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Irish Coffee
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Irish Coffee
In the cold months of the early 1940s, a cocktail we know and love was created in Limerick, Ireland. A local chef combined the cozy warmth of a cup of coffee with the strong kick of Irish whiskey, and the Irish Coffee was born. The Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco was the first recorded American bar to serve this drink, and these days you can order it in just about any pub you wander into.
By Marler (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
January 25 is National Irish Coffee Day, and there’s only one way to celebrate—by making yourself a drink! The Irish Coffee is a simple cocktail, but we did our research to find the classic way to brew and imbibe. There are four main ingredients in just about every recipe researched, so be sure you’re stocked up on these:
- Irish Whiskey
- Brown Sugar
- Hot Coffee
- Heavy Cream
Irish Coffee Recipe
Follow this recipe to celebrate National Irish Coffee Day:
- First off, brew some coffee! You’ll want a strong and dark brew, and the Mendocino Vienna is the perfect addition to any Irish Coffee cocktail. While you’re at it, boil some water to warm up the inside of your cup.
- Next, whip that heavy cream. Mix it so that’s it’s still creamy, not quite stiff, so it can sit smoothly, right on top of your drink.
- Warm up the bottom of your glass with that hot water, and dump it out.
- Toss in a teaspoon to a tablespoon of brown sugar. It’s up to you how much sweetness you want!
- Pour in a jigger of Irish Whiskey, while mixing it with a small spoon. You’ll want to combine the whiskey with the sugar already in the cup.
- Slowly pour in your brewed coffee, while mixing it with the sugar and whiskey mixture already there. Leave some room at the top of your cup for the cream!
- What you’ll want to do with the cream is VERY slowly pour it on top. We’re not doing any mixing here, just setting down a layer of cream to sit right on top of your drink.
- Need a little garnish? A sprinkle of nutmeg, a dash of caramel or even a little extra brown sugar on top make for a fancy looking cup of Irish Coffee.
Looking for a non-alcoholic version of an Irish Coffee? Use a splash of brandy or rum flavoring instead of the whiskey. If you’re worried about an evening drink containing caffeine, we have a solution: decaf! We would suggest our Royal Decaf, but you can peruse our full list of Decaf Coffees for yourself.
Did you make yourself a cocktail using our coffee? Share a picture and your review on our social media channels! FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • TUMBLR
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![Our CBD is Discontinued]()
Our CBD Infused Coffees Are Discontinued
The time has come for us to make a change for the better. Mendocino Morning and Evening Gold Coffee infused with CBD oil will no longer be offered by Thanksgiving Coffee Company. We will continue to focus on what we do best, roast coffee. If you want your CBD you can brew our coffee and add your own CBD to your cup. We used an average of 5-6 mg of CBD for a 8 oz cup of coffee.
In short, the multi-faceted regulations and the time-consuming processes to bring the CBD coffee blend no longer serve our company. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. Our CBD Morning Coffee was made from our The Upsetter Light Roast Espresso – the blend that won the 2019 Good Food Award. The Evening Gold Blend was made from Northern Italian Style Decaf Espresso organically grown and decaffeinated naturally without the use of chemicals. Both of these products are still available for the great taste you love.
Our CBD coffees are going away. These great coffees are still available without CBD
Sold outSold outOur CBD is Discontinued
read more -
![The History of Our Holiday Blend]()
A Tradition That’s Been Brewing Since 1980
Every holiday season, the air around our Mendocino roastery has filled with the rich aroma of something special: the first roast of our Holiday Blend.
Born from the coastal fog and festive spirit of Northern California, this blend has become one of our longest-running traditions, crafted each year as a toast to connection, craftsmanship, and gratitude.
Now in its forty-fourth season, Holiday Blend continues to honor its original intent: to bring people together around a cup that complements the flavors of the season and celebrates the people who grow it.
How a Seasonal Tradition Began
We have recreated this medium roast blend every year since 1980, always sourcing from the same three origins—Nicaragua, Colombia, and Sumatra.
While the components remain constant, no two years are ever exactly alike. Climate, weather patterns, and even volcanic activity shape the harvests, creating subtle shifts in flavor and aroma.
Yet through all those changes, one thing remains true: every Holiday Blend is designed to be the perfect companion to the decadent foods and sweet gatherings of the season.
Flavor Notes: Comfort, Depth & Velvet Finish
Dark chocolate greets you at first sip, followed by a gentle hint of cedar and a finishing sparkle of ripe plum.
