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Irish Coffee

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On a recent trip to Ireland, after a visit to the Foynes Flying Boats museum our tour guide with the willing help of my brother-in-law demonstrated how to make a true Irish Coffee. I find Irish Coffee to be absolutely delicious, given my undying love for two wonderful things: coffee and whiskey!

Irish coffee in the original recipe glass from Foynes, Ireland

There, you learned something sordid and interesting about me. The reason for this love? Whiskey warms your spirit (no pun intended) and your body too. And coffee? Well, what’s not to love?

 

Irish coffee demonstration at Foynes flying boat museum

My brother-in-law Joe: The expert Irish coffee maker!

How did it come to be?

Until recently I had no idea where Irish Coffee originated or how it came to be. Was it just a made up name? Restaurants are notorious for making up  names to make dishes/beverages sound better than what they really are! The story about Irish coffee however, is far from made up. It is truly romantic and fascinating to boot. So, at the request of a good friend, I am sharing with you the true origins of Irish Coffee and of course, the recipe too!

It came from Foynes, Ireland. Really!

Irish Coffee was born in Foynes, Ireland, a small village in Limerick on the Shannon River. Foynes is closely linked to the era of transatlantic aviation in the 30’s and 40’s. Early transatlantic planes did not possess the flying range to make it across the Atlantic in one shot. Foynes happened to be the last port of call before crossing the pond.  If the weather was bad, the planes could not fly or would have to return to Foynes until the weather conditions improved.

The Foynes lounge

The base at Foynes had a small restaurant that catered to patrons of air travel. Our guide told us that on a certain day in 1942 when the weather was exceptionally bad, a group of weary passengers, pilot and crew, were forced to return to Foynes to await better flying conditions. Chef Joseph Sheridan felt sorry for these weary travelers. At the request of his boss, he came up with a drink to warm up the passengers and crew.

Sheridan mixed coffee, Powers Irish whiskey, raw sugar and topped it with whipped cream (the real stuff of course). Passengers were delighted with the beverage. One of them asked: “Is this Brazilian coffee?” Sheridan replied: “No, it’s Irish Coffee.” An thus it began. I told you it was a great story! Unfortunately I have not been able to find Powers Irish whiskey in the US, major bummer, but Jameson’s works quite well.

Powers Irish whiskey bottle and a glass on a bar

The Irish coffee we enjoyed at Foynes is without a doubt the best Irish Coffee I have ever had. Living in the frigid Northeastern U.S. I can tell you for sure that I will be enjoying my fair share of this drink in the winter months to come. Slainte!

BTW… if you are ever in Ireland, make sure to visit the Foynes Flying Boats Museum. It is fascinating.

If you are looking for more Irish recipes to make for Saint Patrick’s Day or anytime at home here are a few of my favorites to try.  Irish butter cookies are favorite melt in your mouth shortbread cookie recipe that does call for Irish butter, no substitutes.  If you want to make a hearty meal for your family then you have to try Dublin coddle with Irish bangers and vegetables or Guinness beef stew.  Serve these two hearty dishes with Irish soda bread or a sweeter version, Irish brown bread.

 

Irish coffee recipe and history from Foynes Ireland began with the flying boats in the early days of tran-Atlantic flight. | ethnicspoon.com
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Irish Coffee

Here is the authentic recipe and story of how Irish coffee came to be back in the early days of Trans-Atlantic flight from Foynes Ireland. 

Course Drink
Cuisine Irish
Keyword authentic, coffee cocktail, hot drink, hot toddy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: Change to adjust-> 1 serving
Calories 163 kcal
Author Analida

Ingredients

  • 1 cup coffee strong, black
  • 1 tsp sugar raw is best
  • 1.5 oz whiskey Irish
  • 1/4 cup whipped cream Use real whipped cream

Instructions

  1. For this recipe you should use a glass ( a wine glass works well).
  2. Heat the glass by pouring boiling water in it and allow it so sit for a minute or so. Dump out the water.

  3. Place raw sugar in the glass and add the coffee and stir.

  4. Add the whiskey and stir.
  5. Top with whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts
Irish Coffee
Amount Per Serving
Calories 163 Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Sodium 5mg 0%
Potassium 116mg 3%
Total Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Sugars 5g
Vitamin A 2.1%
Calcium 1.5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

Irish coffee recipe and history from Foynes Ireland began with the flying boats in the early days of trans-Atlantic flight. | ethnicspoon.com
The original Irish coffee straight from the source. Indulge in this boozy anytime treat at your next brunch, or because hey, every day is special. | ethnicspoon.com #irishcoffee #originalirishcoffee #brunchdrinks

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I love Irish coffee too, but I’ve always been curious as to how truly authentic those restaurant “Irish coffee” drinks were. Now that I’ve found your recipe, I think I’ll have to forgo the restaurant and bars rendition of it. I’ll be enjoying a glass of this at the end of the night, thanks to you. I’m so glad I found you on Totally Terrific Tuesday’s link up. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

    • Thanks Maria. Until I visited Ireland last summer I had no idea what a real Irish coffee tasted like. It is fantastic!! Yes, the restaurant versions pale in comparison. I am glad you found it too!!!!

      Reply

  2. What a wonderful drink recipe to have on hand to offer guests!
    I would love for you to stop by my blog and join our Something to Talk About link party!
    Have a great day!
    Karen

    Reply

  4. If you are ever in San Francisco, go try the Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista Cafe, 2765 Hyde St. They have perfected the drink and it is incredibly perfect on any San Francisco night.

    Reply

  13. I love Irish Coffee but so often when I get it out they don’t get it right… Maybe the coffee isn’t strong enough or the whisky wasn’t good enough… This St. Patty’s Day I think I’m just going to have to stick with your recipe!

    Reply

    • Thanks Leslie. No, they are usually not legit. This recipe comes straight from Ireland, and from the place where Irish coffee was born. I hope you have a chance to make it.

      Reply

  20. A Traditional authentic Irish coffee is made with pouring cream, the secret is getting the pouring cream to sit on top of the mixed coffee, whiskey & sugar without it leaking down into the coffee. This takes great skill so the cheaters use whipped cream. The pouring cream is important in that as one sipes the coffeee through the cream the tastes blend beautifullly together.

    Reply

    • I agree it is tricky pouring the cream. As I remember from our class at the Flying Boats Museum in Foynes Ireland, where Irish coffee originated, the pouring of the cream is key. Our instructor gave us the history of Irish coffee and how it was developed. I would never use whipped cream! Yes, the blending of cream and the coffee is indeed beautiful.

      Reply

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