Ireland is known for it’s history, beautiful landscapes, hearty food and Guinness Beer. Ireland is also known for Irish coffee. Irish coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks, yet not that much is known about why and how it became so popular. Today is National Irish Coffee Day so we thought we’d some information on this popular coffee drink. What better drink for the winter months than a mug of strong coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and a topping of cream?
In 1943, on a cold and wet day, weary travelers found their way to a small restaurant. Chef Joe Sheridan served them spiked hot coffee to warm them up, and this is how Irish Coffee was discovered. Irish Coffee became a huge success and an airport specialty.
A travel writer, Stanton Delaplane brought Irish coffee to the Buena Vista Café in the United States on November 10, 1952, after having it at Shannon Airport. After much trial and error (the cream kept sinking,) sampling, and a trip back to Ireland for another taste of the original they got it right.
Want to make your own Irish Coffee? Start with warm glass, fill 2/3rds full of freshly brewed coffee and stir in a heaping teaspoon of sugar. Add 1 ounce of Irish whiskey. Adding the cream so it floats is the tricky part. Use cream that is 48 hours old or whipping cream that has been lightly whipped (not whipped cream). When the coffee has stopped swirling from stirring in the sugar, pour the foamy cream over the back of a spoon.
Irish Coffee – Royal Caribbean Cruises
While in Cork, Ireland, Royal Caribbean offers a shore excursion that includes an Irish Coffee. Sip some of this distinctive drink, first concocted in 1943 at an air field in County Limerick.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Jameson’s Irish Whiskeys
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Hot Coffee
- Whipped Cream
Instructions
- Combine the first three ingredients in a glass and stir gently until sugar dissolves.
- Top with whipped cream.
Carnival Cruises & NCL Cruises also have their own version of Irish coffee.
Whether you’re a culture chaser seeking a good story over a local pint or a bit of an adventurist determined not to miss bucket-list activities, we make it easy to tap into your passion. From foodies craving to sip and savor, families and friends celebrating milestones and chasing memories, there’s something here for everyone. That’s the magic of Ireland and Scotland and we can help you discover it. Browse our selection of Ireland tours for inspiration and then call a travel specialist to craft your own custom Ireland vacation.