This medium roast invites warmth on cool mornings and pairs beautifully with rich, traditional holiday fare—from spiced cakes and roasted nuts to your favorite desserts.
“Great coffee begins with gratitude - for farmers, for land, and for the craft that brings it all to life. The Holiday Blend is our yearly toast to that gratitude.”
Where It's Grown
- Colombia — Deep dark chocolate and smooth sweetness from Finca Agroberlin in the snow-peaked mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
- Sumatra — Earthy, cedar-like depth from the Gayo Mountains’ dense tropical forests.
- Nicaragua — Bright, lively notes from Jinotega, the heartland of coffee country—bringing balance to every cup
Together, they compose a coffee that’s both grounded and celebratory—finishing with a ripe plum sparkle and a long finish that lingers like a favorite holiday memory.
How To Brew, Pair & Share
Brewing Methods: French press for round body; pour-over or auto-drip for clarity and cocoa-cedar sweetness.
Pairings: Spiced persimmon cake, cranberry-orange loaf, or dark-chocolate sea-salt bark.
Gifting: Tuck a bag with a handwritten note and your favorite brewing tip—instant host gift.
Recipe idea: Try a simple Holiday Mocha—6 oz Holiday Blend + 1 oz dark chocolate syrup + steamed milk; dust with cinnamon and orange zest.
Persimmon Spice Cake is great with Holiday Blend
A Cup Worth Gathering Around
The Holiday Blend reflects who we are as a company: devoted to the art of roasting, committed to our farmer partners, and guided by gratitude for the land that sustains us.
It’s a seasonal reminder that great coffee is more than just flavor—it’s a story of resilience, relationship, and care.
Every bag carries forward our promise: Not Just a Cup, But a Just Cup.™
Bring the Tradition Home
Make this season’s gatherings a little warmer—with a cup that celebrates people and planet.
The History of Our Holiday Blend
read more
Our CBD Infused Coffees Are Discontinued
The time has come for us to make a change for the better. Mendocino Morning and Evening Gold Coffee infused with CBD oil will no longer be offered by Thanksgiving Coffee Company. We will continue to focus on what we do best, roast coffee. If you want your CBD you can brew our coffee and add your own CBD to your cup. We used an average of 5-6 mg of CBD for a 8 oz cup of coffee.
In short, the multi-faceted regulations and the time-consuming processes to bring the CBD coffee blend no longer serve our company. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. Our CBD Morning Coffee was made from our The Upsetter Light Roast Espresso – the blend that won the 2019 Good Food Award. The Evening Gold Blend was made from Northern Italian Style Decaf Espresso organically grown and decaffeinated naturally without the use of chemicals. Both of these products are still available for the great taste you love.
Our CBD coffees are going away. These great coffees are still available without CBD
Our CBD is Discontinued
read more
A Tradition That’s Been Brewing Since 1980
Every holiday season, the air around our Mendocino roastery has filled with the rich aroma of something special: the first roast of our Holiday Blend.
Born from the coastal fog and festive spirit of Northern California, this blend has become one of our longest-running traditions, crafted each year as a toast to connection, craftsmanship, and gratitude.
Now in its forty-fourth season, Holiday Blend continues to honor its original intent: to bring people together around a cup that complements the flavors of the season and celebrates the people who grow it.
How a Seasonal Tradition Began
We have recreated this medium roast blend every year since 1980, always sourcing from the same three origins—Nicaragua, Colombia, and Sumatra.
While the components remain constant, no two years are ever exactly alike. Climate, weather patterns, and even volcanic activity shape the harvests, creating subtle shifts in flavor and aroma.
Yet through all those changes, one thing remains true: every Holiday Blend is designed to be the perfect companion to the decadent foods and sweet gatherings of the season.
Flavor Notes: Comfort, Depth & Velvet Finish
Dark chocolate greets you at first sip, followed by a gentle hint of cedar and a finishing sparkle of ripe plum.
This medium roast invites warmth on cool mornings and pairs beautifully with rich, traditional holiday fare—from spiced cakes and roasted nuts to your favorite desserts.
“Great coffee begins with gratitude - for farmers, for land, and for the craft that brings it all to life. The Holiday Blend is our yearly toast to that gratitude.”
Where It's Grown
- Colombia — Deep dark chocolate and smooth sweetness from Finca Agroberlin in the snow-peaked mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
- Sumatra — Earthy, cedar-like depth from the Gayo Mountains’ dense tropical forests.
