Irish Coffee

The Perfect
Irish Coffee

At Garavan's we are renowned for our Irish coffee. Prepared
meticulously and served in one of our specifically designed
Garavan's glasses.

Just Don’t Take
Only Our Word For It

  • "If you want to tuck into a snug corner with the best Irish coffee you’ll have in your life, stop into Garavan’s.”

  • "Boston Globe rated the Irish Coffee here as the best. I agree!" - Don M.

  • "One of the best Irish coffees you can ever get! "- Kaan KurtoÄźlu

The Invention and
History of Irish Coffee

  • Origin

    Irish Coffee, a cherished warm drink, emerged in the 1940s in Foynes, a town in County Limerick, Ireland. As a transatlantic air travel hub, Foynes saw many travelers, including a group in 1943 who sought refuge from a storm. Joe Sheridan, the head chef at the Foynes terminal, created the first Irish Coffee by blending strong coffee, Irish whiskey, and cream to comfort the weary passengers. When asked if it was Brazilian coffee, Sheridan famously replied, “No, that’s Irish coffee,” giving birth to the drink's iconic name.

  • Jorney to San Francisco

    Though European countries had been mixing coffee with spirits long before, it was Sheridan's creation that turned heads globally. In 1952, Stanton Delaplane, a travel writer, introduced Irish Coffee to the United States after tasting it in Foynes. Partnering with Jack Koeppler of the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco, Delaplane worked to perfect the recipe, overcoming the challenge of keeping the cream afloat. Once they mastered the method, Irish Coffee became a beloved feature of the Buena Vista Cafe, sparking its fame across America.

  • Legacy

    Today, Irish coffee remains as popular as ever, enjoyed in pubs, cafes, and homes around the world. While purists insist on adhering to the original recipe, others have embraced creative variations, incorporating ingredients like flavoured syrups, chocolate shavings, or even espresso for an extra kick. The perfect Irish Coffee balances strong, hot coffee, smooth Irish whiskey, and freshly whipped cream. This delightful drink continues to be a symbol of Irish warmth and hospitality, enjoyed across the globe. For an unforgettable experience, pop into Garavan's to have "the best Irish Coffee you'll ever have in your life."