Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day...
Delicious Irish Coffee Recipes ☘️
St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration—whether you’re donning green, enjoying traditional Irish music, or sipping on a festive drink. And what better way to embrace the holiday than with a warm, flavorful cup of Irish Coffee?
With just a few key ingredients—coffee, milk, and flavored syrups—you can create the perfect St. Patrick’s Day treat. We recommend using Monin or Torani syrups for the best flavors. Keep reading to learn about the history of this beloved holiday, the origins of Irish Coffee, and some fun drink recipes to try!
The History of St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S.
St. Patrick’s Day originated in Ireland as a religious feast day honoring Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Traditionally, it was a solemn holiday focused on church services and quiet reflection. However, when Irish immigrants came to the United States, they brought the celebration with them, and it quickly evolved into something bigger.
By the 1700s, Irish communities in cities like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia began holding public parades to celebrate their heritage. The first recorded St. Patrick’s Day parade in the U.S. took place in New York City in 1762, organized by Irish soldiers serving in the British army.
Over time, St. Patrick’s Day became a national celebration of Irish culture, with massive parades, green-themed festivities, and of course, food and drinks! Today, cities across the U.S. dye their rivers green, serve up traditional Irish fare, and toast with Irish-inspired drinks like Irish Coffee!
The Story Behind Irish Coffee ☕
One of the most famous coffee cocktails, Irish Coffee, was first created to warm up weary travelers on a cold winter night. But how did this now-classic drink come to be?
St. Patrick’s Day- Where It All Began
The origins of Irish Coffee trace back to the 1940s at Shannon Airport in Ireland. Chef Joe Sheridan, working at the airport’s restaurant, noticed that arriving passengers were cold and exhausted from their transatlantic flights. Wanting to warm them up, he created a smooth, warming coffee drink with a touch of Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and a thick layer of fresh cream on top.
The drink was an instant success! Soon, it became a staple at the airport, delighting visitors from around the world.
How Irish Coffee Came to the U.S.
In the early 1950s, travel writer Stanton Delaplane tasted Irish Coffee at Shannon Airport and fell in love with it. When he returned to the U.S., he shared the recipe with Jack Koeppler, owner of Buena Vista Café in San Francisco.
Determined to perfect the drink, the two experimented with different methods and even traveled back to Ireland to learn from the source. Their version of Irish Coffee debuted in 1952, and it quickly became one of the most popular coffee cocktails in America!
Classic Irish Coffee Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
- Fresh cream, lightly whipped
Instructions:
Preheat your glass by filling it with hot water, then pour it out.Pour in fresh hot coffee, filling about three-quarters of the glass.Stir in brown sugar until fully dissolved.Add Irish whiskey and mix gently.Carefully pour lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon so it floats on top. Do not stir!
🍀 Sip and enjoy the rich, layered flavors!
Fun St. Patrick’s Day Coffee Drinks
Want to mix things up? Try these festive St. Patrick’s Day coffee creations!
Irish Espresso Martini 🍸🔥
A rich and creamy espresso cocktail with a touch of Irish charm!
Ingredients:
- 1 shot freshly brewed espresso
- 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- ½ oz simple syrup Ice
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish
Instructions:
- Brew a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool slightly.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add espresso, Irish whiskey, Baileys, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled and frothy.
- Strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder.
🍀 Smooth, bold, and dangerously delicious!
Shamrock Oat Milk Latte 🌿🥛
A dairy-free delight with creamy oat milk and a hint of mint!
Ingredients:
- 1 shot freshly brewed espresso
- ½ cup oat milk (or your favorite milk)
- ½ oz Monin or Torani Irish Cream syrup
- ½ oz Monin or Torani Mint syrup
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Green sprinkles or crushed mint candies for topping
Instructions:
- Brew a shot of espresso.
- Steam or froth oat milk until smooth and velvety.
- Stir Irish Cream and Mint syrups into the espresso.
- Pour in the steamed oat milk.
- Top with whipped cream and green sprinkles.
💚 A creamy, slightly sweet, and festive green treat!
Lucky Matcha Espresso Fusion 🍀☕
A vibrant, layered drink with espresso and matcha for an energizing twist!
Ingredients:
- 1 shot freshly brewed espresso
- ½ teaspoon matcha powder
- ½ cup milk of choice
- ½ oz vanilla syrup
- Ice
- Honey or agave (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk matcha powder with a small amount of hot water until smooth.
- Fill a glass with ice and add milk + vanilla syrup.
- Pour the matcha mixture over the milk to create a layered effect.
- Slowly pour the shot of espresso on top.
- Stir lightly before sipping!
🌈 A fun and unique way to combine matcha and espresso!
Always a favorite!
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Passport Coffee Shop!
No matter how you’re toasting St. Patrick’s Day, we’ve got everything you need to make your celebrations extra special.
🍀 Shop our selection of premium coffee and flavored syrups to craft the best Irish Coffee at home!
☕ Here’s to great coffee, good times, and a little Irish luck!