Irish Coffee: When and where was it invented?

The Birthplace of Irish Coffee: Foynes Flying Boat Terminal, Limerick in 1943

The world-famous Irish Coffee cocktail is a great story that tells how blending ingenuity, warmth, and hospitality with a good measure of coffee created a drink that has become an enduring global icon. Here’s the full story of how this classic cocktail was invented in what is now Shannon Airport, and why it is so popular in Ireland and all accross the world..

The Setting: Foynes Port and Its Role in Aviation History

During the 1930s and 1940s, Foynes Port in County Limerick was a hub for transatlantic aviation. It was a stopover point for flying boats. These were luxury seaplanes that carried passengers across the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike modern long-haul flights, these journeys were often cold, exhausting, and fraught with delays caused by unpredictable weather.

To cater to these passengers, a high-end restaurant was established at Foynes, headed by chef Joe Sheridan, who was known for his culinary talent and warm personality. Joe was from Castlederg in Co Tyrone. He famously applied for the position in Foynes by sending a letter saying: “Dear Sir, I’m the man for the job. Yours sincerely, Joe Sheridan.” The letter was cheeky enough to get him an interview and he landed the job. It was here at Foynes Flying Boat Terminal, amidst the comings and goings of travelers and crew, that Irish Coffee was born.

Irish Coffee is invented, winter 1943.

One evening in the winter of 1943, a flight bound for Newfoundland had to turn back to Foynes after being caught up in terrible weather for several hours.  The captain sent a message to the control tower at Foynes and airport staff were called back into work to deal with the unscheduled landing. Cold and weary from the journey, the passengers returned to the terminal seeking warmth and comfort. Seeing the state of them, Sheridan decided to create something special to lift their spirits.

He brewed strong, hot coffee and added a shot of Irish whiskey for warmth. To balance the flavors, he stirred in a spoonful of sugar and carefully floated fresh cream on top, creating a layered, luxurious drink. When asked by a passenter if this was Brazilian coffee, Sheridan replied, “No, it’s Irish coffee.”

Irish Coffee goes global

Irish coffee quickly became a favourite among travelers passing through Foynes. Its warming qualities and its rich, indulgent flavour, along with a welcome kick of caffeine captured the essence of Irish hospitality. When the flying boat terminal at Foynes was replaced by Shannon Airport in 1945, Sheridan moved to the new airport’s restaurant, bringing his now-famous Irish Coffee recipe with him.

At Shannon Airport, Irish Coffee quickly attracted international attention. In the 1950s, a travel writer introduced it to Jack Koeppler, a bartender at the famous Buena Vista Café in San Francisco, who popularised it in the United States. Koeppler perfected the cream-floating technique, and his technique spread quickly, helping Irish Coffee to become a staple cocktail in bars and restaurants worldwide.

Why Irish Coffee Endures

Irish Coffee embodies the spirit of Ireland—warm, welcoming, and a little indulgent. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the way it combines the  familiarity of coffee with the robust flavour of whiskey. The rich Irish cream adds a touch of elegance, making it equally suitable for casual sipping or special occasions.

Irish Coffee Today

1. Modern Variations
   While the classic recipe remains a favourite, creative twists have emerged over the years. Some versions use flavored syrups, different types of whiskey, or alternative creams (like Baileys Irish Cream). Others incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Irish Coffee is more than just a drink, it’s a piece of Irish history, an expression of warmth and ingenuity, and a testament to the enduring power of a simple, well-crafted recipe. Whether you’re sipping it at home, at a café in Dublin, or in a bar on the other side of the world, every glass carries the spirit of Foynes and Joe Sheridan’s welcoming touch.