Warm up with this delightful Spanish Coffee recipe! This refreshing drink is perfect for chilly evenings, made with brandy, coffee liqueur, freshly brewed coffee and topped with whipped cream.
Prep time:
3 minutes
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
265
Ingredients
- 1 oz Brandy
- 1 oz coffee Liqueur - e.g., Kahlúa
- 3 oz hot coffee - freshly brewed
- 1 oz heavy cream or Half-and-Half - for topping
- Sugar - for rimming the glass, optional
- Cinnamon and sugar mix - a pinch for flaming, optional
Equipment
- Heatproof Glass or Mug
- Measuring Jigger
- Bar spoon
- Long Lighter or Matches if flaming
Instructions
- Rim the Glass (optional): Dampen the rim of your heatproof glass, then dip into sugar to coat.
- Flame (Optional): If you're feeling adventurous, pour a pinch of the cinnamon and sugar mix into the glass and ignite briefly to flame.
- Add Coffee Liqueur: Pour 1 oz coffee Liqueur into your chosen glass.
- Add Brandy: Measure and pour 1 oz Brandy into the glass.
- Add Coffee: Pour 3 oz hot coffee into the glass.
- Add Cream: Gently float 1 oz heavy cream or Half-and-Half on top.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Brandy: Sometimes, I use dark rum or whiskey instead of brandy. It gives a different depth and warmth to the drink.
- Coffee Liqueur: If you're out of Kahlúa, Tia Maria makes an excellent substitute. Alternatively, a mix of simple syrup and a dash of vanilla extract can do the trick, but you might lose some complexity.
Making a Pitcher:
- Scale: To prepare a pitcher serving 8, multiply the ingredients by 8. That's 8 oz of brandy, 8 oz of coffee liqueur, and 24 oz of coffee.
- Mix: In a large heatproof pitcher, combine brandy, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed hot coffee. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour into individual mugs or (optionally) rimmed and flamed glasses, top with heavy cream or half-half, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Brandy Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic brandy alternative or apple juice for a fruity depth.
- Coffee Liqueur Substitute: Mix simple syrup with a hint of vanilla extract.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic ingredients instead of the standard ones, and follow the original recipe steps to enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Cream Substitute: Cashew cream, almond milk, or coconut cream work wonderfully to replace dairy-based cream.
What is a Spanish Coffee?
Spanish Coffee is a spirited coffee cocktail with brandy, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed coffee, often topped with cream. Historians trace its origins to Spain, where coffee and spirits have long been cherished traditions. Over time, the drink gained popularity in various parts of the world, especially in colder regions. While its name nods to its heritage, Spanish Coffee has become a universal favorite. You don’t need a barista’s expertise to appreciate a Spanish Coffee.
What is Spanish Coffee made of – The ingredients
For the assembly of a Spanish Coffee, have these ingredients ready:
- Brandy: A distilled wine or fermented fruit juice that adds a robust depth and warmth to the drink.
- Coffee Liqueur: Enhances the coffee flavor with a sweet and slightly viscous note; brands like Kahlúa or Tia Maria are often used.
- Freshly Brewed Coffee: The drink’s base provides caffeine and a rich, roasted taste.
- Cream (optional): A creamy topping that adds a light, velvety texture and a hint of sweetness.
- Sugar (for rimming, optional): Enhances the drink’s sweetness while providing a crystallized texture on the glass rim.
- Cinnamon & Sugar Mix (optional for flaming): Occasionally used to add a brief flame to the drink, contributing to the presentation and adding a subtle spiced note.
