Irish Coffee - Top Irish Cocktail in a Flash

Irish Coffee is a beloved cocktail with a fascinating origin story that dates back to the early 1940s. This warm and invigorating drink was first created by Joe Sheridan, a chef at the Foynes Flying Boat terminal in County Limerick, Ireland. Foynes was a critical stopover for transatlantic flights, and on one particularly cold evening, Sheridan decided to prepare a special drink to warm up weary travelers. Sheridan added a splash of Irish whiskey to hot coffee, sweetened it with brown sugar, and topped it with a layer of lightly whipped cream. When asked if the drink was Brazilian coffee, Sheridan famously replied, "No, it's Irish coffee!" The name stuck, and the drink quickly gained popularity among passengers and crew. The drink's fame spread to the United States in 1952, thanks to the efforts of travel writer Stanton Delaplane. Delaplane experienced Irish Coffee at Foynes and was so impressed that he worked with the Buena Vista Café in San Francisco to recreate the drink. The Buena Vista Café perfected the recipe, ensuring the cream floated atop the coffee and providing a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. This establishment played a pivotal role in popularizing Irish Coffee in America.