National Irish Coffee Day is celebrated on January 25 each year. Irish coffee is a warm cocktail made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey and brown sugar, topped with a layer of lightly whipped cream. Sipped through the cream, it's a cozy winter drink with a famous origin story. Irish coffee is for adults 21 and older, and the day can also be celebrated with alcohol-free versions.
History of National Irish Coffee Day
Irish coffee was created in the early 1940s at Foynes, a flying-boat terminal on Ireland's west coast. In the winter of 1942 or 1943, a flight bound for North America turned back because of bad weather, and cold, tired passengers returned to the terminal. Chef Joe Sheridan added Irish whiskey to their coffee to warm them up. When a passenger asked if it was Brazilian coffee, Sheridan reportedly replied that it was Irish coffee.
In 1952, travel writer Stanton Delaplane, who had tasted the drink at Shannon Airport, worked with the owner of the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco to recreate it. They struggled to make the cream float, eventually succeeding with lightly whipped cream. The Buena Vista became famous for Irish coffee and still serves large numbers of them.
Today, the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum celebrates the drink's birthplace. Who created National Irish Coffee Day is not documented.
Why National Irish Coffee Day Matters
Irish coffee has a charming story connecting Ireland, aviation history and San Francisco.
It's a classic winter drink and a fun lesson in technique, since floating cream takes practice.
The day is also a chance to enjoy coffee culture responsibly, with non-alcoholic versions available for everyone.
How to Celebrate National Irish Coffee Day
- Make the classic: stir brown sugar into hot coffee, add whiskey and float cream.
- Warm the glass: rinse it with hot water first.
- Whip lightly: cream should be thick but pourable.
- Go alcohol-free: use a splash of vanilla or Irish cream-flavored syrup instead.
- Learn the history: read about Foynes and flying boats.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, celebrate with an alcohol-free coffee bar featuring whipped cream and flavored syrups. In classrooms, students can learn about flying boats and early transatlantic travel. At home, adults 21 and older can make Irish coffee, while kids enjoy hot cocoa with whipped cream. Drink responsibly and never drink and drive; coffee doesn't reduce the effects of alcohol.
Fun Facts About National Irish Coffee Day
- Joe Sheridan created Irish coffee at Foynes around 1942–1943.
- The Buena Vista Cafe began serving it in 1952.
- Lightly whipped cream floats best.
National Irish Coffee Day FAQs
When is National Irish Coffee Day?
National Irish Coffee Day is celebrated on January 25 each year.
Who invented Irish coffee?
Chef Joe Sheridan at Foynes, Ireland, in the early 1940s.
What is in Irish coffee?
Hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar and lightly whipped cream.
How do you float cream on Irish coffee?
Use lightly whipped cream and pour it gently over the back of a spoon.
Where did Irish coffee become popular in the U.S.?
At the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco, starting in 1952.
Is there a non-alcoholic Irish coffee?
Yes. Replace the whiskey with a flavored syrup or extract.