What are the holiday celebrations without a bit of imbibing in something decadent?
For me, aside from a well curated charcuterie board and cheese cake, this is means adding a bit of sumpin’ sumpin’ extra special in my coffee. Honestly it’s usually a nice pour of Kahlua with a splash of cream, but if you want it to be extra special you should try a traditional Irish Coffee, which brings both the decadence AND the sumpin’ sumpin’!
Since it’s Christmas and I’d like to get back to some decadent imbibing of my own, I thought I’d share with you a post I wrote several years back on EpicuriousTexan (click on the ET link to go back in time to the original post!) about some theories of the history of this popular drink, along with the all important recipe to make your own without even changing out of your jammies or leaving the house! Also now is the time to perfect yours because in exactly a month–January 25–it will be National Irish Coffee Day and time to show off your IC skills.
Until next time, Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Why Are Irish Eyes Smiling?
Because they have Irish Coffee!
What? That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Of course, everyone knows my position of coffee (nectar of the gods–in case you’re new here!), but when you add cream and whiskey, well, kids, it just becomes magical!
There are several theories as to who created this wonderful drink. The most accepted theory was created in 1942 by Joe Sheridan who added whiskey to the coffee for passengers stranded at Foynes airbase. When someone asked if the coffee was Brazilian, good ol’ Joe responded with “no, it’s Irish Coffee.” He even coined the following when asked for the recipe:
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.
Just don’t tell Joe Jackson that, he claimed to have created it year before Sheridan’s famous airbase interaction. I personally think a nod to both Joes are in order, then again, maybe that’s why we call it a cup of joe?
With St. Patrick’s day only a day away, if you have never indulged in this delectable treat now it the time. For the rest of us, Sunday brunch is as good of time as any!
How to make it? Well, everyone tweaks it here and there, but the base is what good ol’ Joe Sheridan described. The National Irish Coffee Day website breaks it down for us:
…and in practical terms here’s how to make one: Pre-heat a clear stemmed glass with very hot water. Empty the water, and add 2 teaspoons of brown sugar. Now add some freshly brewed rich coffee and stir. As soon as the sugar is melted, add a generous measure of Irish whiskey (about 4 to 6 teaspoons). Stir again, and then wait for the brew to still. Now take a hot teaspoon and pour gently whipped fresh cream slowly over the back of the spoon. The cream should be not too stiff and not too liquid. A perfect Irish Coffee should look pretty much like that other famous Irish drink – Guinness! And remember never stir it because the coffee is meant to be enjoyed as you sip the warm, sweet nectar through the luxurious cream.
Speaking of National Irish Coffee Day, which is a real thing, it’s on January 25th–plenty of time to hone your Irish coffee making skills! Slainte!
Coffee & Cuss Words 