There are classics that can be tinkered with and then there’s Irish Coffee, a beloved masterpiece of a drink that sums up everything we love about the Irish—sweet and bold, strong and caring—in one glass. Here’s the most classic take on the drink.

When Joe Sheridan created the Irish Coffee, he first made it famous at the Foynes Flying Boat terminal in Co. Limerick before bringing it to the Buena Vista Café in San Francisco where it still reigns supreme. In the 1950’s the Irish Coffee travelled the world, becoming Ireland’s most famous cocktail and it’s still as great today—the ultimate welcome drink.

Ingredients

35.5ml of Irish Whiskey

120ml freshly brewed coffee

1 level teaspoon of Demerara Sugar/ 15ml Demerara Sugar Syrup

Lightly whipped heavy cream

Directions

Pre-heat a 6oz Irish Coffee glass.

Add the Irish Whiskey, coffee and Demerara sugar and stir well.

Pour the lightly whipped cream over a spoon to float on top.

Optional garnishes: grated Nutmeg or grated dark chocolate.

 

Originally published March 16, 2023

Neal McLennan

Neal McLennan