- Nicaragua — Bright, lively notes from Jinotega, the heartland of coffee country—bringing balance to every cup
Together, they compose a coffee that’s both grounded and celebratory—finishing with a ripe plum sparkle and a long finish that lingers like a favorite holiday memory.
How To Brew, Pair & Share
Brewing Methods: French press for round body; pour-over or auto-drip for clarity and cocoa-cedar sweetness.
Pairings: Spiced persimmon cake, cranberry-orange loaf, or dark-chocolate sea-salt bark.
Gifting: Tuck a bag with a handwritten note and your favorite brewing tip—instant host gift.
Recipe idea: Try a simple Holiday Mocha—6 oz Holiday Blend + 1 oz dark chocolate syrup + steamed milk; dust with cinnamon and orange zest.
Persimmon Spice Cake is great with Holiday Blend
A Cup Worth Gathering Around
The Holiday Blend reflects who we are as a company: devoted to the art of roasting, committed to our farmer partners, and guided by gratitude for the land that sustains us.
It’s a seasonal reminder that great coffee is more than just flavor—it’s a story of resilience, relationship, and care.
Every bag carries forward our promise: Not Just a Cup, But a Just Cup.™
Bring the Tradition Home
Make this season’s gatherings a little warmer—with a cup that celebrates people and planet.
The History of Our Holiday Blend
read more
Simplifying to Serve You
The coffee landscape is dramatically different than it was when we began this journey 53 years ago.
In those early days, we built our lineup coffee by coffee — adding blends and single origins as new beans became available and relationships grew. For decades, harvests were plentiful and sourcing was straightforward.
Today, the world of coffee is evolving. Climate shifts, supply chain realities, and changing customer preferences mean we need to be as thoughtful and resourceful as possible to keep doing what we do best: bringing you exceptional coffee with integrity.
Change for the Better
We're streamlining our packaged coffee offerings, starting in September. With a simplified lineup of coffees, we'll focus on the blends and origins we can source consistently, roast with excellence, and deliver to you at the highest possible quality.
By simplifying our offerings, we will:
- Deepen our support for the farmers we work with through more focused purchasing.
- Maintain freshness and quality in every cup we roast.
- Stay nimble in a changing coffee landscape, so we can continue being your favorite coffee company for years to come.
What This Means For You
We know change isn’t always easy — especially when it means saying goodbye to a favorite. But change also creates space for something new.
- Nearly every retiring coffee has a suggested alternative: matched for flavor, roast level, and story.
- All coffees will remain listed on our website, so you can easily find info about alternatives or select a bulk purchase option.
- Cause Coffees: For special details on replacements and recommendations, visit our Cause Coffee page.
- Bulk options: Many coffees will still be available in 5 lb bags, even if they’re not sold in retail-size packaging. We’re happy to share our best practices for keeping coffee fresh in larger quantities.
Find Your Next Favorite Cup
We know you might be wondering, “What will replace my favorite?”
Here’s the list of our retiring coffees with the roasts we recommend in their place — each one carefully matched for flavor, roast, and story.
- ⏳ Albion River Inn Blend → Try Paul’s Blend
- ⏳ Beaujolais Blend → Try Old Town French
- ⏳ Costa Rica → Try Peru
- ⏳ Delicious Peace Dark → Try Mendocino Vienna
- ⏳Delicious Peace Medium → Try Rwanda
- ⏳ Guatemala → Try Song Bird Guatemalan
- ⏳ Hazelnut → Available in 5lb bag
- ⏳ MacCallum House Blend → Try Beaujolais FTO
- ⏳ Mocha Java FTO → Try Mocha Java Classic
- ⏳ Nicaragua → Try Song Bird Nicaragua
- ⏳ Vienna → Try Mendocino Vienna
- ⏳For Cause Coffees →See Cause Coffee Guide
Our Commitment Remains the Same
For over five decades, we’ve been devoted to ethically sourced, artisan roasted coffee — and that will never change. Every decision we make is rooted in our mission:
- Source with integrity
- Roast with care
- Honor the stories behind every coffee bean
Thank you for growing with us, embracing new favorites, and sharing our belief that coffee is more than a drink. It's a daily connection to people, to our planet, and our sense of purpose.
With gratitude since 1972,
The Thanksgiving Coffee Team
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Lavender Grace is the sustainability consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
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