Celebrate National Irish Coffee Day: The Perfect Blend of Coffee and Whiskey Around the World
Irish coffee has now become one of the most popular drinks worldwide. The combination of hot coffee, whiskey, sugar and cream has come to symbolise warmth, hospitality and the rich culture of Ireland. As we honour the classic drink today - it’s important to know its history and origin. The legend has it, the coffee originated in Foynes, a small town in Limerick.
In late 1940’s, Foynes was an important hub for flights travelling between Europe and North America. All it took was a bunch of weary passengers from a Pan Am flight at the airport for Joe Sheridan, the head chef at the restaurant and coffee shop at the airport to brew a pot of coffee and add a splash of Irish Whiskey to each cup and top them off with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and called it Irish Coffee.
Being a versatile drink, you can enjoy a glass of Irish coffee any time of the day but there are a few occasions where it hits different! Some of the best times to enjoy the drink according to us are:
- Cold Winter days – Nothing more comforting than a warm strong beverage on a chilly winter night. The most ideal drink to sooth your body and soul.
- Brunch with the gang – Another great occasion to enjoy with the gang when you’re out for brunch on the weekends. Especially if it’s a special birthday or anniversary brunch that you’re celebrating.
- St. Patrick’s Day – Of course! Perfect occasion to the get into the holiday spirit.
- National Irish Coffee Day – Naturally, we have to! Just to honour the day!
More of Irish coffee Around The World
As Irish coffee was an integral part of New York’s culture, it soon became a staple in bars and cafes with its own variations to cater to local taste. It also reached Canada where its widely served at ski resorts and cosy spots across the country. In fact, a lot of these cafes have modified the drink with Canadian whiskey giving it a Canadian twist.
Irish coffee has even reached Latin America. In Mexico and Colombia, they switch up the whiskey for Kahlúa (coffee liqueur) to enhance the coffee flavour. In Brazil, Irish Coffee is popular, but the coffee is usually much stronger and more robust, owing to Brazil's coffee culture. They may add a dash of cachaça (a Brazilian sugarcane spirit) alongside the whiskey for a regional twist, or serve it with a layer of dulce de leche cream to add a caramelised sweetness.
The Cultural Significance of Irish Coffee in Ireland & Worldwide
Irish coffee holds a special place in Ireland’s cultural heritage, not only as a popular drink but also as a symbol of hospitality, warmth and national pride. The Irish pub is an internationally recognised symbol of Irish culture, known for its welcoming atmosphere and sense of community. Many pubs in Ireland serve Irish Coffee, not just as a drink, but as part of the pub experience. It's a drink that can be shared with friends, enjoyed after a meal, or savoured during a conversation by the fire. The cultural symbolism of Irish Coffee has also found its way into popular television shows & movies like "The Simpsons", "The Office" & “Ps. I love you” have referenced Irish Coffee, reinforcing its association with comfort and the Irish way of life.How to make Irish Coffee at home
All this Irish Coffee talk calls for a Java Republic special recipe with a spicy twist!
Here’s how you can make the perfect Irish coffee with a Java Republic twist-
Double Espresso
Warm Spices Syrup
Irish Whiskey
Hot Water
Fresh Cream
Optional Garnishes: Nutmeg
Preparation 12oz cup/glass:
1. Prepare a double espresso.
2. Add 2 pumps (approx. 15ml) of Warm Spices Syrup to the glass.
3. Add 35.5ml Irish Whiskey.
4. Pour in the coffee.
5. Top up with hot water, leaving space for the cream at the top.
6. Pour fresh cream, gently shaken, using the back of a spoon to guarantee that the cream stays on top of the coffee.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg
