During the war years 1939 to 1945, it was an 18-hour flight from America to Foynes, Co. Limerick, by seaplane. Passengers arrived at the terminal, near the present site of Shannon Airport, chilled and sometimes dampened by wet weather, and they appreciated a hot cup of coffee or tea on arrival. On the theory that passengers would welcome something stronger, Mr. Joseph Sheridan, the head Chef at Foynes, developed the drink that is now known as Irish Coffee.
The drink came to America in 1952 when Jack Koeppler, owner of the Buena Vista Café in San Francisco, read about the hot coffee and whiskey beverage tasted in Ireland by a travel columnist. Koeppler traveled to Ireland to confer with Mr. Sheridan and brought back the recipe. Since that time, many people have thought that Irish coffee was invented in San Francisco.
Irish coffee isn't the ideal of health-conscious Californians. It might jokingly be said to contain the "four food groups of indulgence" — caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and butter fat! But for those who are inclined to indulge, a glass of Irish coffee can make a tasty dessert after a light summertime meal.
Add the whiskey, sugar and hot coffee to each glass, leaving about one inch for the whipped cream. Float the cream on top of the coffee. (The sugar helps the cream to float.) Don't stir after adding the cream. Sip the coffee and whiskey through the cream for the best flavor!
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