This is one of my Favorites!  When its cold out and I want to share good cheer with friends. I went out and online and got its history and recipe so you could enjoy it too.

Irish Coffee

On a recent trip to Ireland, after a visit to the Foynes Flying boat 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!

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?

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!

Irish Coffee was born in Foynes, Ireland, a small village in Co. 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 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 who was on duty that day 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.” And 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.

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.

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Irish Coffee

Here are 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->  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 into it and allow it to 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 163Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 2g10%

Cholesterol 11mg4%

Sodium 5mg0%

Potassium 116mg3%

Total Carbohydrates 6g2%

Sugars 5g

Vitamin A2.1%

Calcium1.5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.