Fall and winter bring with them the cozy charm of warming cocktails. One such elixir that’s often savored during these chilly seasons is the comforting Irish coffee.
But, what sets it apart from other coffee? Well, this classic concoction combines the invigorating kick of Irish whiskey with the rich warmth of coffee, sweetened by brown sugar and crowned with a dollop of whipped cream.
Sounds exciting? Let us take a deeper dive into the world of Irish coffee.
Exploring What’s an Irish Coffee?
From Foynes to Francisco…
Irish coffee’s journey from a humble invention to a global sensation is a tale that spans continents. It all began at Foynes Airport in Shannon, Ireland, during the 1940s. On a cold winter’s night, Joe Sheridan, the head chef at the airport, concocted a special drink to help warm up a group of weary travelers. He combined hot coffee with Irish whiskey, sweetened it with brown sugar, and topped it with whipped cream. Little did he know that he was creating a legend.
Irish coffee’s fame transcended borders when it landed in San Francisco in the 1950s. A journalist, Stanton Delaplane, tasted it at Shannon Airport, loved it, and brought the recipe back with him. The drink quickly became popular in San Francisco and then spread like wildfire throughout the United States, Ireland, and eventually, the rest of the world.
Crafting the Liquid Hug: Traditional Irish Coffee Recipe
The Essence of a True Irish Coffee
- Irish Whiskey: The heart and soul of this drink. Opt for a good quality Irish whiskey to ensure a smooth and robust flavor.
- Hot Coffee: Freshly brewed coffee is essential. It provides the base and warmth for the cocktail.
- Brown Sugar: This sweetener gives Irish coffee its delightful caramel notes.
- Whipped Cream: The crowning glory that adds a luxurious touch and balances the bitterness of the coffee.
Ingredients Required
- 1.5 oz of Irish whiskey
- 6 oz of hot coffee
- 1 tsp of brown sugar
- Whipped cream
Making of Irish Coffee
- Preheat your Irish coffee glass by filling it with hot water for a minute.
- Pour out the water and add the hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and brown sugar to the glass.
- Stir nicely until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the coffee into your Ocean Kenya Irish Coffee Mug.
- Gently float the whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
But, Why Only Irish Coffee Glass?
When it comes to serving the perfect Irish coffee, the choice of glassware is absolutely crucial. While there are different types of glass for drinks, Irish coffee has its own beau – Irish coffee glasses. The traditional Irish coffee glass is tall, slender, has a small handle, and features a tulip-shaped opening. This design is not just for aesthetic appeal; it plays a crucial role in enhancing the drinking experience.
The tulip top of the glass helps integrate the four key ingredients of Irish coffee – whiskey, coffee, sugar, and cream. This integration ensures that every sip is a harmonious blend of flavors rather than a disjointed mix. The small handle allows you to comfortably hold the glass without transferring heat from the coffee to your hands.
Using a traditional Irish coffee glass is recommended over any other coffee mug because it not only preserves authenticity but also elevates the visual and sensory experience of sipping on this elixir.
Irish Coffee Mugs by Ocean Glassware
Kenya Irish Coffee Mugs by OceanGlass is a renowned name in the world of glassware, as they are a beautiful blend of modern design and functionality. These mugs present a contemporary elegance, feature a comfortable handle for a firm grip, and hold versatility that doesn’t limit them to Irish coffee alone. Sláinte!
