National Irish Coffee Day

A cozy scene of a person wearing a green sweater, sipping Irish coffee by a crackling fireplace, surrounded by shamrock decorations.. — National irish coffee day illustration

Get ready to raise your mugs, folks! National Irish Coffee Day warms our spirits every January 25th, eclipsing the mid-winter chill with the comforting blend of whiskey-kissed coffee under a creamy, dreamy froth. On a day like this, we all don our imaginary green top hats, twirl our non-existent moustaches and grin like charming leprechauns as we celebrate the beauty of this Celtic concoction.

When is Irish Coffee Day?

It's national irish coffee day on the 25th January.

A Stirring Tale of Froth and Fire

According to our data at WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, we picked up a whopping 2590 online mentions of National Irish Coffee Day. Oh, you know it was a great day when the most mentions occurred on January 25th, 2017, causing quite a frothy stir across the internet.

Serving Up History, One Sip at a Time

Legend says that this delightful drink was invented in the 1940s by a creative Irish chef named Joe Sheridan. He wanted to create a warm and welcoming drink for the cold, weary travellers journeying across the Atlantic. Armed with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a dollop of whipped cream, he served the world its first ever Irish coffee, turning a mundane layover into a little party.

Further Celebrations Across the Pond

Fast forward a few years to when this drink sailed over the Atlantic and docked at the famous Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco. It was here the beverage got its claim to fame in America. They continue the tradition with a secret recipe that keeps patrons returning for more. It's said to this day, they serve up to 2000 Irish coffees a day.

Get Brewin' and Celebratin'

So how should we celebrate this day? Well, you guessed it! Make your own Irish coffee, invite friends over for a chilly morning toast, or visit your favourite local coffee house and see if they’re partaking in the festivities. However you choose to celebrate, make sure to sip slowly, savour the warmth and ponder the history that's hidden in your cup.

History behind the term 'Irish Coffee'

1942

The birth of Irish coffee

Irish coffee, a beloved cocktail consisting of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with a layer of whipped cream, was first created in 1942. The credit for its invention goes to a man named Joe Sheridan, who was the head chef at the Foynes Flying Boat Terminal in County Limerick, Ireland. During a particularly cold winter night, Sheridan decided to warm up some weary, chilled travelers by adding a splash of whiskey to their coffee. The result was an instant hit, and the term 'Irish coffee' was born.

1951

Introduction to America

The popularity of Irish coffee continued to grow, and in 1951, the beverage made its way across the Atlantic to the United States. Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco played a crucial role in introducing Irish coffee to the American public. The cafe's then-owner, Stanton Delaplane, tasted the drink during a visit to Ireland and was determined to bring it back to his establishment. With the help of a bartender named Joe Sheridan (yes, the original inventor himself), they successfully recreated the Irish coffee recipe at Buena Vista Cafe, and it quickly became a local favorite.

1952

A worldwide phenomenon

Word of the delicious Irish coffee spread like wildfire, and it soon gained international recognition. In 1952, Irish coffee made its way to the prestigious Powerscourt Arms Hotel in County Wicklow, Ireland. The hotel's owner, Brendan O'Regan, saw the potential in Irish coffee as a marketing opportunity for Irish tourism. O'Regan went on to establish Shannon Airport and brought the popular drink to its refreshment area, ensuring that every traveler passing through would have the chance to experience a taste of Ireland.

1970s

Standardization and popularity

In the 1970s, the International Bartenders Association (IBA) officially recognized Irish coffee as a standard cocktail. This contributed to its worldwide popularity and led to the creation of various variations and adaptations. The basic recipe remained the same, but some bartenders began experimenting with different types of whiskey, alternative sweeteners, and alternative ways of topping the drink with cream.

Present day

Continued appreciation and celebration

Irish coffee continues to be celebrated and enjoyed around the world. It has become a staple in many Irish pubs, and its distinct flavors and comforting warmth make it a popular choice during colder months. Numerous variations of Irish coffee exist, such as adding unique flavors like Baileys Irish Cream or substituting different types of whiskey. The term 'Irish coffee' has become synonymous with a rich, indulgent beverage that provides a delightful combination of warmth, sweetness, and the unmistakable taste of Ireland.

Did you know?

Did you know that the original recipe specifically called for non-whipped cream? It was the 'float' on top that helped distinguish the drink and the contrast of hot drink and cold cream was essential!