By Sarah A. Lybrand
Among all of the beverages that Ireland is known for, coffee is definitely a fan favorite. But, this is not your average cup of joe – coffee in Ireland is alcoholic and incorporates whiskey.
This sweet treat gained popularity in the 1940s at the Buena Vista Hotel in San Francisco, not in Ireland as commonly believed. So, if you order one, will you be deemed a clueless westerner? Locals say no. Buena Vista acquired the recipe from a renowned travel writer who obtained it from the true inventor: a bartender at Foynes International Airport in Limerick.
While Ireland as a country prefers tea as their hot drink of choice, Irish coffee in particular is making a name for itself both in and out of Ireland. This delicious yet strong beverage can be found in many of Ireland’s pubs and is a rather simple drink to make.
If you’re interested in trying Irish coffee, read on to learn how to order coffee in Ireland.
Ready to start exploring the Emerald Isle? Check out our vacation packages to Ireland.
1. Develop a taste for espresso
Unlike coffee in other countries, coffee in Ireland is generally limited to espresso. So, it’s important to know how you prefer your expresso when ordering this caffeinated beverage. Whether it’s a strong, less-watered down, or a milky-frothy brew that you enjoy, the expresso is a key component to creating the best Irish coffee. The prime ingredient however is whiskey.
2. Select your whiskey
With any “cocktail” choosing the right liquor makes it all the better. In this case, the Irish decided that whiskey was the ideal alcohol to add to this tasty blend of sugar, cream, and coffee. However, there are different types of whiskeys and the one to ask for really depends on what the pub offers. We recommend staying away from well-drinks, but the choice is ultimately up to you. When you order, you can say: “I’d like an Irish coffee please – and could you make it with (Teeling... Jameson... etc.)?
3. A fresh Irish coffee is the only way to go
Some cocktails are concocted with a pre-made mixture such as margaritas and bloody marys, but we recommend getting your Irish coffee made fresh. There’s nothing better than enjoying this beverage with sizzling hot coffee (not instant of course), a shot or two of whiskey, and a few scoops of brown sugar, topped with a dollop of cream. The most striking feature of this drink is the look of it – if the cream and the coffee aren’t visibly separated, you may want to try an Irish coffee somewhere else.
4. Try another hot Irish favorite
If sampling coffee in Ireland is less than satisfactory for you, then you can consider trying another popular hot beverage in Ireland – and yes, this also has alcohol in it. A “hot toddy,” is a famous drink that blends hot whiskey with lemon, cloves, sugar, and other herbs. It is essentially the equivalent of a hot lemon tea with a splash of alcohol. While it is most definitely preferred over regular coffee in Ireland, hot toddy sits as a runner-up to the classic Irish coffee cocktail.
5. Consider ordering Irish coffee as dessert
In most places around the world, coffee is considered a morning drink. Usually consumed with your breakfast, coffee tends to be caffeinated enough to help power you through the first half of the day. However, an Irish coffee cocktail is best consumed in the evenings as a dessert. Since it's part sugar and whiskey, it's no different than a sweet treat after a delicious supper. Cap off a long day with this tasty beverage at any pub in Ireland.
Although Ireland may not boast the same coffee culture as Italy or Paris, you'll discover a variety of espresso drinks when tea or instant coffee doesn't quite hit the spot. For an extra enjoyable experience, why not visit a pub and savor the warming taste of an Irish coffee cocktail – an authentic taste of the Emerald Isle?
And while you're planning a trip to Ireland, don't forget to explore our vacations to the Emerald Isle!
