In Ireland, it’s a common household practice to have coffee after dinner. This isn’t just a plain old cup of joe, though. Irish coffee is a delicious drink that provides a blend of warmth and tipsiness all at once. Here’s what’s needed to make this mouthwatering concoction.
- A cup of freshly brewed coffee
- A shot of whiskey (my grandmother uses Jameson)
- A dollop of whipped cream (if possible use heavy whipping cream and whisk until thick)
- A slice of lemon
- Granulated sugar
Since this is a widely known beverage, there are plenty of variations. Some call for a shot of Irish cream liquor, but I think that makes it too thick, so I would suggest just using the whipped cream.
To make the coffee, take a mug and run the lemon slice around the rim of the glass. Pile the sugar on a plate and flatten out. This technique is similar to putting salt on the edge of a margarita glass, but with sugar. To do this, take the lemon-covered rim and rub it in the sugar pile. After the brim is covered with sugar, pour the coffee into the glass, add a shot of whiskey and plop a dollop of cream on top. The acidity from the lemon and the sweetness of the sugar will contrast the cream brilliantly and come together to create this wonderful classic.
Adria Kelly can be reached at [email protected].
