The Best Ever Classic Irish Coffee – Warms the Soul

Jump to Recipe Print RecipeClassic Irish Coffee is a wonderful way to warm up on a cold evening. The combination of coffee, cream, and Irish whiskey can’t be matched.The making of the Classic Irish CoffeeWell before espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, and frappuccinos, there was Irish coffee, which is still one of the world’s most popular drinks. How did all this come about? The first Irish coffee was invented at the flying boat terminal in Foynes, thirty-fives miles from Shannon in Ireland, by a bartender named Joe Sheridan. In 1943, a flying boat headed to New York had to turn back because of bad weather and Joe was asked to prepare hot food and drinks for the freezing passengers. He put a good dose of Irish whiskey into their coffees and topped it off with cream. I’m sure the passengers were well and truly warmed!The Buena Vista CaféIn 1952, Joe moved to San Francisco to work at the Buena Vista Café. There he met Stanton Delaplane, the journalist who had made his drink world famous. After sampling an Irish coffee at Foynes, Delaplane had flown home and worked out the proper proportions of ingredients. Practically overnight, a quiet neighborhood bar was turned into the most prosperous saloon in the city, all thanks to Irish coffee. Today the Buena Vista serves up to 2,000 Irish coffees a day. You can read more about the history of Irish coffee. Why You Need an Irish Coffee MugThe Irish coffee mug is traditionally used for serving Irish Coffees. It’s made of clear glass and features a squat stem and base to elevate the drink off the table or bar counter. Some versions come with a handle, while others (like those found at the Buena Vista) look more like stoutish wine glasses. The clearness of the glass shows off the beautiful layering of coffee and cream. If you want to brew up an authentic Irish coffee, you’re going to need a proper Irish coffee mug. Want Irish coffee in the summer? Learn how to make Irish coffee ice pops – strictly for adults – don’t let your kids get their hands on them!Want more hot coffee recipes for the coming colder weather? (Warning – non-alcoholic!)Café Bavarian Mint and Café Swiss Mocha Fireside Coffee Starbucks Smoked Butterscotch Latte McDonalds McCafé Peppermint MochaThis blog post contains an affiliate link5 from 1 vote PrintClassic Irish CoffeeLong before Starbucks, people were warming up with an Irish coffee. Course Drinks Cuisine Irish Keyword Irish Coffee Ingredients 4 ounces brewed coffee 1 ounce Irish whiskey 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar 3 tablespoons heavy cream, whipped firm InstructionsPreheat your Irish coffee mug by filling it with warm water, and letting is warm up the glass.  Pour out warm water before adding coffee. Pour 4 ounces of brewed coffee into a warmed mug.   Add 1 ounce of Irish whiskey, and add 2 teaspoons brown sugar.   Stir. Gently whip the heavy cream, (double cream) with a whisk.  It is important to keep the layers separated in the coffee.  This way the person will get the experience of tasting the hot coffee through the cool layer of cream.   Use a spoon, flipped over to the backside, and gently pour over the heavy cream.   If desired you can whip the heavy cream until it is firm and dollop it onto the coffee. Nutrition FactsClassic Irish Coffee Amount Per Serving Calories 257 Calories from Fat 144 % Daily Value* Total Fat 16g 25% Saturated Fat 10g 50% Cholesterol 61mg 20% Sodium 21mg 1% Potassium 55mg 2% Total Carbohydrates 9g 3% Sugars 7g Protein 1g 2% Vitamin A 13.2% Calcium 2.9%* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Prep Time 5 minutes Cook Time 5 minutes Total Time 10 minutes Servings 1 Calories 257 kcal