Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee

Like most tales from the Emerald Isle, the origin of Irish Coffee seems to have more versions of its history than could possibly be true.

The idea of mixing a spirit or liqueur with coffee most likely has heritage in other parts of Europe. The Viennese seem to have a drink similar, as do the French, but the most widely accepted idea is that a Chef in Limerick. Ireland, post WWII, working in a restaurant at Foynes Port (a flying airplane hangar that was a stop off for fuel) wanted to give his layover folks something to warm up on one of those blustery and chilly nights near the Irish Sea. So he devised a simple drink of strong, black coffee and simply added some sugar, Irish Whiskey (warms hearts and hearths everywhere) and a dollop of cream.

One such passenger, a travel writer for the San Francisco Chronically named Stephen Dalephane was fortunate enough to be warmed by the elixir and when back home in San Francisco, asked a local bartender at the Buena Vista Hotel to try and recreate. He did.

Debate the origin all you want but I think this “poem” says it best:

Cream – Rich as an Irish Brogue
Coffee – Strong as a Friendly Hand
Sugar – Sweet as the tongue of a Rogue
Whiskey – Smooth as the Wit of the Land

Irish Coffee

2 oz Irish Whiskey
1 t sugar (brown is best)
Fresh black coffee
2 oz heavy cream, poured over back of spoon to float


Related Posts

Making Coffee at Home – Perfect Iced Coffee

Making Coffee at Home – Perfect Iced Coffee

Did I tell you that my kid sister is staying with us again? More on that some other time (lets just say that she brings a new “smell” to this home of 4 males).  One thing she knows well is good coffee.  I introduced her […]

The Manhattan

The Manhattan

The Manhattan is one of the great cocktails of all time. The story goes that it originated, in New York City back in the 1870s as part of a social event, the term “Manhattan” stuck as part location, part social status. Traditionally made with whiskey, bourbon […]



Leave a Reply