Flaming Spanish Coffee Recipe
This theatrical Spanish Coffee recipe features a caramelized sugar rim, a kiss of fire, and a cool cloud of whipped cream. It is the perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness, and warmth, ready in just 10 minutes.
Equipment
- Tempered Irish Coffee Mug or Wine Glass
- Long lighter
- Whisk
Ingredients
The Prep & Rim
- 1 wedge lemon for wetting the rim
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar for rimming
- 2 oz heavy cream lightly whipped to soft peaks
The Cocktail
- 0.75 oz 151-proof rum Bacardi 151 or Gosling’s
- 0.25 oz Triple Sec
- 1.5 oz Coffee Liqueur Kahlúa
- 3 oz hot coffee strong brewed or Americano
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg freshly grated for garnish
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: Whisk your heavy cream (optionally with a dash of vanilla) until it creates soft peaks. It should be spoonable but not stiff. Set aside.
- Rim the Glass: Take a tempered wine glass or Irish coffee mug. Cut a notch in a lemon wedge and run it around the rim. Immediately dip the rim into a plate of granulated sugar to ensure a thick, even coating.
- Ignite: Add 3/4 oz of 151-proof rum and 1/4 oz of Triple Sec to the glass. Tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle. Using a long lighter, carefully ignite the fumes inside the glass.
- Caramelize: Hold the glass by the stem. Gently swirl the flaming liquid so it licks the sugared rim. Rotate until the sugar turns from white to golden brown and bubbles (about 10-15 seconds).
- Extinguish: Quickly pour in 1.5 oz of Kahlúa. The rising liquid level will help extinguish the flame (or cover with a coaster to snuff it out).
- Add Coffee: Pour the hot, strong coffee into the glass, leaving about an inch of room at the top.
- The Float: Gently spoon the whipped cream over the back of a spoon onto the surface of the coffee so it floats.
- Garnish: Finish with a fresh grating of nutmeg over the white cream and serve immediately.
Notes
Safety Tip: Always use tempered glass designed for heat. Standard glass may shatter when the flame is applied. Keep a damp cloth nearby.
Non-Alcoholic Option: Use decaf coffee and high-quality rum/coffee extracts, though you cannot perform the flaming step.