Tip: If you end up buying a kitchen torch, you can use it for so many things! Try it for caramelizing creme brulee, charring crust on a pizza to look like a wood-fired oven, or melting cheese on nachos (to add smoky flavor). But this drink is extra-special. It’s got a caramelized sugar rim and is spiked with Kahlua, rum, and orange liqueur…and topped with hand-whipped fluffy whipped cream! The burnt caramel, citrus, bitter coffee and sweet cream all combine into a literal symphony of flavor. You’ve gotta try this one! Spanish coffee is an American adaptation of the carajillo, invented at Huber’s Bar in Portland, Oregon in the 1970’s by co-owner James Louie. The drink is made tableside by lighting high proof rum on fire to caramelize the glass’s sugar rim. Then the glass is filled with coffee, Kahlua and Triple Sec, and topped with whipped cream and nutmeg. It’s a true dramatic spectacle designed to put on a show: and we’ll admit this drink is totally worthy of it.
Coffee: any strong coffee will do, using your favorite brewing method Kahlua or any coffee liqueur like Tia Maria Triple Sec or any orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier Rum: use aged rum for the home method, or 151 rum for the bar method Sugar and a lemon: to make the rim Homemade whipped cream: you’ll need heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar, or use vegan whipped cream for vegan Kitchen torch for home method (here’s a good one), lighter for bar method
The best method for homemade Spanish coffee is a kitchen torch. This ensures your glass won’t break (like ours did)! It’s also safer, and it’s faster and easier to make multiple servings for a crowd. Don’t have a kitchen torch? Here’s the kitchen torch we use and it’s only $15. You can also just skip the caramelized rim altogether: it’s still extra delicious without it. The traditional bar method uses 151 rum and a lighter. To get it to light, you’ll need 151 rum, a higher proof alcohol than the standard. Use a thin glass so the caramelization happens quickly; thicker glasses take longer, so they get hotter and have the possibility of shattering like ours did. See instructions in the recipe below.
Classic whipped cream: Try this Homemade Whipped Cream. Make sure to use the freshest of cream, which whips up quickly and has the best texture. Whip it to soft peaks, which makes just the right texture for floating on top of a drink. When you add it to the top, do so over the back of a spoon. Dairy-free whipped cream: Use this Dairy Free Whipped Cream recipe. Keep in mind you’ll need to refrigerate 1 can of coconut milk overnight.
Make the coffee. Make the whipped cream, making sure to whip to soft peaks. Rim the edge of the glass with a 1/2-inch band of sugar. This allows for maximum burnt caramel flavor. Or, skip this step: the drink will still taste delicious! Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar. It should take just a minute or so. Add coffee, Kahlua, Triple Sec and rum. Top with whipped cream. Again, adding it over the back of a spoon helps it to float on top. Enjoy!
Licor 43 is a bright yellow vanilla liqueur made with 43 herbs and spices. Add it to coffee, and it’s got loads of nuance and intrigue. If you top with whipped cream like the Spanish coffee, the two taste very similar. We’d highly recommend giving it a try: or making it instead of this recipe if you’re scared off by the caramelized rim. No reviews **The traditional method is to place ¾ ounce 151 rum in the glass first, light it on fire, and tilt the glass to allow the sugar to caramelize. This method doesn’t require a torch, but if you use a thicker glass like an Irish coffee mug it can shatter (which happened to us!). The torch method is safer and makes it easier to serve this drink for multiple people. You can also omit the sugar rim if you prefer; the flavor is still great. Or, you can try the traditional method at your own risk; if you do, add the 151 rum, caramelize the edge, then add the coffee, Kahlua, and Triple Sec (omit the aged rum).
Try Brandy Alexander or Grasshopper Opt for a chocolaty Classic Mudslide or Chocolate Martini Go for the sophisticated and delicious Golden Cadillac or Golden Dream Try a boozy milkshake-style drink, the Bushwacker Go for a layered B-52 Cocktail Stick with coffee for a Kahlua Coffee, Mexican Coffee, Baileys Coffee, White Russian or Espresso Martini
