Traditionally, Irish coffee is a cup of strong coffee spiked with whiskey and topped with whipped cream. It was first served in 1942 at Shannon Airport in southwest Ireland. Restaurant owner Joe Sheridan served the coffee to travelers on a cold, wet day. We now celebrate today, January 25, as National Irish Coffee Day.
A well-known brand of Irish cream is Bailey’s. When buying a bottle, it can be expensive or even simply forgotten. When making it from scratch, the Irish whiskey bought can be used for other things and the other ingredients are almost certain to be on hand.
The Irish cream can be used for other drink recipes and one of the greatest advantages of making it yourself is your ability to control the amount of alcohol involved.
Photo by Sarah Pearson
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups 2 percent milk
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup Irish Whiskey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- a pinch of salt
Directions:
- Preheat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the milk. Whisk in the sugar. Bring to a low boil, stirring frequently.
- Turn the heat to low. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Add the vanilla and a pinch of salt. Stir in the Jameson.
- Strain the warm mixture.
- Store in a glass jar in the fridge. Use with cold or hot coffee drinks.
