Origin of the drink
The basic recipe for this combination was invented by a bartender from Ireland. In 1943, Joe Sheridan worked in a restaurant at Foynes Airport. An unexpected situation arose - due to bad weather, the plane departing for New York was forced to return to Ireland.
In those days, planes were uncomfortable; moreover, the cabin was cold. The airport restaurant decided to serve warming dishes and drinks to passengers. Then Sheridan mixed whiskey, cream and coffee. The restaurant's customers liked the cocktail, and soon the drink became popular on the American continent.
The famous critic and journalist Stanton Delaplane brought the recipe to San Francisco, and a few years later the author of the work himself moved to the United States, delighting customers with a signature cocktail. Sheridan's recipe was called Irish coffee.
Where did they come up with adding whiskey to coffee?
The recipe for coffee and whiskey has a very short but very colorful history of origin. Chef Joe Sheridan worked at Foynes Airport (Limerick, Ireland). He fed and watered passengers on international flights who landed for refueling and maintenance.
In 1943, one such flight was forced to urgently return to Foynes after leaving 5 hours earlier due to bad weather conditions. The passengers were literally shivering in the cold, and Sheridan decided to add a little whiskey to the traditional coffee drink to enhance the warming effect. One of them asked: “Is this Brazilian coffee?” To which I received the answer that predetermined the name of the cocktail: “No, this is Irish Coffee.”
The combination of coffee and alcohol gives an unusual taste
Since then, the recipe has undergone minor changes. In addition to alcohol and Americano, it includes whipped cream and cane (or brown) sugar. The International Bartenders Association (IBA) included it in this form in its list of official cocktails in the “Modern Classics” category.
Composition of coffee with whiskey
The classic version uses exclusively Irish liqueur. The dosage of alcohol in coffee is no more than 45 ml per serving.
The basis is Americano coffee, or a drink brewed in Turk. In Joe Sheridan's time there were no coffee machines, so coffee was prepared using a French press. For 2 teaspoons of coffee you will need 150-200 ml of water.
Without cream, the taste will not be soft enough. 45 ml of product should be used. Recommended fat content is 30-40%. In addition, 15-25 ml of sugar syrup is added to coffee. If desired, it can be replaced with brown sugar.
The nuances of serving Irish coffee
Even if you decide to prepare the drink at home, you should follow the serving rules. Irish coffee is drunk hot until the cream becomes liquid. This is the only way to feel the real taste of the drink. Hot and strong, the cocktail can warm you up on cold winter evenings. The cocktail is made for each person in a separate glass.
Irish coffee is served as a separate drink without sweets.
Portions vary from 180 ml to 380 ml in different establishments. Prices also vary: from 280 to 450 rubles. In Ireland – 6-7 euros.
Correct way to use
In each country the drink is drunk differently. On the European continent, coffee lovers drink coffee with whiskey both cold and hot. Americans often add cola or soda to cocktails.
Definitely, you should drink the drink in small sips. Taking it in one gulp will not be as effective. Traditionally, the drink is served in an Irish glass.
In summer, the cocktail is topped with ice. Cream, milk and cocktail cherries add richness to the flavor. Often the drink is decorated with spices, a cinnamon stick, and grated chocolate.
Every coffee lover is free to experiment. You can add different toppings to find the perfect combination for you. In this case, it is important to remember that the alcohol capacity should not exceed a third of the total volume of the drink.
Bar version
If you are interested in whether you can add whiskey to coffee, you will definitely get acquainted with the most popular version of this mix today, the bar version. The drink practically does not differ in taste characteristics from the classic Irish version, but at the same time its aroma is significantly inferior . This is a slightly lighter version for the average consumer, not a gourmet.
Ingredients
Whiskey | 50 ml |
Coffee | 150 ml |
Sugar | 4 tsp. |
Cream | 30 ml |
Black chocolate | 10 g |
Step-by-step preparation
- Prepare an invigorating product in the Turk.
- Add 3 tsp to a specially prepared glass. sugar and whiskey. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Whip cream with 1 tsp. Sahara.
- Pour hot coffee into whiskey.
- Gently add the cream so that it does not mix with the other ingredients.
