True Irish Coffee aficionados believe that there are no shortcuts when it comes to making a really good Irish Coffee. We couldn’t agree more, which is why we’ve taken this seemingly simple recipe and concocted one of the most heavenly whiskey drinks this side of Ireland.
Ingredient #1: Whiskey Ice Ball
The first ingredient sets the bar for this cocktail, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. And with a local sugarcane stirrer as a functional garnish, you know you’re in for a tasty treat.
Interesting Fact: If you’ve ordered whiskey at any high-end bars lately, there’s a good chance you were rewarded with one of the ever-popular whiskey ice balls. These spherical ice cubes have taken the world by storm (and for good reason.) While they look impressive, there’s more behind these icy globes than their attractive looks. The ice used in your cocktail will drastically shift the taste of your beverage. Due to extra surface area, smaller ice cubes melt quicker, which dilutes the drink and it becomes watery and less flavorful by mid-drink. With these fancy ice spheres, your drink remains nice and cold while melting at a much slower rate. That means your last sip will be as fabulous as your first!
Ingredient #2: Tullamore DEW Whiskey
The second step is to add the legendary triple-distilled, triple-blend Tullamore DEW whiskey. This smooth yet complex spirit makes this cocktail all too easy to drink!
Interesting Fact: The creator of Tullamore DEW whiskey, 15-year-old Daniel E. Williams, started off as a stable boy at the distillery, becoming the general manager and ultimately the owner. Williams worked at the distillery for nearly 60 years and remained active in the business right up to his death in 1921. This company has continued to uphold the high quality of its whiskey, from the use of only three natural ingredients to the triple-cask maturation process. The Irish are known for upholding their traditions, and we are so glad they’ve kept this one up!
Ingredient #3: Fresh Roasted Cold Brew Maui Coffee
The third ingredient could very well be the secret to this masterpiece! A shot of cold brew Maui coffee or french press hot brew is poured in next, just make sure it’s grown on Maui. The superior flavor compliments the other quality ingredients!
Interesting Fact: Cold brew coffee has become all the rage. It’s more than just regular coffee. The coffee is brewed in cold or room temperature water for 12-24 hours, depending on the preferred outcome in flavor. The colder water makes for a smoother, full-bodied taste. And there is less acidity, which makes you and your stomach happier! The end product is a very concentrated coffee, which is usually cut 50/50 with water. Or if you’re one of the cool kids, you cut yours with whiskey.
Keep in mind that it doesn’t matter how long you brew your coffee if you haven’t started out with a high-quality Hawaii coffee bean.
Ingredient #4: Organic Heavy Cream and Vanilla Bean
Finally, the bartender scrapes a fresh vanilla bean into a jar of organically sourced heavy cream. If you’re wondering, there is a massive difference between vanilla extract and vanilla bean. The vanilla bean adds a decadent and intense flavor to the drink that is lacking when using vanilla extract. Don’t scrimp when it comes to taste! With a few mighty shakes, the vanilla whipped cream is a perfectly dreamy consistency and dolloped on top.
Interesting Fact: The most difficult part of making an Irish Coffee is the cream. It can’t be whipped too much or too little, as the crown and glory is making sure the cream floats on top like a luscious cloud. And don’t count grams of fat on this sweet treat, since heavy cream is the only way to go if you’re wanting an authentic Irish Coffee.
