fill with boiling water for five seconds in order to properly “season” (pre-warm) the glass.

Step Two
In this pre-warmed glass, put one teaspoon of brown sugar and a good measure of good Irish Whiskey.

Step Three
Fill the glass to within 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the brim with really hot, strong black coffee. Stir well to melt all the sugar.

Step Four
Then c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y pour lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon so that it floats on top of the coffee.

Step Five
Do not stir after adding the cream, as the true flavour is obtained by drinking the hot coffee and Irish Whiskey through the cream.

Now, sit back, relax and enjoy, or as they say in Ireland, sláinte!

image: jules/stone soup

E-mail me when people leave their comments –

You need to be a member of Tripatini to add comments!

Join Tripatini