- Grate dark chocolate and garnish the top of the entire drink.
- To enrich the taste, you can add a little vanilla.
- It is recommended to consume it exclusively hot, using a teaspoon with a straw.
Whiskey coffee recipes
Irish coffee
First you need to brew strong coffee. For preparation, you can use a filter, French press, or geyser. The preparation method will not affect the preparation of coffee with whiskey.
Alcohol should be poured into a cup and placed in the microwave. Recommended temperature is 50 degrees. Heating takes a few seconds, the main thing is to prevent the whiskey from boiling. 2 teaspoons of sugar should be dissolved in warm alcohol. Whip the cream with a whisk until it reaches the consistency of low-fat sour cream.
Sweet whiskey is poured into a glass to serve the drink. Next, coffee is added, it is important to leave 2-3 centimeters for cream. They are carefully laid out with a spoon. You can sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top. The drink is usually consumed through a straw.
coffee with whiskey Riga style
In Latvia, a recipe from Ireland was modified for the locals. So, Riga bartenders removed the cream, but added traditional Riga balsam. The drink is stronger than Irish coffee, but this does not harm the taste.
Coffee is brewed in the usual way, as in the classic recipe. While the drink is being prepared, you need to mix the following ingredients: yolk, 15 ml of balm, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 40 ml of whiskey. You should get a smooth mixture. It needs to be placed in a serving cup, and then poured with coffee. Finely chopped zest of one lemon is served in a separate bowl.
It is better not to use Irish whiskey in the recipe, as it can drown out the taste of the balm. The best alcohol options would be Scotch scotch or American bourbon.
Coffee with whiskey and milk
First you need to prepare 80 ml of espresso. It is advisable to strain the drink prepared in the Turk. In a cup you need to combine 2 tablespoons of caramel and 50 ml of whiskey. The components should be mixed thoroughly. Coffee is poured over the mixture.
250 ml of milk should be heated in a saucepan and then whipped into foam. It is added to coffee. The drink has a warming effect. You can serve with saltine crackers or other cookies.
Coffee with whiskey and cinnamon
It is best to prepare espresso in a coffee machine; if this is not possible, then you can use other methods. It is important to get 80 ml of medium strength coffee.
An Irish glass or other serving dish needs to be heated. 40 ml of whiskey and 1 teaspoon of sugar are placed there. The components are mixed. Whisk another teaspoon of sugar with 30 ml of cream. Coffee is combined with whiskey in a glass, cream is carefully placed on top of the drink. The cocktail can be sprinkled with a pinch of cinnamon. You can also use a cinnamon stick for decoration.
Is it possible to add whiskey without harming health?
Many supporters of a healthy lifestyle doubt whether whiskey can be added to coffee. After all, alcohol is inherently harmful to the body. True, in large quantities. In small quantities, it is capable of activating some body systems, especially in the right combination of components.
A coffee-alcohol cocktail is drunk mainly in the cold season, when you want to cheer up and warm up. But it must be prepared correctly, otherwise, instead of benefit, it can cause significant harm to your health.
Among the positive effects of Irish coffee are the following:
- neutralization of depression and apathy;
- increasing the overall tone of the body;
- relief of headaches and toothaches;
- relaxation of the nervous system;
- increased blood pressure levels;
- stimulation of the circulatory system;
- improved concentration.
Exceeding the permissible dosage of the drink, in turn, can have negative consequences:
- deterioration of the liver;
- disruptions in the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems;
- insomnia and other sleep disorders;
- deterioration of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- increased leaching of calcium from the body.
Alcohol increases the effects of caffeine by about 2-3 times. Therefore, Irish whiskey coffee should be drunk no more than 2 times (150-200 ml) per day. This is the amount of both substances that will benefit all organs and systems of the body, without harm to it.
Contraindications
Despite the undoubted positive effect on human health, Irish Coffee should not be consumed by certain categories of people. Still, it consists of ingredients, each of which is quite unique. Therefore, you need to drink it carefully.
Elderly people, children under 18 years of age, pregnant women and young mothers during breastfeeding should avoid drinking the cocktail. Alcohol, as well as large doses of caffeine, are contraindicated for all of them. And Irish whiskey contains both.
