As per usual, there's more to the dram than meets the 'uncaffeinated' eye. From the name to its predecessors, here is all you'll (extremely likely) ever need to know about Irish Coffee, but most of all - should you have one, pronto?
- History of Irish Coffee
- Why is it called Irish coffee?
- What does Irish coffee taste like?
- How to make Irish coffee?
- Which coffee to use for Irish coffee?
- Which Whiskey to use for Irish coffee?
- Differences between Irish & Scottish Coffee
- Which Whiskey to use for Scottish coffee?
Here's our short list of pros and cons:
PROS:
+ Rich history
There's a fun story on how Irish Coffee was created - 'The one with Joe Sheridan.' The damp and shivering travelers he set to warm up in body and spirit inspired the head chef at the Irish restaurant by the airport.
But it was the Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Stanton Delaplane who is widely credited (also by himself) with bringing the cocktail to San Francisco - catapulting it to long-drink-superstardom. Allegedly, he even went on a cream-oriented excursion to the motherland to ensure texture authenticity.
However, there are many 'recorded' Irish-Coffee-like concoctions predating the two men like the Maria Theresia or the Biedermeier-Kaffee from the early 1900s Vienna.
Why is it called Irish coffee?
Even the tale of the tipples’ name alludes to its relative commonality. Supposedly, one of the Foynes Port restaurant passengers asked if that was Brazilian Coffee, and he answered: 'No, it's Irish Coffee.’
You guessed it! There's Jamaican Coffee made with Rum, Russian Coffee made with (say it out loud) Vodka, and such.
What does Irish coffee taste like?
It tastes like the final boss of creamy, comforting, and sweet coffee washed in your favorite Spirit. *Aggressively salivates in Gaelic*
How to make Irish coffee?
Gaelic Coffee, or properly 'Caife Gaelach,' is conventionally served in a toddy glass where you're to combine hot coffee, brown sugar, Irish Whiskey of choice, and finish it with gently whipped heavy cream.
+ Delicious Coffee
Which coffee to use for Irish coffee?
The OG recipe for Irish Coffee asks for a hot, strong brew, but you'll also find it mixed with iced coffee at warmer locations.
For the most part, any freshly-brewed espresso, filter coffee, or American coffee will do.
Many prefer a dark roast coffee (the Parisian roast and press amongst the most regarded), but you can also use something like Colombian roast for a lighter variation. Just make it hot, thick, and delicious.
+ Irish Whiskey
Which Whiskey to use for Irish coffee?
When it comes to choosing the proper Irish Whiskey, there're many roads to take. The most effective being - go with something you like.
If your go-to Erin's finest doesn't pop to mind and you're looking to go beyond the classic Jameson, these are the drams you'll find can bring a certain twist to your mix.
Generally speaking, you'll have fewer challenges achieving a balanced and tasty drink with a blended Irish Whiskey due to their gentler palates.
- Teeling 30 Year Old
- Bushmills Black Bush,
- Redbreast 12 Year Old,
- Knappogue Castle 14-years-old
These four will bring out different characters. To brush up on your taste types, browse our selection of best Irish Whiskey under $100, and you’re good to go.
CON:
You Can Make Scottish Coffee Instead
Differences between Irish & Scottish Coffee
This could be a controversial statement at first glance, but Scotch buffs matter here.
The cocktail mentioned above consists of pretty much the same ingredients as for Irish Coffee. A hot, fresh cup of coffee, a sweetener (many use vanilla, or even a simple syrup), Scottish Whisky you prefer. Some add a little citrusy twist at the end to balance the drink out, but you're free to experiment as long as the ultimate coffee lover's experience remains intact.
Scottish Whisky
Which Whiskey to use for Scottish coffee?
Like its Irish cousin, this drink doesn't usually play nice with the heavier palates, so go with something less peaty and punchy.
The silkier, the better, could be a rule here! We're thinking:
- Glenkinchie 12-Year-Old,
- Bruichladdich Classic Laddie
- The Balvenie 14-Year-Old Caribbean Cask
But if you fancy doing deeper down the coffee-Scotch pairings, check our selection of best Scotches under $100 and get busy. We'd love to know what you come up with.
What's Your Verdict?
Make sure to let us know below or on social media - will you be making an Irish Coffee inspired drink soon?
No matter your initial response, wait until you're tired, cold, and sick of the winter - you might need one sooner than later! Remember to include your proud Uncle Bob in the post!
