National Irish Coffee Day

National Irish Coffee Day is a spirited food and beverage holiday celebrated annually on January 25. This day honors the warming combination of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a thick layer of cool cream, a drink that has become a global symbol of Irish hospitality.

History of National Irish Coffee Day

The origins of Irish coffee trace back to the winter of 1943 at Foynes Port in County Limerick, Ireland. At the time, Foynes was a major airbase for transatlantic flying boats carrying dignitaries and Hollywood stars. When a flight headed for New York had to turn back due to severe weather, head chef Joe Sheridan was asked to prepare something special to warm the cold and weary passengers. He decided to add a splash of Irish whiskey to their hot coffee. When an American passenger asked if he was serving Brazilian coffee, Sheridan famously replied, “No, it’s Irish coffee.”

The drink gained international fame after travel writer Stanton Delaplane tasted it at Shannon Airport and brought the idea back to San Francisco. In 1952, he worked with Jack Koeppler, the owner of the Buena Vista Cafe, to recreate the authentic recipe. They initially struggled with the cream sinking until they consulted Sheridan directly, discovering that the cream must be lightly whipped and poured over the back of a spoon to float. The Buena Vista Cafe still serves hundreds of thousands of Irish coffees each year using this original method, cementing the cocktail’s status as a contemporary classic.

Why is National Irish Coffee Day important?

This day is significant because it celebrates a cocktail that was born out of genuine hospitality and a desire to provide comfort during difficult travel conditions. It highlights the creative spirit of Irish culinary traditions and the importance of using specific, high-quality ingredients like smooth Irish whiskey. The holiday provides a moment to appreciate the precise balance of temperatures and textures that define the perfect pour, from the piping hot coffee to the chilled, velvet-like cream.

Beyond the beverage itself, National Irish Coffee Day recognizes the historic connection between Irish and American cultures. The drink’s successful migration from a small Irish airport to the bars of San Francisco illustrates how food and drink can bridge geographical gaps. It also serves as a reminder of the “Golden Age of Flight,” when travel was a slow, communal experience. Today, the holiday encourages enthusiasts to master a classic technique that has remained unchanged for over eighty years.

• It honors the innovative hospitality of chef Joe Sheridan in 1943
• It celebrates the cultural exchange between Ireland and the United States
• It highlights the specific culinary science of creating a perfect cream float
• It recognizes Irish whiskey as a versatile and essential global spirit
• It provides a festive way to enjoy a traditional wintertime beverage

How to Celebrate National Irish Coffee Day

The most authentic way to celebrate is to prepare the drink using the traditional four-ingredient recipe. Start by pre-heating a stemmed glass with hot water, then empty it and add a teaspoon of brown sugar. Pour in strong, hot coffee and a generous shot of Irish whiskey, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. The final and most crucial step is to lightly whip cold heavy cream until it is thickened but still pourable, then gently pour it over the back of a spoon so it sits on top of the coffee without mixing.

Many people observe the day by visiting a local Irish pub or a specialty coffee shop that offers a holiday menu. It is common for bartenders to hold demonstrations or “pour-offs” to show off the perfect contrast between the dark coffee and the white cream. You can also celebrate by sharing the story of the drink’s origin at Foynes with friends or family. Because the coffee is meant to be sipped through the cool cream, no straw or stirring is required, allowing the distinct flavors to blend naturally with every sip.

• Prepare a traditional Irish coffee using brown sugar and Irish whiskey
• Use a warm, footed glass to maintain the temperature of the drink
• Practice the “back of the spoon” technique to float your cream perfectly
• Visit a local Irish pub to enjoy a professionally crafted cocktail
• Share the 1943 Foynes Port origin story with fellow coffee lovers

National Irish Coffee Day Dates Table