National Irish Coffee Day is observed on January 25 every year. It is a great occasion to warm yourself up with a tasty, boozy treat. We don’t know about you, but for us, nothing gives a better boost than the mix of coffee and whiskey in Irish coffee. There are some variations out there but Irish tradition traditionally consists of black coffee, whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream.
History of National Irish Coffee Day
In 1943, the Irish Coffee was created in the winter by Joe Sheridan who was a humble chef at Foynes Port near Limerick, Ireland.
At the time, the village of Foynes served as an airbase for transatlantic flights. The place was the landing spot of prominent figures and celebrities who stopped there for layovers and refuelling during longer journeys.
Passengers often had to stay overnight in Foynes and a hub of new accommodations, bars, and restaurants was created to service the travellers. One day, a plane abandoned its trip and turned back to Foynes. Joe prepared something special to help the passengers forget about the cold and their disappointment.
Everyone drank their drinks in total silence, savouring the unique tastes as they touched their lips. Eventually, one guy broke the silence and asked if they were drinking Brazilian coffee. He replied with a smile “No, that’s Irish Coffee.”
Irish Coffee gained huge popularity and became an airport speciality. In 1952, Irish coffee was introduced to the United States by travel writer Stanton Delaplane. He shared it with Jack Koeppler, a bartender at the Buena Vista Hotel in San Francisco, and persuaded him to recreate it.
Also read, International Sticky Toffee Pudding Day – January 23, 2025
Timeline of National Irish Coffee Day
| 1982 (The Buena Vista’s busiest day) | The Buena Vista, the San Francisco pub where Irish coffee made its U.S.debut, had its busiest day ever thanks to the 49ers playing in the Super Bowl. |
| November 10, 1952 (Irish coffee made it to the U.S.) | Joe Sheridan brought the recipe for his speciality Irish coffee with him when he started to work in San Francisco. |
| 1943 (Irish coffee was invented) | Chef and bartender Joe Sheridan served aeroplane passengers the first-ever Irish coffee. |
| 1900s (Coffee Cocktails become mainstream) | The cocktail menu in Viennese cafés started to include many variations of coffee and spirit mixes. |
5 Different Types Of Coffee You Must Try
- Arabica: This one is among the most consumed coffee beans all around the globe. People like it pretty well for its creamy, subtle taste and nice acidity. Mostly cultivated at higher elevations in places like Latin America, Africa and Asia. Arabica beans can be sweet and fruity or floral but also have a chocolatey-nutty flavour profile. Based on research, these beans have a caffeine value of 0.8% to 1.4%. Best for those who avoid caffeine.
- Robusta: Robusta beans offer bold, strong flavour and higher caffeine content compared to Arabica beans. These beans are usually used in espresso blends to impart a rich crema and a strong, earthy taste. Robusta is grown at lower altitudes. It is mostly found in regions like Africa and Southeast Asia. We add 2% of Robusta in our coffee to add a rich bold flavour.
- Liberica: Liberica beans provide a distinctively fruity and floral flavour profile with hints of woody and smoky notes. It was originated in West Africa and characterized by its larger size and asymmetrical shape. This makes the a unique addition to any coffee aficionado’s collection.
- Excelsa: Excelsa was formerly classified as a variety of Liberica. Since then it has been recognized as a distinct species. These beans are best known for their complex flavour profile, which often features fruity, spicy, and tart notes. Primarily, Excleasa beans are grown in Southeast Asia and are often used to enhance the depth and complexity of blends.
- Typica: Typica is considered one of the oldest cultivated varieties of coffee. Typica beans are best known for their delicate flavour and mild acidity. This bean originated from Yemen and has a smooth, well-balanced profile with subtle floral and fruity notes. Though these beans are less grown than Arabica and Robusta, it is highly valued by coffee connoisseurs for their quality and consistency.
Five Interesting Facts About Coffee
- Coffee is a Fruit: Many people think coffee beans are real beans, But they are the seeds of coffee cherries which are berry-like fruits produced by the coffee plant. Each cherry usually contains two seeds.
- Brazil’s Dominance: In the world, Brazil produces the largest number of coffee, supplying about one-third of the global coffee market. This production is remarkably higher than that of Vietnam which is the second-largest producer.
- Historical Bans on Coffee: Did you know that coffee had to face multiple attempts at prohibition throughout history? Governor Mecaa tried to outlaw coffee in 1511, fearing it stimulated radical thinking. Likewise, similar bans were also attempted in several areas such as the Ottoman Empire and Sweden.
- The World’s Most Expensive Coffee: Kopi luwak is the most expensive coffee with a price is more than $600 per pound. This unique coffee is made from coffee cherries that have been consumed and excreted by civets giving it a distinctive flavor profile to the coffee.
- Health Benefits: Consuming moderate coffee which is about three to four cups per day, has been associated with several health benefits, such as a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and a longer lifespan.
Conclusion
Near the latter end of January, National Irish Coffee Day is observed and occurs on January 25 annually. Created by chef Joe Sheridon in 1943 to warm weary travellers at Foynes Port. Now, Irish coffee is a well-liked drink that contains hot black coffee, through sugar and thus ( Irish ), other possibilities are Whiskey along frothy. Its evolution from humble beginnings to becoming a global favourite speaks of the allure of Irish hospitality and the cultural importance of a simple cup of coffee during social gatherings.
So today, when we toast to our glasses, we drink not alcohol but the stories and traditions that surround it. Irish coffee brings a sense of warmth and community that still lingers more than two centuries from its introduction to the United States in 1952 by travel writer Stanton Delaplane.
In the classic version or many creative expressions, it still serves as proof of a drink so simple and so doted that lasts to this day. Therefore, let’s celebrate National Irish Coffee Day. Enjoy this delicious dessert representing more layers of taste and history than we can imagine.
Frequently Ask Question
Who invented Irish coffee?
Joe Sheridan, a chef at Foynes Port in Ireland created an Irish coffee in 1943 to warm passengers after a flight cancellation.
When was Irish coffee introduced to the United States?
Irish coffee was introduced to the United States in 1952 by travel writer Stanton Delaplane. He invited bartender Jack Koeppler at the Buena Vista Hotel in San Francisco to recreate the drink.
How do I make an Irish coffee?
You can make Irish coffee by dissolving sugar in hot coffee, stir in whiskey, and float cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
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