Coffee Day 2023: Know How The Boozy Irish Coffee Came To Being

Coffee is hands down, one of the most beloved beverages all across the globe. For some of us, a cup of coffee helps us kickstart the day and gives us the strength to face the world. Be it latte or cappuccino, espresso, or humble filter coffee, this beverage has kept people hooked because of its rich and strong flavours. Be it a date or a cozy winter evening, a cup of coffee crawls its way everywhere. Not just this, there are some amazing coffee cocktails that you blow your mind. 

International Coffee Day is celebrated every year on 1st October every year and it is totally fair to dedicate one day to this beauty. International Coffee Day is celebrated by the International Coffee Organization to celebrate the coffee sector’s diversity, quality, and passion for all coffee lovers. It also aims to support the millions of farmers whose livelihoods depend on the cultivation of this crop. There are ample coffee beverages popular across the globe and one of them is Irish Coffee. Have you ever wondered how his boozy coffee was created?

History Of Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee is a beverage made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a layer of cream on top. Its history can be traced back to the early 20th century, and its creation is often credited to a bartender. The story of Irish Coffee begins in the 1940s at the Shannon Airport in Limerick, Ireland. This airport was a hub for transatlantic flights, and passengers often faced long and challenging journeys, especially during the winter months. 

Legend says that in the winter of 1943, a group of passengers arrived at the Shannon Airport after a particularly grueling flight. To provide them with warmth and comfort, the head chef and bartender at the airport's restaurant Joe Sheridan decided to create a special drink. He combined hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, and topped it with freshly whipped cream. The cream was floated on top of the coffee to keep it warm and provide a luxurious finish. The passengers were reportedly delighted with this new concoction. On being asked, Joe Sheridan said that it was "Irish Coffee."

In no time, Irish Coffee gained popularity in the United States. Some legends believe that this boozy coffee was introduced to the U.S. by Stanton Delaplane, who tasted the drink at the Shannon Airport and worked with the Buena Vista Café, often credited with popularizing the coffee. After many attempts, they perfected the technique of floating cream on top of the coffee. The Buena Vista Cafe reportedly began serving Irish coffee in 1952, and it soon became a signature drink of the establishment. The cafe is still renowned for its Irish Coffee and serves thousands of them daily.

Irish coffee has fans all across the globe. The key to a proper Irish Coffee is to balance the bitterness of the coffee with the sweetness of the sugar, the warmth of the whiskey, and the luxurious cream topping. When made correctly, it provides a delightful blend of flavors and textures. What are your opinions about Irish coffee?