The perfect ending to a perfect St. Patricks Day!
Every St. Patrick's day we finish our celebrations with an Irish Coffee. And every St. Patrick's Day we kick ourselves for not making Irish Coffees more often! This delicious cocktail is the perfect after dinner drink when you just want a little something. Heck, you might even want to start your day with one of these!
Irish Coffee was first served in 1943 by Joe Sheridan at Foynes Airbase in Limerick Ireland. The Chef created the drink to serve to stranded passengers who returned to Foynes after bad weather forced the captain to turn the plane around. When Foynes Airbase closed in 1945, Sheridan moved to Shannon Airport and brought his Irish Coffee. As Shannon Airport soon became a transatlantic hub the Irish Coffee became popularized amongst travelers and spread across the world.
One of our favorite times to enjoy an Irish coffee, other than St. Patrick's Day, is as a much deserved reward after climbing to the peak of Croagh Patrick. The quaint Campbell's pub at the base of the mountain is the perfect spot to enjoy this popular cocktail after the climb and breathtaking views of Clew Bay in County Mayo.
RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
4 oz. strong coffee
1-2 oz. heavy cream
2 oz. Irish whiskey
1 barspoon sugar
garnish: sugar/nutmeg/cocoa
DIRECTIONS
Brew your coffee stronger than usual. If you have an espresso machine, a long pour or espresso is perfect for this. Partially whip your heavy cream. The idea here is that you want enough air to be incorporated into the cream so that it will float, but you also want to be able to pour the whipped cream. You can whip the cream as is or add some sugar for a touch of sweetness.
This cocktail will be built in the glass. You will want to use a glass that is clear, heat tempered, and can hold at least 7 oz. Ideally you will want to use a stemmed goblet or a footed coffee glass.
Add whiskey to glass. Add a barspoon of sugar (if you have simple syrup, 1/2 oz. can be used). Pour in hot coffee, leaving about 1/2 inch of room for the cream. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Gently pour in whipped cream to the rim of the glass. Your whipped cream should float on top, creating two distinct layers. You can serve as is or garnish with some sugar, nutmeg or cocoa. Personally we enjoy the crunch that a sprinkle of demerara or cane sugar adds.
Last but not least, enjoy!
MODIFICATIONS & TIPS:
Though Irish whiskey is traditionally used to make the Irish coffee "Irish", any whiskey you have on had can be substituted.
Any sugar or sugar alternative can be used to fit your dietary needs. You might have to adjust the amounts and taste as you go to find your desired sweetness. Irish coffee is traditionally only slightly sweetened, but if you like it sweeter, make it sweeter. Brown sugar or maple syrup are great substitutes that add extra flavor.
If you whipped your cream too much and cannot pour it, don't worry! Simply spoon it on top and smooth it out. Alternatively, if you have some un-whipped heavy cream left over, fold it in with the whipped cream until you reach a fluffy yet pourable consistency.
For a vegan alternative, whipped coconut cream can be used instead of heavy cream.
For a super easy version of an Irish Coffee, omit the sugar and substitute the Irish whiskey for 2 1/2 oz. of honey whiskey. Since honey whiskey can be lighter in alcohol you want to slightly increase the amount you use
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