Contemporary Classics IBA
Irish Coffee
Coffee in a winter coat
Hot coffee spiked with Irish whiskey and topped with cold, thick cream creates a layered contrast of warm and cool, bitter and sweet. A hug in a glass.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 oz Irish Whiskey
- 2 3/4 oz Hot Coffee
- 1 barspoon Sugar
- 1 1/3 oz Cream
Method
Warm the glass. Add sugar and hot coffee, stir to dissolve. Pour in Irish whiskey. Float lightly whipped cream on top by pouring over the back of a spoon. Do not stir after adding cream.
Created by chef Joe Sheridan at Foynes' Port, Ireland, in late 1944 – early 1945. Popularized in San Francisco when travel writer Stanton Delaplane worked with Jack Koepple of the Buena Vista Café (perfecting the cream-floating technique on November 10, 1952). Per Difford's Guide #1021. IBA Contemporary Classics list.
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