Perfect Irish Coffee

 

There are several reasons why places become legendary: they do something well; they have a great atmosphere; the people who work there are interesting; or they’ve stood the test of time. The BuenaVista Cafe at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, California is a classic for all these reasons. It was established in 1896 and became known for its outstanding Irish Coffee in 1952. That’s the year Jack Keoppler and Stanton Deleplane perfected the coffee drink that bartender Joe Sheridan served in Ireland’s Shannon Airport.Today, the recipe remains the same. Sipping an Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista is a noteworthy experience. The welcoming restaurant bustles; many patrons are discerning tourists but there are also several locals who have befriended the staff.

I came here to find out how to make a perfect Irish Coffee. PaulNolan, who’s been tending bar at the establishment since 1977, readily shares his expertise. Try his Irish Coffee tips and make a bit of history in your kitchen with this time-tested recipe ―it may enliven a party and bring you some good ol’ Irish flattery.

HOW TO MAKE IRISH COFFEE Step 1: Brew coffee. Make about 4.5 ounces of coffee foreach glass. Use standard coffee like FolgersClassic Roast. Step 2: Warm a 6-ounce Irish Coffee glass (available from the Buna VistaCafe gift shop). Pour hot water into the glass, let it sit for a few seconds and empty the glass. Step 3: Place 2 sugar cubes in the warm glass or 1½teaspoons of sugar if you don’t have cubes. Use cane sugar because it dissolves fast. Step 4: Fill the glass ¾ of the way full with coffee and stir to dissolve the sugar. Step 5: Pour about 1 jigger (1½ ounces) of Irish whiskey into the glass. Tulla more Dew brand is recommended. Step 6: Whip heavy whipping cream in a blender on low speed until frothy. Keep a reserve of heavy cream on hand in case you over whip it.You can always pour more cream into the blender to balance the aeration. Step 7: Add about ¼ inch of cream by pouring it over a poon onto the mixture, topping off the glass. The cream should float on top of the drink. Note: Don’t stir the beverage after step 2. Sip the IrishCoffee through the cream. Ideally, you’ll have a small amount of cream in the bottom of the glass after the liquid has been consumed. INFO: The BuenaVista; $$; 2765Hyde St., San Francisco; 415/474-5044. Get more cooking tips »