Happy National Irish Coffee Day or St. Paddy's Day... Celebrate with a restaurant style Irish Coffee... Strong coffee and Irish Whiskey- now I'd say that is a pretty good reason to celebrate. When the weather is cold, an Irish Coffee is a great way to wrap up a meal or end a very long day. It's a classic cocktail that ever goes out of style. Warm, rich and smooth, it is one of those drinks you order at a restaurant but rarely make at home. The recipe for a classic Irish Coffee is simple and the technique is not difficult to master. Just use the back of a spoon to slowly add the cream on the top of the coffee.

"May the road rise up to meet you and the luck of the Irish be yours."

RESTAURANT SYTLE IRISH COFFEE

Makes one

INGREDIENTS

3-4 ounces hot strong coffee (fill a mug 2/3 full)

1 to 1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey (I like Bushmills) for each serving (for a larger mug, use a 1 1/2 ounces)

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, lightly whipped just to thicken slightly (the amount depends on the size of your mug)

DIRECTIONS:

Put the sugar in a heat-proof mug or glass. Fill 2/3 full with coffee. Stir to dissolve. Add the whiskey. Then carefully pour the whipping cream over the back of a spoon to keep the color separation intact. Add a shake of cinnamon, a cinnamon stick, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings, if desired as a garnish.