National Irish Coffee Day, observed every January 25, offers coffee enthusiasts a chance to celebrate the timeless appeal of this beloved drink. Combining the boldness of coffee, the smoothness of Irish whiskey, and the indulgence of cream, Irish coffee is a heartwarming tradition that embodies hospitality and togetherness.

The Illustrious Origins of Irish Coffee

Legend has it Irish coffee was invented in 1942 in, you guessed it, Ireland.

The small town of Foynes, near Limerick, was home to an air base that had become a popular stop over for transatlantic flights. Many of these flights carried important public figures and celebrities. To create an elevated experience for these esteemed passengers, a restaurant was opened.

One winter evening, a Pan Am flight bound for New York had to turn back to Foynes midway through its journey. The restaurant’s chef, Joe Sheridan, decided to whip up something special for the cold and weary passengers to drink. He used sugar to sweeten some strong hot coffee, added a little Irish whiskey for good measure and carefully topped it with a delicate layer of cream. Local lore says a silence descended as everyone enjoyed this delectable drink, and Irish coffee instantly became an airport specialty.

In 1952, famed travel writer Stanton Delaplane introduced Irish coffee to the United States. He persuaded Jack Koeppler, then-owner of San Francisco’s The Buena Vista, to recreate the infamous beverage. As the story goes, the cream kept sinking when Koeppler tried to make the drink, so he literally traveled to Foynes to have Joe Sheridan teach him the proper way to craft the beverage.

To this day, the Buena Vista serves upwards of 2,000 Tullamore D.E.W. Irish coffees each day!

The Original Buena Vista Irish Coffee Recipe

If you’re celebrating National Irish Coffee Day, there’s no better way to honor the drink than by using the authentic Buena Vista recipe. 

Ingredients:

  • 2 C&H sugar cubes
  • 4-6 ounces brewed coffee
  • 1 1/3 ounces Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey
  • Heavy cream, lightly whipped

Steps:

  1. Preheat Your Glass: Fill a 6-ounce heat-proof glass with hot water to warm it up. Once warm, discard the water.
  2. Add Sugar and Coffee: Place two sugar cubes in the glass and fill it 3/4 full with brewed coffee. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Incorporate Whiskey: Add 1 1/3 ounces of Irish whiskey and stir briefly to combine.
  4. Float the Cream: Lightly whip heavy cream and float a layer over the coffee by pouring it gently over the back of a spoon.
  5. Sip and Enjoy: Drink the coffee through the cream for the perfect blend of flavors.

Source: Liquor.com

Tips for Celebrating National Irish Coffee Day

Spirited coffee holidays like National Irish Coffee Day offer countless ways to engage and connect with your community. Here are some creative ways to celebrate this iconic drink:

  1. Create Signature Irish Coffee Mocktails: Offer a non-alcoholic twist on the classic recipe by swapping whiskey for a flavorful syrup, such as vanilla or caramel, and garnishing with nutmeg or chocolate shavings.
  2. Host a "How-To" Demo: Bring in a local barista or mixologist to teach residents the art of making the perfect Irish coffee, including tips for that signature cream float.
  3. Irish Coffee and Dessert Pairing: Collaborate with a local bakery to pair Irish coffee with desserts like Guinness brownies, Irish cream truffles, or shamrock-shaped cookies.
  4. Luck of the Irish Coffee Raffle: Include an exciting raffle or giveaway with coffee-themed prizes, such as high-quality beans, Irish whiskey, or specialty creamers.
  5. Irish Poetry & Coffee Corner: Combine culture and coffee by hosting a poetry reading featuring Irish poets or encouraging residents to share their favorite verses over a cup of Irish coffee.
  6. DIY Irish Coffee Photo Booth: Design a photo area with props like oversized coffee mugs and leprechaun hats, encouraging attendees to capture and share the moment.
  7. Outdoor Fire Pit Gathering: If the weather permits, set up a cozy fire pit area where residents can sip their Irish coffee while enjoying warm blankets and outdoor seating.
  8. Spotlight Irish Music: Hire a local musician to perform Irish tunes or curate a playlist featuring traditional and modern Irish music to set the ambiance.

These creative ideas will elevate your National Irish Coffee Day celebration and create memorable experiences for your community. For even more inspiration to plan the ultimate coffee-themed resident event, don’t miss our “Power of Coffee” webinar! 

Raise your glass—filled with Irish coffee, of course—to a day of flavorful celebration and community warmth!

Celebrating National Irish Coffee Day with SipWithMe

National Irish Coffee Day is a reminder of coffee's unique ability to bring people together and create memorable experiences. 

With the right amenity, your property can create a welcoming space that encourages connection and supports resident retention. Whether it’s an everyday pick-me-up or a special celebration, SipWithMe helps you craft coffee experiences that bring people together.

We’re passionate about transforming multifamily properties with premium coffee solutions that not only delight residents but also help property management teams reduce costs and simplify operations.

Celebrate National Irish Coffee Day with an amenity upgrade that adds warmth, indulgence and connection to your community every day. Contact us for a demo or pricing today.