Fort Defiance is part of a series of tidbits from the chapters of my book Bars, Taverns and Dives New Yorkers Love, published by Rizzoli. You can order it from Powell’s, Amazon, Rizzoli, and Barnes & Noble. Signed prints of all the bars in the book are available here.

Fort Defiance has a new location…

During the pandemic, Red Hook Brooklyn stalwart Fort Defiance pivoted from its role as neighborhood tavern to a general store that also served prepared food and wonderful cocktails. Then they moved to a larger location a block to the north, but thanks to some governmental red tape their liquor license didn’t follow right away, so they took a break. As it stands, they’ll be reopening in May, 2022. Cocktails included!

In honor of that, I give you the famous Fort D’s Irish Coffee recipe!

Fort D’s Irish Coffee (“The Best In the World,” according to the New York Times‘ Pete Wells)

Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Powers Irish whiskey
1 oz. simple syrup
Double shot of espresso
Heavy cream
Cinnamon

Heat an Irish Coffee mug by filling with boiling water.                     Drop a small cocktail mixing tin into the boiling water                     creating a “double-boiler” effect. Add whiskey and syrup to                 tin. (This heats up the mug and whiskey, avoiding tepidity,                     the downfall of many an Irish Coffee.)

Dump hot water from mug, and pour in the heated                         whiskey-syrup mixture. Fill to an inch of the rim with                  near-boiling water. Pour espresso on top. (This fresh, hot                  Americano-style coffee is another key to the recipe’s                   success.)

Top with heavy cream, thickened by shaking in a bottle or                   some serious whisking. Dust with freshly grated cinnamon.