Who can resist a mug of strong coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar topped with a layer of cream? It all started when a traveler brought back a recipe for Irish coffee after having it at an airport in Southwest Ireland. That was back in 1952, when he brought his recipe to the attention of Jack Koeppler, a bartender at the Buena Vista Hotel in San Francisco. He persuaded him to recreate it. Irish Coffee Day will be celebrated by the millions of people who drink it on any other day. However, one particular day is set aside to celebrate the beverage that has become an iconic part of Irish culture throughout the world. If you follow the recipe and select a top-notch Irish whiskey, then you will understand why this classic is one of the best cocktails of all time.

• 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar, to taste
• 4 ounces strong hot coffee
• 1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey
• 1-ounce heavy cream, lightly whipped

Add the brown sugar to a warm Irish coffee glass, mug, or similar heatproof glass. Add the coffee and Irish whiskey. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Float the heavy cream on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a spoon. Do not stir. Instead, drink the Irish coffee through the cream.

January 25th each year is National Irish Coffee Day. It is typically celebrated with a mug of strong coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with a layer of cream.

Irish coffee is a beverage made with strong coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with a layer of cream. The drink was invented by Joe Sheridan in Foynes, County Limerick in 1943.