Back between 1939 and 1945 many Americans flew to Ireland in a flying boat. The plane landed at Foynes, Co. Limerick after an 18 hour flight. The passengers were than shuttled by boat to the terminal. On cold damp days the passengers were somewhat chilled after the ride especially in the winter months. They really appreciated a cup of hot coffee or tea upon arrival to the terminal.
The Irish have long taken a little whiskey in their tea. This gave the new chef at the restaurant Joseph Sheridan an idea. He thought he would treat the newly arrived damp miserable Americans to a little Irish hospitality with an American twist. He knew of their taste for coffee, so he added the whiskey to their coffee instead of the Irish way of adding it to tea. One of the pleasantly surprised passengers asked “Is this Brazilian coffee?”, “No”was Joe’s reply “That’s Irish coffee.” So in 1942 the Irish coffee recipe was born. It is now enjoyed all over the world. (source)
In Florence there are several Irish pubs but not all of them are as original and Irish as Finnegan‘s Irish pub. Below the Irish coffee prepared by the Irish Brendan!
Pre-heat a clear stemmed glass with very hot water.
Empty the water, and add a generous measure of Irish Whiskey.
Now add some freshly brewed rich coffee, then sugar and stir.
Gently pour in some whipped cream and you’re ready!
photos © chrysoula papagianni
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