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What is Irish Coffee? History, How to Make It, and Recommended Ways to Drink It
Irish coffee is one of the hot drinks that will warm your body and soul during the cold season.
This drink is an exquisite combination of the bitter coffee, the aroma of whiskey, and the mellow cream, creating a luxurious taste that is almost like dessert.
In this article, we will introduce in detail the appeal, origin, how to make, and recommended ways to drink Irish coffee.
What is Irish Coffee?
An Irish coffee is a type of hot whiskey-based cocktail that generally consists of four ingredients:
- Hot coffee
- Irish whiskey
- Sugar (brown sugar or granulated sugar)
- Fresh cream (lightly whipped)
The layered appearance of these four ingredients in a glass is both beautiful and fragrant, making it popular not only as a cocktail but also as a dessert drink .
History and origins
Irish coffee is said to have originated in the 1940s at a restaurant at Shannon Airport in the west of Ireland.
At the time, this drink was invented by a restaurant chef to warm up American tourists stranded in bad weather.
This hot coffee with whiskey and cream on top was extremely popular and quickly spread all over the world. In the United States, the cafe Buena Vista in San Francisco is said to have been particularly instrumental in its popularity .
The charm of Irish coffee
The greatest appeal of Irish coffee is the temperature difference between the hot coffee and the cold cream, and the balance of alcohol and sweetness.
The first sip hits you with the smoothness of the cream, followed by the rich aroma of the whiskey, and finally the bitterness of the coffee. This trio brings you a deep sense of satisfaction unlike any other cocktail .
Another fun thing about this drink is that the flavor changes dramatically depending on the type of coffee beans and whiskey used, so it's fun to try out different combinations to find your favorite.
Basic recipe
You can now easily enjoy Irish coffee at home.
Here's a basic recipe:
Ingredients (for 1 cup)
- Hot coffee: 120-150ml
- Irish whiskey: 30ml
- Sugar: 1-2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
- 30ml fresh cream (lightly whipped)
How to make it
- Heat a heat-resistant glass with hot water (to maintain the temperature).
- Add hot coffee and sugar to a warmed glass and stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- Add the whiskey and stir gently.
- Finally, gently float the cream on top using the back of a spoon.
*The authentic way is to pour the cream on top without mixing it in. By carefully floating it on top with a spoon, you can create beautiful layers.
Tips and variations on how to drink it
If you want to enjoy the authentic style, don't mix it.
The authentic way to drink Irish coffee is to keep the layers of the drink intact .
If you put your mouth to the glass and sip the coffee through the cream, you can enjoy a rich flavor that combines the mellowness of the cream, the bitterness of the coffee, and the richness of the whiskey.
Flavors change depending on the type of sugar
There is also room for creativity when it comes to the sugar used to add sweetness. If you want to add richness , you can use brown sugar or cane sugar, which will give it a deeper flavor . If you want a lighter finish, granulated sugar is also fine.
How to choose whiskey and coffee
The whiskey used is basically Irish whiskey, but if you like a smoky flavor, you can substitute it with Scotch to create a unique taste.
We also recommend dark roast coffee, as its rich, bitter taste makes it easier to balance with the whiskey and cream.
We have a wide selection of dark roasted coffee beans that are perfect for Irish coffee. By choosing beans with a rich aroma and body, you can recreate the authentic taste at home.
Non-alcoholic versions also available
For those who don't like alcohol or are concerned about drinking alcohol at night, we also recommend a non-alcoholic version that uses whiskey-flavored syrup instead of whiskey.
You can enjoy the flavor without changing the appearance, making it perfect for cafe time with family and friends.
Summary: Enrich your coffee time with a special cup
Irish coffee is made with simple ingredients, but has a deep flavor and is a cup that makes the drinker feel special.
It's perfect not only during the cold season, but also as a finishing touch to dinner or to enjoy while relaxing .
With just a little effort, you can turn your usual coffee time into a luxurious experience.
Please enjoy your own Irish coffee with your favorite coffee beans and whiskey.
