St. Patrick’s Day is coming up and we couldn’t let St. Patrick’s Day pass without talking about Irish Coffee now could we?

Irish tales are woven with flourish and will keep you riveted to your seat true or not, but all seem to be in agreement as to where this literally heart-warming recipe came from. Irish Coffee was a recipe created by Chef Joe Sheridan whose restaurant was at the airport in Foynes, Ireland during the 1940's. Wanting to comfort his customers with something warm and strong, Irish Coffee was born.

There are many variations on the recipes and discussions upon how the cream should be applied, but the original recipe contains brown sugar, Irish whiskey, black coffee and whipped cream. Although I am not a sugar fan when it comes to coffee, it seems that the sugar is needed to float the cream.

Here is a great place to learn more about the history of Irish Coffee and Joe Sheridan. It is the official site of the Irish Coffee Festival that takes place annually in Foynes. There is also a description of the original recipe.

http://www.irishcoffeefestival.com/hall.html

OTHER RECIPE LINKS:

An interesting recipe with detailed directions by artist Bill Murphy with claims of having “traveled the world comparing Irish coffees to bring you this terrific beverage recipe.”

http://www.billmurphy.com/RECIPEart/Irish_Coffee.html


Here is an easy one made with Cool Brew, a cold-brewed coffee concentrate.

http://coolbrew.com/recipes/IrishCoffee.html


Cocktail Times gives a bit of history along with the recipe.

http://www.cocktailtimes.com/history/irish_coffee.shtml


HOW TO VIDEOS:

Great video on You Tube about coffee and includes a demonstration of making an Irish Coffee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy9LroX_RpI


Here’s another on Video Jug:

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-make-an-irish-coffee


NON-ALCOHOLIC IRISH COFFEE RECIPES:

Just because you don’t partake of alcohol, there is no need for you to abstain. For all the teetotalers out there, here are ways you too can enjoy Irish Coffee.

Gevalia:

Gevalia makes a ground coffee called Irish Crème. Add whipped cream and sugar and I am sure it will fit the bill.

http://www.gevalia.com/Gevalia/catalog/product_detail.aspx?product_id=325&catid=140


International Delight – a delicious recipe for an Irish coffee that I know I would love.

http://www.internationaldelight.com/R_irish_coffee.php


General Foods International Coffee makes an Irish Crème Cappuccino Mix:

http://www.kraftfoodservice.com/productsandbrands/ProductSpecific.htm?option=product&id=1301


While this is not completely alcohol free (20%-30%), Spice Barn makes an Irish Cream flavoring that you could use in creating your very own Irish Coffee.

http://www.spicebarn.com/irish_cream_flavoring.htm


Happy St. Patrick's Day!