Stirred Up Stories: Irish Coffee - The Cozy Cocktail with a Global Heart

When the temperature drops and the wind howls, few drinks hit the spot like an Irish Coffee. Part cocktail, part comfort drink, it’s a warming blend of rich coffee, smooth Irish whiskey, sugar, and a cloud of whipped cream.

But the story behind this iconic drink is as rich as the brew itself — and it’s steeped in a bit of legend and hospitality.

The Origins: A Flight, A Foyer, and a Friendly Chef

Irish Coffee is said to have been created in the early 1940s at Foynes Airport (now Shannon Airport) in County Limerick. Legend has it that a group of weary American passengers were waiting out a storm, and the chef, Joe Sheridan, decided to warm them up by adding Irish whiskey to their coffee. Bartender Stanton Delaplane popularized it further at the Buena Vista Café, making Irish coffee famous worldwide. When asked if they were drinking Brazilian coffee, one passenger replied, “No, this is Irish Coffee!” And the name stuck.

While Joe Sheridan is credited with inventing the original Irish coffee, there’s some friendly debate over which Irish whiskey was used in that first iconic cup. Many sources point to Jameson as the whiskey Sheridan used, given its widespread availability at the time. However, other renowned brands like Tullamore D.E.W. and Paddy have also laid claim to being the whiskey behind the original Irish coffee.

In truth, these three beloved whiskeys were all popular choices in Ireland during that era, and any of them could have found their way into early versions of the drink. Regardless of which whiskey was used, what matters most is the magic combination of smooth Irish whiskey, rich coffee, sugar, and cream that has made Irish coffee a timeless classic.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 120ml Strong Hot Coffee

• 40ml Irish Whiskey

• 1-2 tsp Brown Sugar (to taste)

• Fresh Pouring Cream

Method:

1. Warm your glass (preferably a stemmed glass or Irish Coffee mug) with hot water, then discard the water.

2. Add the brown sugar and coffee, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

3. Take a spoon and hold it upside down just above the coffee’s surface. Slowly pour the cream over the back of the spoon so it gently floats on top without mixing. The cream should rest on top, creating a distinct creamy layer to sip through.

4. Serve without stirring, so you sip the warm coffee and whiskey through the cream.

   
   

Why it Works

Irish Coffee is more than just a cocktail — it’s an experience. The warmth of the coffee, the kick of the whiskey, the sweetness of the sugar, and the cool cream top combine to create a harmonious, comforting sip that’s perfect for chilly evenings or celebratory toasts.

Slán go fóill.