Irish Coffee — A classic coffee cocktail that warms your heart ☕️🔥

Irish coffee is a classic hot drink that combines rich, hot coffee with Irish whiskey. It's a warming and refreshing treat during cold weather, perfect for a Hong Kong winter or an afternoon in an air-conditioned room. This cocktail isn't just simple to make, it also has a heartwarming and romantic story behind it. I particularly love the comforting blend of its layers and warmth; one sip warms me up completely! ✨

Irish coffee ingredients

• 120ml hot espresso (freshly brewed black coffee is recommended)

• 40ml Irish whiskey (classic brands like Jameson)

• 2 to 3 teaspoons brown sugar (Demerara sugar, which has a caramel aroma, works better)

• About 40 ml whipped cream (whipped lightly to give a smooth surface)

• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (sprinkle on top for aroma, optional)

Preparation method

1. Warm the cup with hot water first, then pour out the hot water to keep the cup warm and prevent the coffee from cooling too quickly.

2. Place brown sugar in a warm glass, pour in Irish whiskey, and gently mash with a muddler to allow the sugar and whiskey to fully blend.

3. Pour hot espresso into the cup and stir gently to distribute the sweetness evenly.

4. Finally, gently pour the whipped cream on top to form a beautiful layer of cream. Do not stir too hard, keep the cream and coffee in separate layers.

5. You can sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg powder to enhance the flavor if you like.

Taste and charm

The most charming thing about this drink is the gentle layers of taste:

• The bitterness and aroma of coffee bring a refreshing and stimulating feeling

• The aroma and sweetness of Irish whiskey give it a warm and mellow taste

• The slight sweetness of brown sugar neutralizes the bitterness and balances the overall taste

• Fresh cream is smooth and brings a satisfying and silky taste

The overall feeling when drinking it is that you first feel the soft taste of the cream gradually penetrating into your heart, which is a warm and healing experience. It is especially recommended to savor it on winter nights or in places with strong air conditioning.

A short story about Irish coffee

Legend has it that this coffee was created at Foynes Airfield in Ireland during World War II. A bartender, hoping to warm stranded passengers, combined hot coffee with whiskey, sugar, and heavy cream. The cocktail quickly became a hit and later made its way to the United States, where it became a classic winter drink. There's also a romantic story about a stewardess that's been circulating in Taiwan, but it's the work of a writer, adding a touch of romance.

Editor's Tips

• Don't beat the cream too hard, keep it smooth and easy to pour.

• Use brown sugar (Demerara or yellow sugar) for a richer flavor.

• Use thick-bottomed heat-resistant glass to prevent hot drinks from burning your hands or breaking the cup.

• If you like a soft texture, you can lightly sprinkle some cinnamon powder on the top layer of cream to make it taste more charming.

Irish coffee is more than just a coffee or tea beverage; it's a heartwarming ritual. Whether it's a cold night after working overtime or a small treat at a gathering with friends, a cup of Irish coffee warms both the stomach and the heart, making it a must-have in winter cocktails. A long day's work can be slowly melted away with this hot cup of coffee. Give it a try! ☕️🍀🔥