Making an Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista Cafe

In an age of artisanal ice and ludicrous infusions, it’s nice to have a well-made classic. And no one does the classic Irish Coffee like the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco. They perfected the recipe back in 1952, and they haven’t changed it since. We stopped by to see how one is made.



1. Fill your glass with hot water, then dump it out.




2. Add two sugar cubes.




3. Pour coffee until the glass is 3/4 full.




4. Stir to dissolve.




5. Add a full jigger of Irish Whiskey.




6. Top with lightly whipped whipping cream by pouring gently over a spoon.




7. Enjoy.