Fuss-free and Tasty: Irish Coffee Reinvented

We would like to think that since you are reading this, you might be following up on our previous ‘Fuss-free’ article. While you are still more than welcome to read ahead if that is not the case, we do recommend a quick read through our previous piece as a prelude and to offer some context.

That said, as promised, let’s jump straight into a recommended recipe you can try at home if you consider yourself an adventurous drinker who is past the tried and tested cocktail kits or ready-made options available and yet not too bothered about getting processes exactly right (i.e lazy).

It is imperative however, that we first set some definitions and boundaries on what we consider “fuss-free”.

Easy-to-make Concoctions 

The idea of a “fuss-free” concoction in our book can be characterized by:

-   Simple, easy to find ingredients

-   A bias towards ready-made as opposed to made-from-scratch (in most cases)

-   Non-complex processes

It is not difficult to imagine that we have centered our ideas around the concept of convenience yet not totally absent of a touch of labor. Also included are some “pro-tips” that add some flair should you wish to impress. That said, it is finally time to delve into our first recommended recipe for a fuss-free and tasty concoction at home.

The Modern Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee can easily count for a classic drink or cocktail. Created by Joe Sheridan, a chef at Foynes Port in Limerick during the winter of 1943, Irish Coffee became synonymous with a comfort drink for the cold weather much like Hot Chocolate. The only difference is, unlike Hot Chocolate which is universally loved (I mean who doesn’t love Hot Chocolate?) Irish Coffee tends to be a hit or miss for most. Traditionally, Irish Coffee contains three main ingredients namely- black coffee, Irish whiskey, and whipped cream.

Enter: The Modern Irish Coffee. Our iteration of this known classic consists of the same number of ingredients with a touch of blasphemy; we don’t use Irish Whiskey.

What You Need

1) Black Cold Brew coffee

2) Whiskey

3) An Orange

Preferably, choose a full-bodied Black Cold Brew but in a pinch, any will do as long as they are Black, not White Cold Brew which is mixed with milk. With the increase in popularity of Specialty Coffee Shops and of Cold Brew, your quest for cold brew can bring you anywhere from the nearest convenience store to your favorite third wave café.

For this recipe we would recommend the Monkey Shoulder whisky, a blended malt whisky which has an overall creaminess with butterscotch and fruity berry notes. This would complement your full-bodied Black Cold Brew better, but of course you are free to experiment.

If you already have a Chivas 12 or Chivas 18 on your shelf, try those first. The Chivas 12 years is honey and fruit forward while the Chivas 18 years offer a warmer, spicier take on the concoction. Both options from Chivas Regal are generally safe options although maybe we would warn against being so forthcoming in letting on that you are using Scotch in an Irish Coffee rendition. Well, we did say it was blasphemous.

Lastly, the orange serves as a garnish and to accentuate the fruity notes even further not to mention, add a bit of flair which we will get into.

Alternatives for Purists 

If you insist on staying true to the name, your ever popular Jameson Irish Whiskey would be a good choice. It works better with a lighter bodied Black Cold Brew though, thanks to its thicker body but similar notes of orchard fruits and vanilla. Still the best as a standalone drink in our opinion.

Since most cafes also opt for a fruity and lighter bodied Black Cold Brew in order to appeal to the general palette, you may also consider the Teeling Irish Single Grain Whiskey which pairs beautifully with a citrusy or tangy base, making it a strong contender for mixed drinks and concoctions.

How to Make 

1. Pour approximately 90ml of your Black Cold Brew into a clear glass (or ½ of the glass if you are not interested in exact measurements)
2. Add 45ml of whiskey to the clear glass containing the Black Cold Brew (or till you are left with ¼ of the glass before it is completely filed for point of reference)
3. Peel a medium length strip of the skin of the orange (i.e. orange peel) and add to the concoction

Pro tip: If you are all about showmanship, before you drop the orange peel into the concoction, ignite a lighter and bring your orange peel close to the flame. Press the ends of the strip of orange peel while ensuring that the strip does not touch the flame. This produces a small spritz which reacts with the flame and produces a small but exhilarating flame trick which also adds a bit more flavor to the peel and eventually, your concoction. Perfect for impressing guests.

(It should look something like this) 

After Hours, WFH-style

By now, we are all well aware of how working from home knows no “official working hours”. The next time you find yourself at the end of a workday (officially) but still needing to get a few things done, consider making this “after work drink” packed with the caffeine boost you need to power through while keeping your spirits up, pun intended.

If you find yourself itching to get on this recipe pronto but do not have an alcohol collection to speak of, don’t fret. All the alcohol options mentioned above are available at Cellarbration, not to mention we bring them directly to you- yes, alcohol delivery is real.

All things coffee not for you? Well, stay tuned for more upcoming recipes! You might finally find one that goes down just as smoothly as a good Irish Whiskey.