Irish Coffee

Guinness (shown with Bailey's for scale)

It is in the larger hours of the evening, I have had to correct three typos in this sentence so far (ok make it four) and it's Saint Patrick's Day. I must be a little hammered. But let's discuss how my present level of mild intoxication started. Yes, it was a simple cocktail with dessert: Irish Coffee. Alcohol to get the night started, and caffeine to.. um... get the night started. (I mentioned I've been drinking?)

Anyhoo, if you want to learn of the long and vivid history of the Irish Coffee from birth to its present state of maturity, do a Google search and be done with it. I'm dealing purely with the two types I put together tonight. Both have their own unique charm, both allow for a good amount of customization. Let's start with the Traditional.

Irish Coffee in the traditional method - Good Irish whiskey, strong black coffee, brown sugar, and lightly whipped cream floated across the top. Just like Mom used to make. Seriously. Mom was Irish, and strong in the ways of Mixology. In brief:

Irish Coffee, Traditional

1 cup Strong Black Coffee
1 shot Jameson Irish Whiskey
2 teaspoons Brown Sugar
2 oz Heavy Cream (whipped into soft peaks)

-Pour hot coffee into a tall, clear glass. There are specialized glasses for this, but it really doesn't matter a whole lot unless you're one of those sticklers for details.

-Add Whiskey and Brown Sugar. Stir until fully incorporated.

-Add whipped cream. If very thick, place a dollop in the middle. If thin enough to pour, do so over a spoon to prevent mixing. The heat from the coffee will bring thicker whipped cream down to a good consistency. Otherwise, you're good to go.

Irish Coffee in the more Americanized Method -  Bailey's & Coffee style. Everything is uniform and it takes additional flavoring well. At least, better than the traditional method. The recipe is easy, too.

6 oz Strong Black Coffee
6 oz Bailey's Irish Cream
1/2 shot Irish Whiskey (optional)

-Mix all ingredients in a clear glass. Yay. Add other stuff to alter/enhance flavor such as mint, chocolate, vanilla, or something fruity if you're feeling particularly, well, fruity that night.

Irish Coffees, for contrast

Now, to view the rest of the culinary festivities that have taken  place for the holiday, give a look at Surreal Confections here: http://surrealconfections.blogspot.com/2012/03/st-patricks-day.html

The Irish Coffee can be expertly used to start a night of drinking, as a pick-me-up during a night of drinking, as a dessert cocktail, and for those "Hair of the Dog" mornings. Very tasty, very versatile. It deserves a second look by the imbibing community. Slainte!