Another day, another “National X Day.” They’re everywhere, and we all have mixed feelings about them. But today? Today, I’m all in—because today, I get to talk about Irish Coffee.
I love Irish Coffee. Deeply. Even people who claim not to like whiskey tend to make an exception for it. Maybe it’s the visual appeal—the perfect layers, the creamy top that mirrors a well-poured Guinness. Maybe it’s the fact that it just tastes damn good.
A Brief History of Whiskey in Your Coffee
Boozy coffee has been around since at least the early 1900s. But the Irish Coffee as we know it? That traces back to 1943, when chef Joe Sheridan, working in Foynes Port near Limerick, allegedly invented it. Foynes was a major stopover for transatlantic flights, and on one particularly miserable evening, a flight was forced to turn back due to bad weather. Sheridan, feeling charitable—or just deeply Irish—decided to lift passengers’ spirits with something strong and warming.
As the story goes, silence fell over the room as they sipped. Someone asked if it was Brazilian coffee. “No,” Sheridan replied. “That’s Irish Coffee.”
It took less than a decade for it to go international. In 1952, travel writer Stanton Delaplane brought the recipe to San Francisco’s Buena Vista Café, where bartender Jack Koeppler helped refine it. The café became synonymous with the drink, serving thousands every day—including their record-breaking Super Bowl Sunday in 1982, when they went through 213 bottles of whiskey in a single shift.
Making the Perfect Irish Coffee
A great Irish Coffee isn’t just whiskey and coffee thrown into a mug. It requires balance—each element in harmony, none overpowering the rest. The cream should be unsweetened, and the final result should have the same perfect separation of layers as a pint of stout.
The trick to getting the cream to float isn’t about fancy spoon techniques; it’s about choosing the right cream. Go for something thick and heavy—it’ll naturally sit on top without mixing into the drink.
As for the coffee, any well-made cup will do, but if you want to get fussy, I’d recommend a natural Ethiopian filter coffee. Just don’t burn it, and you’ll be grand.
Whiskey choice is more personal. Some argue that Irish Coffee is best made with budget-friendly whiskey, but that sells the drink short. The better the whiskey, the better the result. That said, if you like your Irish Coffee on the sweeter side, pick something with a bit of spice—pot still whiskey, or anything a bottle shop might describe as having “Christmas cake” notes.
My personal go-to? Paddy. A triple-distilled blend that holds its own against sugar and coffee without losing its character.
Give It a Go
Recipe:
- 50ml Paddy Irish whiskey
- 120ml freshly brewed hot coffee
- 25ml demerara syrup (equal parts demerara sugar and water)
- Heavy cream, lightly whipped
Method:
- Fill a glass with hot water to warm it, then discard the water.
- Add whiskey, coffee, and demerara syrup, and give it a stir.
- Slowly pour the cream over the back of a spoon to create a thick top layer.
- Garnish with coffee beans if you’re feeling fancy.
1. Vice Coffee Inc
Possibly one of the best Irish coffee bars in Dublin, Vice Coffee is a must if you want to celebrate the day right. They serve three different kinds of Irish coffee, including the Plain Jane, made with espresso and Kilbeggan whiskey, the Luxurious Linda, made with cold brew, Teeling stout cask and poitin, and of course their award-winning Fancy Frankie with Teeling small batch and espresso. You’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice.
Vice Coffee Inc is based on Middle Abbey Street – you can check out their website HERE.
2. The Brazen Head
You can find an Irish coffee or a Bailey’s coffee at The Brazen Head on National Irish Coffee Day, or any other day of the year. If you’re looking for a spot that also does classic and delicious pub food, and has a cosy interior, then The Brazen Head is definitely the place to be.
The Brazen Head bar is based on Usher’s Quay, you can find out more about them HERE.
3. The Hairy Lemon
One of the trendiest pubs in Dublin, The Hairy Lemon also does an unreal Irish coffee, perfect for the National holiday. Described onsite as a pub as unconventional as its name, you can get a classic Irish coffee inside, made with fragrant coffee, single malt whiskey, and topped with rich cream.
You can find The Hairy Lemon on Stephen’s Street Lower and check out their menus HERE.
4. Café En Seine
If you want a fancy Irish coffee, in a fancy setting, then Café en Seine is for you! Get your glad rags on and enjoy the five star service while you embrace the National holiday that is Irish Coffee Day.
You can find Cafe en Seine on Dawson Street. Take a look at their website HERE.
5. Bailey Bar
Last but not least is Bailey Bar, a haven for hot whiskey drinks including the celebrated Irish coffee. They do a range of hot alcoholic drinks including hot port, Baileys coffee, as well as Irish coffee with Roe & Co whiskey. If you’ve returned to the office this week, or just want an evening out with a cosy drink, Bailey Bar for an Irish coffee is a sure winner.
Bailey Bar is based on Duke Street and you can check out the whole menu HERE.
We hope you have a lovely National Irish Coffee Day and check out one of these Dublin spots to celebrate properly.
Header image via Instagram/vicecoffeeinc
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