There are several recipes for making Irish coffee.
You will need to abstain from the drink if you are diagnosed with hypertension, diseases of the heart, blood vessels, nervous system, or digestive tract. The ban is associated with the effect of the drink on each of the listed parts of the body, which can aggravate their condition. More detailed instructions regarding following a special diet can be obtained from your doctor.
Irish coffee recipe
Correct irish coffee:
- Based exclusively on whiskey. Recommended whiskey brands are Jameson, Paddy, Redbreast, Connemara. Scotch, cognac, rum and other alcoholic drinks are not used. Triple Irish Whiskey does not overpower the coffee like other types of alcohol and gives a smooth taste.
- Prepared with cream of 20 or 30% fat content. The cream must be whipped, but lightly, until a soft, homogeneous mass is formed, but not foam. If this is not done, they will fall to the bottom of the glass and become crumpled under the influence of alcohol. The creamy mass is not spooned, but carefully poured, evenly distributed over the surface of the drink.
- It is sweetened not with beet sugar, but with cane sugar, which dissolves faster in alcohol.
- Served in a glass cocktail cup with a handle, designed specifically for the coffee drink.
- Doesn't stir. Drinks without straws or other devices.
- Pairs with soufflé and other airy sweets. Not to be used with flour baked goods, meat and fish dishes.
Whiskey with milk - a combination of incompatible things
Everyone knows that whiskey is a strong alcoholic drink. He is always spoken of as noble and prestigious. The taste of whiskey is not similar to the taste of other alcoholic drinks; it cannot be confused with anything else. And, probably, there is no person who would not want to try this wonderful drink at least once in his life. Whiskey is included in many interesting cocktails. We will talk about them.
What to drink whiskey with
It is believed that whiskey should be drunk neat, without mixing or diluting. Scots, who consider their country the birthplace of whiskey, begin to panic when they see ice added to the drink. However, not everyone likes the taste of pure alcohol. Americans, for example, add cola or soda to whiskey and drink such a cocktail with pleasure. Maybe this is how the idea of mixing different drinks came about out of curiosity or a love of experimentation. Be that as it may, we have already learned how to prepare a wide variety of cocktails, including those based on whiskey.
Whiskey cocktails
In cocktails, whiskey is combined with a variety of drinks. There’s a lot that hasn’t been invented over the long history of the drink. “Manhattan” is one of the most famous and popular mixes - an amazing combination of whiskey and red vermouth.
“Apple Jack” is a cocktail with apple juice and cinnamon.
The beautiful Boro Boro drink is a bright and bold combination of whiskey with lime and grapes.
The recipe for the “Godfather” cocktail is taken from the Mario Puzo novel of the same name: a strict mixture of alcohol (amaretto and whiskey) and ice.
The traditional American combination of whiskey and cola is not even considered a cocktail by many.
But perhaps the most amazing and unusual combination of whiskey and milk. Indeed, how can you combine the incompatible?
Whiskey with milk - a combination of incompatible things
From the history
Is whiskey with milk an alcoholic or milk cocktail? Mentions of the milkshake date back to 1885. A message about a new unusual drink appeared in one of the English newspapers. It was tasty and healthy, as the newspaper wrote. It was made from chilled cow's milk, eggs and blended whiskey. They say that it was the British who came up with the idea of adding a small amount of alcohol to this egg-milk mixture.
In Europe and America, the cocktail quickly caught the fancy of many. Only Europeans added hot milk to the cocktail, and Americans poured rum or brandy instead of whiskey. But in general, you could mix all the drinks.
According to another version, America was the birthplace of the whiskey milk cocktail. They say that emigrants who moved to New Orleans brought with them their customs and traditions, trying to preserve the culture of their native places. So they began mixing whiskey with milk to make milk punch. The drink very quickly gained popularity in America and far beyond its borders.
An old milk cocktail recipe
Mixing whiskey with milk is unusual and unusual. indeed, milk evokes associations with childhood, while alcohol is the prerogative of adults.
But the cocktail ingredients complement each other perfectly. In America they understood this, and the result was milk punch.
