I'd like to wish you a pleasant and cozy National Irish Coffee Day. If you're snowbound and have the ingredients, it's a great day to indulge.
But first things first: what is Irish coffee, anyway?
Not to be confused with Irish cream, which is a type of liqueur, an Irish coffee is a sort of alcoholic latte. Traditionally, it's coffee served with liquor (usually Irish whisky) and served with cream or whipped cream on top. It has a reputation as an after-dinner drink, but I think it is a perfect buzzy brunch beverage, too.
Should you be so inclined, here's how to put together a tasty Irish coffee. I veer slightly from tradition by slightly whipping the cream, but I think you'll forgive me when you try it.
Photo licensed via Creative Commons by Flickr member Ruth Hartnup
Irish Coffee
Serves 2
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 ounces whisky (preferably Irish)
- 2 teaspoons natural sugar
- 10 ounces hot, very strongly brewed coffee
- Whip the cream until it thickens slightly. Like, not even soft peaks but getting close.
- Pour 1 1/2 ounces of whisky into each mug. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar each. Stir to dissolve. Add 5 ounces of coffee each to both of the mugs, and once again stir.
- Spoon the cream on top of each Irish coffee, to taste. Don't stir the cream. It might be a little more cream than you need, but you can use the rest on the cake you are having with your Irish coffee (right?).