Happy National Irish Coffee Day! Today, on January 25th, join us in celebrating the rich history of this beloved cocktail. Take a delightful journey through its wartime origins, where a group of passengers stranded at the airport during World War II inspired the creation of this iconic cocktail. Join us in discovering the perfect whiskey pairings, and don’t forget to try our recipes at the end, perfect for those cozy evenings when tradition beckons.

Cheers to celebrating the comfort of this timeless drink!

The History Behind the Cocktail

During the winter of 1942, amid World War II, a group of passengers found themselves stranded at Foynes Airport in Ireland due to inclement weather. At that time, Foynes had evolved into a significant civilian airport, serving as a pivotal hub for transatlantic flights featuring massive seaplanes.

Joe Sheridan, an adept chef and bartender at the airport's restaurant, devised a drink to warm the chilled passengers. He concocted a special beverage by blending hot coffee with a shot of Irish whiskey in each cup. To add a touch of sweetness, brown sugar was stirred in, and the drink was crowned with a generous dollop of cream as a float.

The passengers were thoroughly pleased with the cocktail, and when they inquired if it was Brazilian coffee, Sheridan cheekily responded, "No, it's Irish coffee." Thus, the iconic drink was born.

As Foynes Airport catered to public figures and Hollywood stars on transatlantic flights, the fame of Irish coffee quickly spread, ultimately reaching the shores of the United States. According to the story, in 1952, post-war travel writer Stanton Delaplane introduced Irish Coffee to the United States. He brought it to the attention of Jack Koeppler, a bartender at the Buena Vista Hotel in San Francisco, persuading him to replicate the drink. Koeppler, facing a challenge as the cream kept sinking, journeyed to Limerick, Ireland, seeking guidance from Chef Sheridan on the correct preparation method for this delectable coffee.

What Whiskey Pairs Best with Irish Coffee

Irish coffee typically features Irish whiskey, which must meet specific criteria, including being distilled from malt, grain, and barley, aged in wooden casks for a minimum of three years, and bottled in Ireland. Irish whiskey's nuanced, malty profile shines when aged in unconventional casks.

With four main categories—Blended, single malt, single grain, and single pot still— the choice of whiskey in any cocktail significantly influences the drink's flavour profile.

Read more about the different types of whiskey here. 

When making Irish Coffee, choose blended varieties for their smooth, spicily warm undertones that complement the coffee's bitter, roasted notes. Given that the coffee in this cocktail dilutes the whiskey, a relatively affordable option is often a wise choice. Other variations include Irish cream coffee (with Irish cream liqueur), Highland coffee (using Scotch whisky), and Kentucky coffee (substituting bourbon for whiskey).

Our Favourite Recipes

Original Irish Coffee
Perfect for those evenings when you crave the comforting embrace of tradition. View the original recipe here. 

Ingredients

• 2 tsp packed brown sugar, to taste
• 4 oz strong, hot coffee (we recommend Co-operative Coffee, available at all Co-op Food Stores)
• 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
• 1 oz heavy cream, lightly whipped

Directions

Add the sugar to a warm Irish coffee glass, mug, or other heatproof glass. Add coffee and Irish Whiskey and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Float the whipped heavy cream on top by pouring it over the back of a bar spoon. Do not stir in.

Iced Irish Coffee

Do you prefer your coffee iced? View the original recipe here. 

Ingredients

• 2 oz Irish whiskey
• 1 tsp Ground Espresso
• 2 tsp Sugar
• 3 oz Cold Brew Coffee
• Whipped cream (for serving)

Directions

Combine whiskey and espresso in a small bowl; let it stand for 15 minutes—strain whiskey through a coffee filter into a cocktail shaker.

Meanwhile, stir sugar and 2 tsp. Hot water in a small bowl until sugar is dissolved.

Add sugar and cold brew to a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Shake until the outside of the shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds—strain into a Collins glass filled with ice and top with whipped cream.

So, there you have it – the journey through the captivating history of Irish coffee, the perfect whiskey pairings, and a couple of cherished recipes to elevate your celebration. Let's make this National Irish Coffee Day truly special by joining us in the festivities! Share your delightful cocktails and tag us on Facebook and Instagram.

Cheers to creating memories and raising a glass together!