How to make an Irish Coffee?

How to make an Irish Coffee?

The legend of the Irish Coffee origins can differ slightly in tales but the true story is the Irish Coffee was created in the winter of 1943 by Joe Sheridan, chef at Foynes Port near Limerick, Ireland. Foynes was an airbase for transatlantic flights at the time that often carried political or Hollywood figures. The airbase was usually just a stop over for longer flights to refuel and often due to weather passengers would need to stay for the night and new restaurant was created to cater to these dignified passengers. 

One evening, a flight had to turn back to Foynes Airbase mid way through its journey. Chef Joe Sheridan, feeling empathy for the delayed, cold and weary passengers decided to whip up something special for them to drink. The story goes that a silence descended as everyone enjoyed this delectable concoction.

Whiskey needs special attention to detail to be made to perfection, and an Irish Coffee is no different. However, while Irish Whiskey takes at least 3 years (and 1 day...), anyone can make an Irish Coffee in 10 easy steps.

How To Make An Irish Coffee In 10 Steps: 

1. First, heat your glass with some boiling water. Make sure you have a metal spoon in the glass when adding the boiling water to prevent the glass from cracking. Why heat the glass? "Heating the glass keeps your Irish Coffee warmer for longer so you can enjoy the moment for longer"
2. Pour in a measure of Irish whiskey
3. Add in some coffee (if you are making an Irish Coffee at home, you may need to add the coffee granules and some boiling water too)
4. Add in 1 spoonful of sugar. Make sure the sugar is mixed into the coffee well. Check the bottom of the glass to make sure there on no granules left at the bottom… and now to add the cream, hold on, read the next step.
5. Whisk some cream in a bowl. Don’t whisk the cream too stiffly or you won’t be able to pour it, but a consistency that is pourable but thick, if you get me.
6. Turn a spoon upside down and place the tip of the spoon inside the coffee glass just on top of the coffee making sure that the edge of the spoon is touching the glass
7. Now slowly pour the whipped cream over the spoon. It should flow over the top of the spoon and land softly on top of the coffee. When you pour the cream gently it ensures that it doesn’t sink into the coffee
8. Sprinkle some chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top of the cream, or whatever is your choice.
9. Find the best seat in the house/pub/bar/hotel (beside a warm open fire on a Winter's day)
10. Now sit back and relax as the cool cream mixes with the warm Irish whiskey & coffee and enjoy the moment.