50 mL Irish whiskey
120 mL hot coffee
50 mL fresh cream (chilled)
1 tea spoon sugar
Pour the coffee, add whiskey and sugar, pour in the cream to form a clear layer.
Irish coffee mug
Cinnamon
Pour the coffee into a preheated glass, add whiskey and sugar, and stir until dissolved. Pour cream slowly to form a distinct layer.
Coffee cocktails, predating the iconic Irish coffee by at least a century, have a rich history. In mid-19th century Vienna, coffee houses served Pharisäer and Fiaker, both coffee cocktails presented in glass and topped with whipped cream. Around the same period in France, a blend of coffee and spirits was known as a gloria. The modern Irish coffee, however, has its roots in the 1950s, with several establishments vying for the honor of its creation. One popular story credits Joe Sheridan, the head chef at the restaurant and coffee shop in Foynes Airbase flying boat terminal, with inventing the now-classic recipe.
To prepare a traditional Irish coffee, start by pouring Irish whiskey and at least one level teaspoon of sugar over a cup of black coffee. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Next, take thick cream and carefully pour it over the back of a spoon held just above the coffee’s surface, gradually raising the spoon to float a complete layer of cream atop the coffee. This method ensures the cream sits perfectly on top, creating the signature look and experience of an Irish coffee.
In 1988, the National Standards Authority of Ireland published a guideline for Irish Coffee, known as Irish Standard I.S. 417, which has been discontinued as of 2020. Despite the basic ingredients of whiskey, coffee, and cream remaining constant, variations in preparation are common. Different types of coffee and brewing methods are used, with many modern recipes calling for espresso machines or fully automatic coffee brewers. The coffee in these variations is often a café americano (espresso diluted with hot water) or a type of filter coffee, sometimes brewed from coffee capsules.
In some bars, the cream used for Irish coffee comes from a spray can, while others achieve the traditional smooth layer by gently shaking fresh cream. These adaptations reflect the evolving nature of this classic cocktail, maintaining its core elements while embracing modern conveniences and personal preferences.
In essence, the Irish coffee has evolved from its rich heritage of coffee cocktails, adapting to contemporary tastes and technologies while preserving its fundamental charm and warmth.
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