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Irish Coffee, What is it, where did it come from, and how to make it perfectly every time.
Irish coffee, a cozy, lively drink that is the ideal fusion of rich coffee, smooth whiskey, sugar and cream. Whether you are having one for a winter warmer, or an after dinner treat, Irish coffee is an absolute must try.
In this blog we will cover everything you need to know, from its interesting origins to the best way to brew it at home with Presto coffee.
What is it?
Irish coffee is a warm cocktail, made by blending together fresh brewed coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and whipped cream. It’s both a comforting beverage and an elegant desert.
The truly amazing thing about Irish coffee comes from its simplicity. The combination of strong coffee, sweet sugar, smooth whiskey and light creamy topping creates a perfectly balanced taste experience.
Where did it come from?
Irish coffee was invented in 1943 by Joe Sheridan, a chef at Foynes Port near Limerick, Ireland. Allegedly during one stormy night, Sheridan created the drink to warm up cold, tired passengers who had just landed after a transatlantic flight.
When asked if they were being served Brazilian coffee, Sheridan replied:
“No, it’s Irish coffee.”
The drink soon became a signature Irish welcome, later spreading internationally, with San Francisco’s Buena Vista Café famously popularizing it in America in the 1950s.
Read more about the origins here
What You’ll Need to Make the Perfect Irish Coffee:
Before we dive into the step-by-step recipe, here’s your Irish coffee essentials list:
Freshly brewed Presto coffee – We recommend Espresso Intenso ground
Irish whiskey - Smooth and mellow varieties like Jameson or Bushmills are ideal.
Brown sugar - For a warm, caramel sweetness.
Fresh cream - Lightly whipped, so it floats on top.,
Heatproof glass - Traditional style Irish coffee glasses add to the presentation.
How to Make Irish Coffee:
Here’s our Presto Coffee method for creating a barista-worthy Irish coffee at home:
1. Warm the glass
Pour hot water into your Irish coffee glass to heat it, then remove the water. This helps to keep the drink hotter for longer.
2. Add sugar and whiskey
Add 1 - 2 teaspoons of brown sugar to the glass, then pour in 40ml of Irish whiskey.
3. Pour the coffee
Add freshly brewed Presto coffee (about 120ml), stirring gently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Float the cream
Lightly whip fresh cream until it becomes thick but still pourable. Then gently pour it over the back of a spoon so it then rests on top of the coffee.
5. Serve without stirring
Sip the hot coffee through the cold cream for the authentic Irish coffee experience.
Tips for the Best Irish Coffee:
- Use ground coffee - Presto’s ground coffee ensures a rich, full-bodied base.
- Don’t over-whip the cream - Too thick and it won’t float smoothly.
- Experiment with sweetness - Some prefer less sugar; taste and then adjust to your liking.
- Preheat your glass - This small step makes a big difference in keeping your drink warm.
When to Enjoy Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is perfect for:
- Cold, slow winter evenings
- Festive celebrations like Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day
- After-dinner drinks as a dessert
- Special brunches with friends
Why Use Presto for Irish Coffee?
Here at Presto, we firmly believe that exceptional quality coffee makes exceptional Irish coffee. Our various blends are crafted for depth, smoothness and a perfect balance. Our coffee mixes perfectly with the whiskey and cream without being overpowering.
Final thoughts
Irish coffee is much more than a drink, it’s an experience. It has a heartwarming history, combining various flavours with elegant presentation. It’s the perfect way to treat guests or yourself.
Grab your favourite blend, a splash of Irish whiskey, and a little swirl of cream, and celebrate this classic drink.
