Irish coffee has long been a favourite among those living in the Causeway Coast and Glens, and it's easy to see why. This delightful blend of smooth whiskey, rich coffee, velvety cream, and a touch of sweetness is a true delight for the senses. But what makes Irish coffee stand out from other cocktails? And how can you perfect your recipe?
Luckily for us, the Causeway Coast and Glens is not only home to the world-famous distillery of Old Bushmills Whiskey, but talented mixologists, too. Ashley of North Coast Cocktails is one mixologist who, will not only serve you a perfect Irish Coffee, he can also teach you how to make your own!
With a wealth of experience in the drinks and hospitality industries, Ashley has taken his passion to new heights by founding his own company, ‘North Coast Cocktails’. Specialising in the art of mixology, Ashley teaches hospitality staff and students to perfect their craft, and offers interactive cocktail making experiences for groups and events.
One such experience he offers is his Irish Coffee Making Masterclass, where, using a range of locally-produced ingredients, groups will be able to perfect the art of Irish Coffee making. Ashley's classes not only allow groups to perfect the craft of Irish Coffee making, but also empower them to carry these newfound skills home, creating a lasting and flavourful impact beyond the experience.
"An Irish Coffee is warmth for the soul"
We asked Ashley what his thoughts on this comforting drink are, and here’s what he had to say:
“It’s the perfect marriage of flavours; the secret to the Irish coffee's success lies in its incredible balance and flavour profile. The combination of locally roasted coffee, the warmth of the whiskey, the velvetiness of the cream, and just a hint of sweetness creates a harmonious symphony of taste. On my Irish Coffee Making Masterclass experience, I like to couple the final creation with a gorgeous Dark Chocolate and Orange Truffle from Chocolate Manor to add a bit of extra sweetness.
An Irish Coffee is warmth for the soul; Northern Ireland is known for its cold and rainy weather, and Irish coffees provide the perfect remedy for those chilly evenings. Sipping on a steaming mug of Irish coffee is like wrapping yourself in a cosy blanket - it warms your soul and brings comfort like no other cocktail can. It's the ultimate pick-me-up for those seeking solace from the cold.
Another reason why people love Irish Coffee so much is down to its versatility and adaptability – it can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer a stronger whiskey kick or a sweeter touch, the adaptability makes Irish Coffee appealing to a wide range of tastes.
I feel that Irish Coffee offers a taste of Ireland in every sip. It is a drink deeply rooted in Irish culture and tradition. The combination of Irish whiskey and the warmth of coffee reflects the spirit and hospitality of the Irish people. It's a way to experience the essence of Ireland, no matter where you are.”
The Perfect Irish Coffee Recipe
Fancy making your own? Ashley has given us the details of the ingredients he uses to make the perfect Irish Coffee at his Irish Coffee Masterclasses.
Ingredients
35ml Irish Whiskey (Ashley recommends Sexton Irish Whiskey, made locally at the oldest registered distillery in Ireland; The Old Bushmills Distillery)
50ml Espresso (Ashley uses locally-produced brand, Fidela Coffee, made at their roastery in Coleraine)
1 teaspoon of Demerara sugar
Freshly whipped cream
Dark Chocolate Orange Truffle - from The Chocolate Manor, based in Castlerock
A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg and powdered chocolate
Method:
1. Brew the Perfect Espresso:
Start by brewing a strong and flavourful espresso using 50ml of Fidela Coffee. Ensure the coffee is fresh for the best taste.
2. Sweeten with Demerara Sugar:
Add 1 teaspoon of Demerara sugar to the hot espresso and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This will add a subtle sweetness to balance the robust flavours of the Irish Whiskey.
3. Introduce the Irish Whiskey:
Pour 35ml of Irish Whiskey into the sweetened espresso.
4. Whip Up Fresh Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip fresh cream until it forms soft peaks. The cream should be thick enough to float on top of the coffee but still have a velvety texture.
5. Layer the Whipped Cream:
Gently layer the freshly whipped cream on top of the Irish Whiskey and espresso mixture. Use the back of a spoon to ensure a smooth and even layer.
6. Garnish with Decadence:
Finish off your masterpiece by sprinkling a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and chocolate on top. This aromatic blend will awaken your senses with each sip. As a treat to yourself, or to impress any guests you might be entertaining, Ashley recommends adding a Dark Chocolate Orange Truffle from The Chocolate Manor to serve alongside your coffee.
7. Serve and Savour:
Present your Irish Coffee in a warm mug or a classic Irish coffee glass. Sip slowly and savour the harmonious blend of flavours, from the first notes of whiskey to the last hint of chocolate and spice.
Enjoy!
So there you have it, the perfect Irish Coffee recipe, courtesy of North Coast Cocktails! As with most recipes, practice makes perfect, so we’d highly recommend experiencing the Irish Coffee Masterclass for yourself during your next visit to Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast and Glens.
Learn more about North Coast Cocktails' Irish Coffee Making Masterclass >>
Visit North Coast Cocktails' official website >>
Always drink responsibly.
Join professional bartender Ashley Douglas for a private fun and interactive cocktail masterclass and learn the art behind the perfect Causeway Irish Coffee.
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Chocolate is lovely to eat but it’s also great fun to make too! Chocolate Manor offer a range of scheduled and private workshops so that you can experience the joy and wonder of creating your own chocolate treats. They have experiences just for kids, just for adults, and for families and groups of all ages and abilities.
In 1608, in Bushmills, a legend was born. In that year, King James I granted a very particular licence to this small village, just a few miles inland from Ireland’s rugged north coast. The licence gave Bushmills the right to distil whiskey. Today, Bushmills is home to the oldest licenced whiskey distillery in the world.
