I have not had Irish coffee in Ireland or made by Irish people, but I have had Irish coffee made by someone who went to Ireland and had it made by Irish people. Therefore, I'm fully qualified to share this recipe with you. First, my philosophy on Irish coffee:
Here is my recipe:
3 parts espresso coffee
2 parts Irish whisky
1 part simple syrup (2 parts sugar/1 part water)
- whipped cream
This makes it 1 to 2 whisky to not-whisky, which I have found to be ideal. I prefer syrup to sugar granules because it mixes quickly (important when trying to keep everything warm), and the water thins everything out a little.
I haven't been able to make one I like using anything other than a fresh espresso shot. Other coffee doesn't pack enough punch, being too watered down. Everything needs to be filled with very hot water beforehand, and I heat up the simple syrup so it starts to steam.
Too watered-down
Too whipped
That's it!
- I don't really care how the Irish make it.
I have to like it. Maybe some Irish people make it the way I would like it, but a lot wouldn't. I've had Irish coffee in "Irish" pubs, and it sucked. - It should be as warm as possible. This is the ultimate cold-weather drink, with dual warming properties
, which leads to #3 - Must have Irish whisky in it.
- But it should be a coffee drink, not coffee-flavored whisky. The proportions are critical.
- It should not be a wussy drink with canned whipped cream and a straw.
Here is my recipe:
3 parts espresso coffee
2 parts Irish whisky
1 part simple syrup (2 parts sugar/1 part water)
- whipped cream
This makes it 1 to 2 whisky to not-whisky, which I have found to be ideal. I prefer syrup to sugar granules because it mixes quickly (important when trying to keep everything warm), and the water thins everything out a little.
I haven't been able to make one I like using anything other than a fresh espresso shot. Other coffee doesn't pack enough punch, being too watered down. Everything needs to be filled with very hot water beforehand, and I heat up the simple syrup so it starts to steam.
- Pour espresso into pre-heated, narrow cup (to slow down cooling).
- Pour in hot syrup. No need to mix, especially with a cold spoon!
- Pour in Irish whisky.
- Top with very lightly whipped cream...LIGHTLY whipped, just enough to float on the top. It's a drink, not a banana split.
- Enjoy!
Too watered-down
Too whipped
That's it!
