Ingredients & Preparation
Irish coffee is a simple, yet multifaceted drink containing both hot coffee and Irish whiskey. A special serving glass or mug is typically used, allowing the heavy cream to be floated atop the hot coffee-whiskey mixture. The traditional recipe, according to the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco, includes a 4-ounce mug, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1.5 ounces of Irish whiskey, freshly-brewed coffee, and cream. Brewed coffee is poured into the mug and combined with the whiskey and sugar until the sugar is wholly dissolved. Freshly steamed cream is then floated on top.
History of Irish Coffee
In 1943, a restaurant’s chef at Foynes Airport outside Limerick, Ireland created the concoction for a group of cold and tired American passengers. He served them this hot beverage to revive their spirits. In 1952 Mr. Stanton Delaplane, a columnist from the San Francisco Chronicle tasted the freshly-made Irish coffee in Shannon Airport during one of his travels to Ireland. He thought it was better than any beer or anything else he had ever had and he brought the drink back to San Francisco. The Buena Vista Cafe had the challenge of preparing the beverage exactly like the drink that was served on the other side of the Atlantic. Now the cafe claims to have served over 30 million Irish coffees since the 1950s.
When To Drink Irish Coffee
The primary factor to consider when deciding when to drink Irish coffee is the occasion. The beverage is often a popular end-of-meal treat or enjoyed in celebratory and special occasions. That being said, the rich flavor and creamy texture of Irish coffee make it a perfect morning eye-opener, hangover cure, or any-time comforter. It is a great hot-in-winter drink and can also be enjoyed in summer with a scoop of ice cream.
Nutrition In An Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is generally high in calories due to the combination of whiskey and cream. Depending on the ratio of each ingredient, the calorie content can range from 180–320 calories per cup. Those who are looking for a low-calorie version can opt for skimmed milk and light cream or non-dairy creamers.
Health Benefits Of Irish Coffee
Apart from being a good source of calories, Irish coffee is known to have some health benefits too. It is known to be a great source of antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation in the body and help reduce the risk of certain diseases, from cancer to diabetes. Furthermore, Irish whisky boost serotonin levels, giving the drinker an overall improved feeling of wellbeing and relaxation.
Levels Of Alcohol In An Irish Coffee
It is important to keep in mind that Irish coffee is a high-alcohol beverage, with most recipes calling for 1.5 ounces of whiskey per 4-ounce mug of coffee, leading to an approximate alcohol by volume (ABV) of 12 percent. If the amount of whiskey is adjusted, so too is the ABV. Most bars serve Irish coffee with less whiskey, while some serve it with 2 ounces of liquor. This can lead to an ABV of 24 percent, and it is important to keep this in mind when deciding when to drink Irish coffee.
Mixing Other Liquors
Many Irish coffee recipes also call for mixing or substituting other liquors for whiskey. For example, Bailey’s Irish Cream, a mixture of cream, Irish whiskey, and other flavorings, is sometimes substituted for whiskey. Similarly, amber-colored liquors like brandy can be used in the recipe, giving the drink even deeper and richer flavors.
Topping Variations
While traditional Irish coffee is topped with cream, there are also several variations which allow for creative presentations. For instance, sugar sprinkles can be added to enhance sweetness, while mini marshmallows can replace the cream with a more elaborated and fancier presentation. Other topping variations include chocolate shavings, cinnamon powder, and whipped cream.
Alcohol-Free Options
For non-alcohol drinkers, or those looking for a mocktail version, one can try making an alcohol-free Irish coffee. An alcohol-free version would contain all the same ingredients, except the whiskey. There are now also some popular brands of alcohol-free whiskey which can be used as a substitution or simply just brewed coffee and a generous amount of thick cream.
Adding Nuts & Creamers
Adding nuts to an Irish coffee is a great way to make the beverage even more tasty and enjoyable. Nuts such as pecans, walnuts, and cashews are popular. For those looking for a dairy-free version, there are several non-dairy creamer options available, such as almond and coconut.
Conclusion
Overall, Irish coffee is a drink that can be enjoyed regardless of the occasion or time of year. Whether enjoyed with or without alcohol, its warm and comforting combination of ingredients has made it a beloved drink all around the world. With variations in toppings and ingredients, everyone can make their own special version of Irish coffee and savor its unique flavor.