There is still no consensus on what ingredients were included in the original cocktail and what their proportions were. Maybe the old recipe was like this.
To prepare the cocktail you need 12 eggs, half a liter of whiskey, 1 liter of milk, powdered sugar. The whites were carefully separated from the yolks and placed in different dishes. Beat the yolks with powdered sugar. Whiskey was added to the bowl with the beaten yolks and mixed well. Then add cold milk and mix thoroughly again. The whites were whipped in a separate bowl until a strong foam formed and carefully mixed with the milk-yolk mass. If you take the time to make this cocktail, you will enjoy it immensely.
Modern recipe
Today, cocktail preparation is much simpler. It's easy to make if you have whiskey (blended, perhaps bourbon), sugar, milk and ice. And, of course, a shaker. Dissolve 100 grams of sugar in the same amount of hot water. You will get sugar syrup. If you like sweets, you can add a little more sugar. put some ice in a shaker, pour in 1/10 of sugar syrup), milk (5/10 parts), whiskey (4/10). You need to shake the shaker until it is covered with frost. Take a low, wide glass with a thick bottom and fill it with the resulting mixture. Sprinkle lightly with chocolate chips or ground nutmeg. Have fun - the whiskey cocktail is ready. It didn't take much time to prepare it.
There are people who like to drink straight whiskey with milk. Milk reduces the bitterness of strong alcohol and leaves a pleasant aftertaste. Try all the recipes, you will definitely like some of the drinks. Let it be whiskey and milk.
Irish coffee history
The cocktail is relatively young, although it is considered a classic, so the history of its origin is reliably known. The recipe was invented by bartender Joseph Sheridan, who worked in a bar at Foynes Airport in County Limerick (southwestern Ireland) in the early 20th century. In the 1930s and 40s, this airport was an important transfer point for flights from the United States to Europe and back.
Americans flying were freezing on planes and sat for hours in a cold airport waiting for delayed flights. To warm up, we went to a bar where we drank tea and whiskey - a traditional warming treat for the Irish. The coffee cocktail appeared on July 19, 1942, when Sheridan decided to use coffee, which Americans loved more, instead of tea. That day, reporter Stan Delaplane was present at the bar, he tried a new dessert, and with his light hand, Irish coffee gained popularity.
The war began, the airport was closed. Delaplane remembered the wonderful Irish drink, and in 1952 he told Jack Keppler, the owner of the California bar Buena Vista, about it. Keppler breathed a second life into the recipe: he added a creamy top and began serving the drink in tall glasses with a handle (these glasses are called toddy). Today the cocktail is so popular that visitors to Buena Vista drink hundreds of thousands of servings a year.
Classic cocktail recipe
The original taste of Irish coffee is obtained by combining hot base, caramelized sugar, cold cream and Irish whiskey. The main problem is that this can only be achieved if the ingredients are selected correctly and the described recipe is strictly followed.
Required Ingredients
components | proportions |
black ground coffee | 50 g |
cane sugar | 20 g |
heavy cream | 50 ml |
Irish whiskey | 40 ml |
Cooking technology
Pour boiling water into the glass and set it aside for a few seconds until it warms up thoroughly.
If the glass is cold, it may crack when the alcohol is lit. Separately, we brew black natural coffee in any way convenient for you. Strain the finished drink through a coffee filter. Pour the water out of the glass, then lightly wipe it with a napkin. We spread cane or regular sugar, on top of which we pour whiskey. Stir the mixture thoroughly until most of the crystals dissolve. Carefully set the mixture on fire - this technique will give the cocktail a characteristic caramel flavor and significantly smooth out the harsh taste of alcohol. We extinguish the flame, and then pour the filtered coffee drink over the alcohol in a thin stream. Cover the container with the contents with a flat plate or lid so that the drink does not cool down while we make the cream. Place a few ice cubes in a shaker and pour heavy cream into it. It is best to pre-cool the cream to a temperature of 3-5°C, then it will be easier to work with. Whip the cream, but without fanaticism - a few seconds is enough
We carefully ensure that the cream does not curdle. Carefully pour the whipped cream into the glass. Due to the difference in temperature, the creamy mass will adhere well to the surface, protecting the cocktail from rapid cooling.