How to make an Irish coffee

Have you ever considered the Irish coffee?

Irish coffee is a fun and interesting twist on a classic beverage. This drink was created in the small Irish town of Foynes in 1942 by chef Joe Sheridan. A layover flight at the towns airbase was delayed by a harsh storm when the passengers came to the restaurant that was a frequented location during layovers, Joe who managed the restaurant, decided to prepare a special treat. He blended Irish whiskey and brown sugar to a dark brew coffee, topping it with fresh whipped cream, and so the Irish coffee was born. Its popularity has earned it a place in modern barista training across the globe.

What is the difference between a classic Irish coffee and the modern variations available today?

The original Irish coffee recipe consists of Irish whiskey, dark brew coffee, brown sugar and fresh whipped cream.
Over the years a modern recipe has emerged for those who have a taste for creamy decadence. The modern Irish coffee is fluid in its presentation of the traditional drink with many variations available, such as espresso infused whiskey, whipped cream flavoured with Stout or mixed with Irish cream and substitution of the brown sugar with a concentrated sugar syrup.

Which whiskey is the best whiskey for making this cocktail perfectly balanced?

The whiskey you use must be Irish whiskey, anything else and it is no longer an Irish coffee. As for the brand of whiskey, the best one to make your classic Irish coffee is Jameson’s Irish Whiskey. This well-known brand is used for its mild spice and subtle sweetness, perfect for the traditional Irish coffee.

There is no barista training needed to whip up a warming Irish coffee at home, simply follow the steps below!

To make an Irish coffee you need the following ingredients:

• 40ml Irish Whiskey
• 120 ml of fresh brewed dark coffee
• 20 grams of brown sugar
• Cream
• Nutmeg (to taste)

Procedure:

Step 1: Take a glass and heat it by filling it with hot water and then emptying it. This will aid with the blending of ingredients in the next step.

Step 2: Add your whiskey and pre-brewed coffee and sugar to your preheated glass sugar. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved. Set to the side.

Step 3: Put your cream in a mixing bowl, and whip using a whisk or an electric beater. We aren’t going for stiff whipped cream here, so whip it until you can pour soft peaks.

Step 4: Take your glass with your whiskey mix in it and gently spoon the whipped cream onto the beverage, floating it atop the liquid, then sprinkle it with ground nutmeg to taste.

Are you interested in learning more? Check out our barista courses and get your barista training started today!