A Wee Tale About the History of Irish Coffee

Imagine yourself getting off of a plane bound to or from any foreign country with a stopover or destination in the County of Limerick, Ireland circa 1942. Then picture yourself and your co-passengers exiting the warm, dry plane and entering into a cold, dark and rainy night, accompanied by strong winter winds that freeze your face the second your feet hit the ground. All you can think of is reaching that toasty airport pub, just a few dozen yards from touchdown, and that hot, steaming cup of coffee you’ll order to surely thaw your chilled body and mind.

You open the door, enter the cozy, welcoming atmosphere, find a seat at the bar and order your beverage. The bartender brings it and you relish in anticipation of that first, soothing sip… but wait! This doesn’t taste like any ordinary cup of coffee. It’s got a ‘bite’ to it and boy-oh-boy is it quickly warming my insides! What is this ‘magical’ drink? My friend, it is Irish coffee and its story began very similarly to this one.

Fact or Folklore?

There are actually a few different myths, if you will, regarding exactly how Irish Coffee got its start. But the general consensus is that it did indeed occur during a severe weather season, born of an airport bartender’s attempt to appease his chilly, tired and traveled customers. Some say at the request of a customer, others of the barkeeper’s own accord. But regardless of hard facts versus folklore, many coffee connoisseurs are very happy that situation yet transpired.

A Formula of Lasting Success

The recipe of Irish coffee is simplicity at its best. It begins with a heated mug, traditionally a tall, glass, footed vessel (commonly known to some as a goblet) with a conventional mug handle. Hot coffee is poured into the cup and a shot (or more depending on the patron’s taste and tolerance) of Irish whiskey is added. Drop in a sugar cube or two, stir and top with cream or real whipped cream–never, ever the canned or tubbed variety! Actually, you may be interested to know that the latter versions of whipped cream, the ultra-pasteurized supermarket assortment will deter from the whipped cream’s float ability factor, which is of course, part of the fun in addition to the wonderful flavor.

The Cup at the End of the Coffee Rainbow

Nowadays of course, Irish coffee is served at restaurants and cafés all around the world, brewed in some of the best espresso coffee machines and even commercial super automatic espresso machines. But you can easily create this delectable concoction in your own home as well by brewing your coffee with whatever type of machine you currently have, including an espresso pot, stovetop style. If you have never experienced the pleasure of Irish coffee, try it soon and discover your own enchanted cup at the end of the coffee rainbow.