Irish Coffee

Foynes, Ireland — 1943 (created by chef Joe Sheridan)

Joe Sheridan invented this at the Foynes flying boat terminal to warm up passengers arriving on cold transatlantic flights. Hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and a float of lightly whipped cream — you drink the hot coffee through the cold cream. Stanton Delaplane brought the recipe to the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco, where they still serve thousands daily.

How to make it

1. 1

   Pre-heat a stemmed glass or Irish coffee mug with hot water, then discard the water.

2. 2

   Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 45ml of Irish whiskey.

3. 3

   Pour in 180ml of fresh, hot, strong coffee and stir until the sugar dissolves.

4. 4

   Lightly whip heavy cream until it just holds its shape — not stiff peaks, just thickened.

5. 5

   Pour the cream slowly over the back of a spoon so it floats on top. Do not stir. Drink the coffee through the cream.