What is Irish Coffee?

Irish Coffee is a classic cocktail made with:

Hot black coffee

Irish whiskey

Brown sugar (or white sugar)

Lightly whipped cream

Served in a glass mug, it’s a comforting drink, ideal for cold weather or after a meal.

A little history

Irish Coffee was invented in the 1940s by Joe Sheridan, a chef at Foynes Airport (near Limerick, Ireland).

He created it to warm travelers arriving on cold, rainy nights.

This drink became famous after travel writer Stanton Delaplane introduced it to the Buena Vista Café in San Francisco in 1952, where it is still served today.

 Classic Ingredients

Ingredient Details
Freshly Brewed Coffee: A strong, hot black coffee is ideal.
Irish Whiskey: Jameson, Bushmills, or similar.
Sugar: Brown sugar gives a richer flavor.
Cream: Lightly whipped so it floats to the top.
How to Make Irish Coffee (Traditional Recipe)

Preheat Your Glass: Pour hot water into a heat-resistant glass, then discard the water.

Add Sugar: Pour 1 to 2 teaspoons of brown sugar into the glass.

Pour in Coffee: Fill the glass about ¾ full with hot, strong coffee and stir to dissolve the sugar.

Add Whiskey: Pour one shot (about 45 ml) of Irish whiskey.

Top with Cream: Gently float the lightly whipped cream on the back of a spoon so it sits on top of the coffee.

Enjoy: Drink the coffee through the cream, without stirring!

Tips for a Perfect Irish Coffee

Use freshly ground coffee: A strong, full-bodied coffee complements whiskey perfectly.

Choose a good whiskey: A smooth Irish whiskey makes all the difference.

Cream texture: Lightly whip the cream so it’s smooth and not too stiff.

Glassware: A clear, heat-resistant glass mug will highlight the beautiful layers.

Optional garnish: A pinch of cocoa or nutmeg for a touch of originality.

Fun Fact

San Francisco’s Buena Vista Café serves over 2,000 Irish Coffees a day, making it one of the most popular cocktails in the world!