The Story Behind Irish Coffee and How To Make It
The perfect cure for a cold winter’s night, nothing warms the Irish soul more that a piping hot glass of Irish Coffee. What exactly is Irish Coffee? It’s a warm and robust concoction that combines freshly brewed coffee with sugar, cream and a hearty splash of Irish whiskey. No need to wait for the next St. Patrick’s day, let’s talk about what makes Irish Coffee so damn delicious and why you should, responsibly, drink this cocktail by the gallon.
Brief History of Irish CoffeeFor the past 100 years, many coffee cocktails have come and gone, but none compare to Irish Coffee. This drink reigns supreme. Legend has it that this hot beverage was invented by Irishman Joseph Sheridan during the 1940s. When a group of weary Americans walked into his coffee shop, disappointed that their failed flying boat ride was canceled due to bad weather, Sheridan wanted to prepare something to warm them up.
He then poured a healthy amount of whiskey into a steaming hot cup of coffee. The travelers asked if what they were drinking was Brazilian coffee, the chef simply told them it was Irish Coffee. A couple of years later, travel writer Stanton Delaplane wrote about this soul-warming beverage and brought the recipe back to the United States, where it became incredibly popular. And the rest is history.
The Stemmed Goblet
Just because this brew has the word coffee in it’s name does not mean you should pour it into any regular coffee mug. A special drink deserves a special glass. The glass of choice is a beautiful stemmed goblet. With a tulip shaped glass, you can prevent an over pour of coffee and keep all of the ingredients perfectly balanced. For a concoction like this, you’ll want to show off that thick layer of whipped cream. Here’s an important tip; Pre-heat the glass by pouring scalding hot water in the cup and wait for it to warm up. This will help prevent the temperature from cooling down once the cream and whiskey are added while keeping the coffee piping hot longer.
Which Coffee to Use in Irish Coffee
In terms of what kind of coffee to use, Irish Coffees tend to follow one cardinal rule. The robust taste of the coffee is meant to complement the alcohol, and is not to overpower. A medium roast is essential for a perfect cup of Irish Coffee. Black coffee is ideal. A coffee roast that is too strong and exotic flavor, like an espresso or an Americano, is not recommend for an Irish Coffee, because of their overwhelming bitterness can overpower the smooth Irish Whiskey. Make sure the coffee is fresh and isn’t sitting on the heat for too long.
It’s All About Irish Whiskey
Now, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite part to an Irish Coffee, the Irish Whiskey. The addition of whiskey sends this drink to whole other level. This cocktail requires a nice, smooth Irish Whiskey. Depends on what kind of Irish Coffee you prefer. For a more classic cocktail, Jameson Irish Whiskey or Tullamore D.E.W Irish Whiskey is recommend. Care for a spicier blend? Try Bushmills Black Bush. In the mood for a fruitier taste? Green Spot whiskey has a more mellow taste. No matter what kind of whiskey you choose to use, the alcohol should balance well with the strong coffee flavor and not overpower it in any way.
Cubed Sugar or Sugar Packet?
To add sugar cubes or simple syrup? That is the question. This has been a long standing debate with Irish Coffee connoisseurs. There are some who prefer their sugar packed in cubes. This way, the cane sugar dissolves more quickly and evenly in the drink. Some even swear by using brown sugar to achieve a deeper sweetness in their cocktail. On the other hand, others aficionados prefer the rich depth of flavor that comes with using simply syrup. With the honey like consistency, adding syrup to the mix will create a caramel taste in the drink. Which is the best option? That’s entirely up to your palate. Keep it classic with the sugar cubes or brown sugar. For those dark undertones of caramel, cook up your own simple syrup.
Whipped Cream on Top
Make the presentation pop with an extra sweet garnish. Grate fresh nutmeg over the top of the whipped cream. Nutmeg will bring those Christmas flavors and aromas of allspice and clove to the party. For an extra touch of sweetness, scrap some vanilla straight from the pod. Also, a cinnamon stick will add that warming spice to the cocktail. Whatever garnish you chose is entire up to you and your preferences. Adding a garnish will elevate the overall appearance of your cocktail and make your Irish Coffee picture perfect. You’ll definitely want to post images this drink all over your social media.
How to Make Irish Coffee
Need a pick me up on a cold rainy day? There’s no need to wait for St. Patricks day. You can make your own Irish Coffee to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
-First, pre heat the glass goblets until they are warmed.
-Brew the coffee until it is boiling hot. Pour the coffee into the pre-warmed glassess until it is about half to 3/4 full. Save room for the cream!
-Add your desired sweetener and allow the sugar to fully dissolve into the coffee, so that the flavor distributes evenly.
-Add in a shot, or two, of your favorite smooth Irish whiskey.
-Pour that smooth whipped cream over the back of a spoon. By doing this, this will ensure the cream to float to the top, creating that snow-top layer that is quintessential to an Irish Coffee.
-Finish it off with your preferred garnish if you so choose
And there you have it, the perfect cup of Irish Coffee!
Our suggestion? Put down the fancy frappa- moca- cappuccino concoction you always order at that expensive coffee shop. With a robust coffee brew, and the unmistakable heat of Irish whiskey, and that touch of sweetness from the cream and sugar, Irish Coffee is an awesome cocktail that is not to be missed.