Why Is It Called Irish Coffee?
Irish coffee is named after the country of Ireland and its origins can be traced back to the 1940s. It is said that the drink was first created by a chef at Foynes Airbase in County Limerick, Ireland, who wanted to warm up passengers who had just arrived from a transatlantic flight. He added whiskey to their coffee to warm them up, and the combination was so popular that it soon became a staple of the Irish bar scene.
The name “Irish coffee” was coined as a nod to the origin of the whiskey used in the drink and the country in which it was first served. The whiskey used in an Irish coffee is traditionally Irish whiskey, which is known for its smooth and creamy flavor, making it a perfect addition to the coffee.
Today, Irish coffee is enjoyed all over the world and is often made with hot coffee, whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream, served in a tall, clear glass. The combination of the warm coffee and the sweet, creamy whipped cream is what makes Irish coffee so special and appealing, and is one of the reasons why the drink has remained popular for over 75 years.
If you are interested in finding more seasonal or winter-themed cocktails like the Irish Coffee, click on our Top Ten Winter Cocktails to Drink by the Fireplace here.