2 Easy Non Alcoholic Irish Coffee Recipes

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Synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day, Irish Coffee is a sure sign of the season. These two Non Alcoholic Irish Coffee recipes are festive and utterly delicious. And best of all — can be served to anyone who loves coffee, shamrocks, and the Irish.

So make yourself a warm mugs of Irish coffee… or two… and make a toast, or simply celebrate all things green and lovely.

The Irish story of how Irish Coffee Came to Be

Irish Times tells the story of top Irish chef Joe Sheridan and his now world-famous invention, Irish Coffee.

It tells of a stormy night in Limerick, a New York bound flight turned back to Limerick due to weather. A story of weary travelers and beautiful Irish hospitality.

Chef Joe Sheridan was already on his way home when word of the returned flight reached him. Turning back, he determined to feed the weary travelers and warm them by a good Irish fire and spirits.

That night, he took strong black coffee and mixed it with good Irish whiskey. And for good measure, topped it with pouring cream. When passengers asked what they were drinking, if it was Brazilian coffee, he responded that “no,” it was “Irish coffee.”

As one might imagine, word of that Irish coffee came to America through a San Francisco journalist who sampled that oh-so-delicious coffee in Limerick. It was a late San Francisco night at The Buena Vista when that good old Irish Coffee emigrated to America. And The Buena Vista found themselves to be the most prosperous saloon in the city. Practically overnight, so we’re told, all thanks to Irish Coffee.

And as the Irish Times said… “All because of a cold night and bad weather, all because of a storm in 1943 that forced a flight to America back to its origin at Foynes, Irish coffee became the first flavored coffee drink.”

And now… you know.

Testing Non Alcoholic Irish Coffee Recipes

The Original version of Irish Coffee, as you know, contains Irish Whiskey. Although I hail from O’Hara stock, I’ve never had whiskey.

But I’m told it has a citrusy, almost smokey flavor. That I understand.

Citrusy and smokey sound ever so delightful on a chilly St. Patrick’s Day evening.

So testing, we began.

Could you make a non-alcoholic version that mimicked the original?

The answer is yes, you can. The problem was choosing a favorite.

As you read through this post, you will find two Irish Coffee Recipes. That’s not normal for us at 31Daily, to post two recipes in one post.

But we came to a stalemate of favorites, my husband and I. 

The first recipe is super simple and straightforward. Coffee, brown sugar, just as Joe Sheridan did in 1947, a smidgeon of rum extract, and whipped Irish cream. This is my husband’s favorite.

My favorite was a more citrusy take on this now-famous coffee. It begins with coffee, of course, brown sugar – because it’s the right thing to do, and then adds some citrus elements I love. 

You Tell Us

In that we can’t decide, we’re asking YOU! Some evening when you’re craving a warm beverage — try these two recipes and see what you think! It’s a super easy and fun activity around St. Patrick’s Day.

And if you love it, you might always enjoy No Churn Irish Coffee Ice Cream!