Traveling from Europe to the Americas posed some challenges for transatlantic travelers, but Europe and the Americas grew closer together with the introduction of the airplane. Shannon Airport in Ireland became a prime refueling stop for many international flights, and in 1942, Joe Sheridan, the head chef at the airport's restaurant, was inspired to create a unique drink that would warm the weary travelers. Sheridan's original creation was a combination of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, cream, and sugar, and its popularity quickly spread. Now known as the Original Shannon Airport Irish Coffee, here is the story of its creation and how to make the classic recipe at home.
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IRISH COFFEE
Inspiration: The Buena Vista Cafe, San Francisco, California, 1952. There are those who wish us to believe the unlikely fact that Irish coffee was invented at Shannon Airport in the 1940s. Obviously, for any of us who have been to any airport, we know that nothing creative has ever occurred in such a place. A competing tale has it that Jonathan Swift invented the Irish coffee in 1705 through the simple genius of adding whiskey to his coffee and cream. Earlier the same day he had invented the Irish toasted cheese, Irish biscuit, Irish hat stand, and Irish stack of envelopes by inadvertently pouring whiskey onto those household items as well. Regardless of its original production, the drink did not come into its own until its appearance in San Francisco at the Buena Vista Cafe, where it became a permanent favorite of locals and tourists alike. We always knew we wanted an Irish coffee on the menu at the Dead Rabbit, as it is perhaps the best-known Irish-American classic, and this recipe was designed under the guidance of Dale "King Cocktail" DeGroff. It's a deceptively simple approach. One secret: Buy ridiculously expensive heavy cream from your favorite local dairy. Another tip: When preparing this classic, be careful not to slip on the Irish floor.
Provided by Food Network
Categories beverage
Time 5m
Yield 1 drink
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Add all the ingredients, except the garnish, to an Irish coffee glass. Float an inch of whipped cream on top. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
- Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, but do not boil. Slowly stir to dissolve the sugar. When the syrup has thickened, remove from the heat. Use a funnel to pour into bottles. The syrup will keep for 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
THE ORIGINAL SHANNON AIRPORT IRISH COFFEE
The original recipe as per Joseph Sheridan should be: "Cream, rich as an Irish brogue; Coffee, strong as a friendly hand; Sugar, sweet as the tongue of a rogue; Whiskey, smooth as the wit of the land." An After Dinner classic and with a rich history - use good Irish Whiskey, freshly brewed coffee and pouring cream (Double cream) - NOT whipped cream for this authentic and delectable boozy coffee! History: From 1939 to 1945 Joseph Sheridan was the head Chef of a catering company based at the Shannon airport (20 miles north of Limerick , Ireland ). Joseph Sheridan was taxed with trying to find a suitable drink for passengers who had traveled for eighteen hours by seaplane and then had to travel by boat to the terminal. Hot coffee and tea was obviously not enough to take the chill out of the passengers so Joseph began to offer an alternative. His mix of Irish whiskey and coffee became known as Irish Coffee, and Joseph had secured his place in drink history To this day if you travel through Shannon Airport you will find the "Sheridan Bar" in the departures lounge, and a plaque that has been placed there in honour of Joseph's great warm libation. (and yes, they do serve his original Irish Coffee recipe.) Sláinte!
Provided by French Tart
Categories Beverages
Time 5m
Yield 1 Irish Coffee, 1 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Take a wine glass and pour enough of the coffee to fill it just over half way.
- Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves.
- Add the whisky and stir.
- Slowly pour a thick layer of double cream, over the back of a teaspoon, on to the top of the coffee so that it floats on top.
- Do NOT stir the coffee, but drink it through the cream.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 180, Fat 11.2, SaturatedFat 6.9, Cholesterol 41.1, Sodium 16.1, Carbohydrate 5.1, Sugar 4.2, Protein 0.9
ORIGINAL IRISH COFFEE
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Place the brown sugar into a warm Irish coffee glass , mug, or other heatproof glass.
- Add the coffee and Irish whiskey.
- Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Float the lightly whipped heavy cream on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Do not stir. Instead, drink the Irish coffee through the cream. Enjoy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 195 kcal, Carbohydrate 8 g, Cholesterol 34 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 13 mg, Sugar 8 g, Fat 11 g, ServingSize 1 cocktail (1 serving), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
ORIGINAL IRISH COFFEE
Provided by Food Network
Time 10m
Yield 1 serving
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Fill footed mug or a mug with hot water to preheat it, then empty. Pour piping hot coffee into warmed glass until it is about 3/4 full. Add the brown sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Blend in Irish whiskey. Top with a collar of the whipped heavy cream by pouring gently over back of spoon. Serve hot.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use dark roast coffee.
- Use freshly brewed coffee. Stale coffee will not yield as flavorful a drink.
- Use Irish whiskey. It imparts a unique flavor that is essential to the drink.
- Use heavy cream. It creates a creamy and frothy top layer.
- Garnish with grated nutmeg. It adds a touch of warmth and spice.
- Serve immediately. Irish coffee is best enjoyed hot.
Conclusion:
A traditional Irish coffee is a delightful and warming beverage that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, an Irish coffee is sure to please. With its rich coffee flavor, smooth whiskey, and creamy top layer, it is a drink that is both delicious and satisfying. So next time you are looking for a special treat, give Irish coffee a try!
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