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Are you watching the first match where India plays Ireland in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup held in America? How about trying some Irish coffee based cocktails and desserts for your party tonight? As a matter of fact, Irish coffee has a connection with America too.
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The story of how Irish coffee was invented can be traced back to the early 1940s. Taking a flight those days was nothing like it is today. Transatlantic flights were a luxury that few could afford. Foynes in Ireland was a place where all flights between North America and Europe stopped to refuel. Most passengers would be exhausted from the long fight and be trying to battle the cold when they got to Foynes.
The story goes that on one such winter evening, Joe Sheridan, a chef at the Foynes Flying Boat base, wanted to offer comfort to passengers who were stranded there because their flight had to return because of bad weather. He decided to make something warm and delicious for them so he added a shot of Irish whiskey to their coffee, sweetened it with sugar, and topped it with a layer of whipped cream. It is believed that when someone asked him if the coffee served was Brazilian, he said, "No, it's Irish coffee."
The Classic Irish Coffee Recipe
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Before you experiment with using Irish coffee to whip up delicious drinks and desserts, here’s how to make the classic. Irish coffee is a warm concoction of coffee, smooth Irish whiskies such as Jamesons, some sugar, and a layer of lightly whipped thick cream. Apart from being this, it is also a drink that has inspired many cocktails and desserts.
Desserts Inspired by Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee Cheesecake
An interesting twist to the classic cheesecake, the Irish coffee cheesecake incorporates the flavours of the drink into a creamy dessert. Bake a cheesecake like you would. Infuse the filling with Irish whisky and coffee. Add a layer of lightly whipped cream on top, which reminds you of how traditional Irish coffee is presented. As a finishing touch, drizzle some caramel sauce mixed with whiskey over the cheesecake before serving.
Irish Coffee Tiramisu
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This loved Italian dessert gets a delicious Irish twist when instead of the traditional espresso, the sweet sponge cake biscuits called lady fingers are soaked in a mixture of strong coffee and Irish whiskey. Keep the mascarpone layer the same as in traditional recipes, as the dessert will still take on a new depth of flavour with the addition of the whiskey. Dust the top with cocoa powder and serve the boozy dessert with a dollop of cream.
Irish Coffee Panna Cotta
The smooth texture of panna cotta complements the rich flavours of Irish coffee. Infuse the cream mixture with coffee and a hint of whiskey before setting it in moulds. Once chilled, you can serve the panna with a drizzle of coffee caramel sauce and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Irish Coffee Brownies
Who doesn’t love brownies? For a party with friends, Irish coffee brownies are an excellent choice. Add a shot of Irish whiskey and some strong coffee to the brownie batter. Your goey brownies will get a slight boozy kick, making them perfect for match viewing. A swirl of coffee-infused cream cheese frosting on top can add to the winning streak.
Cocktails Featuring Irish Coffee
Irish coffee's flavour profile also lends itself well to a variety of cocktails, transforming classic versions instantly.
Irish Coffee Martini
Imagine a cocktail that celebrates the best of two worlds: espresso martini and Irish coffee. Shake cold-brewed coffee, Irish whiskey and coffee liqueur together with a touch of simple syrup and ice. Strain this into a chilled martini glass and top it with a layer of lightly whipped cream. Garnish this with a few coffee beans for it to look professional. You’ll get a caffeine kick along with the smooth high of the whiskey.
Irish Coffee Old-Fashioned
A twist on the classic Old-Fashioned Irish coffee adds richness and complexity to this drink. Muddle or crush a sugar cube with bitters in a glass, then add a shot of strong coffee and a shot of Irish whiskey. Stir it well and add a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry. The coffee and whiskey are a match made in heaven and the bitters add a delicious contrast.
Boozy Irish Coffee Milkshake
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If you prefer something simpler and more comforting, blend vanilla ice cream, cold coffee, Irish whiskey, and a splash of cream. Serve this adult milkshake in a tall glass with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. This indulgent version is a dessert and cocktail fix all at once.
Frozen Irish Coffee
Ideal for the desi summer, this frozen version of Irish coffee is refreshing and delicious. Blend strong coffee, Irish whiskey, coffee liqueur, and ice together till the mix is smooth. Serve this in a chilled glass with a straw.
