Spanish Coffee Recipe: Step by Step Spanish Coffee Cocktail
Today, I am going to share with you an awesome recipe called Spanish coffee recipe. If you are a coffee lover, then you will love the taste of Spanish coffee. It’s so easy peasy to make at home and in your own kitchen. I am sure if you try this recipe, the taste will linger in your mouth, and I believe you will like this recipe a lot.
What is Spanish Coffee?
Spanish coffee is basically a warm, smooth, strong, alcohol infused coffee cocktail. It’s also known for its rich flavor and marvelous presentation. This drink is flavored with freshly brewed coffee, Kahlúa (a popular coffee liqueur), Grand Marnier, and also dark rum. And it is topped with a pillowy layer of light whipped cream.
There is also a distinctive element to Spanish coffee and that is the flambéed sugar-rimmed glass, where high-proof rum is ignited for a short time to caramelize the sugar before the other ingredients are added.
However, the main ingredient is rum in this recipe, and the thing is that it can determine whether your Spanish coffee drink tastes good or bad. So try to use a good quality or dark rum whenever you make this Spanish coffee drink. Truly, it will help enhance the flavor.
One more thing I want to inform you that this drink is also considered a nightcap cocktail—a warm and perfect drink to enjoy at the end of the night, on a cold evening or at any occasion.
History of Spanish Coffee
From the name, you may have thought that this coffee originated in Spain. But you might be surprised to learn that this Spanish coffee was actually created in Portland, Oregon, in the 1970s by a gentleman named James Louie at a place called Huber’s (Huber’s is a café), which is the oldest restaurant in all of Portland.
Huber’s was heavily inspired by Spanish and Mexican-style coffee liqueur drinks, that’s why he added a surprise development by flambéing overproof rum in a sugar-rimmed glass before adding the coffee liqueur, hot coffee, and whipped cream.
And this dramatic, fiery preparation and also its rich, sweet flavor have quickly made it a regional favorite in the Pacific Northwest.
What Do You Need for This Spanish Coffee?
151 Proof Rum
151 proof rum is a darker and more aromatic rum that has been aged longer than regular rum. It contains 75.5 percent alcohol, which is stronger than normal rum. 151 proof rum is also known as “overproof rum.” It is commonly used in making great shots or cocktails, whether it’s Tiki cocktails or just a strong drink.
Orange Liqueur
Orange liqueur is a sweetened distilled spirit that is flavored and smells like fresh orange. It’s served with cocktails, shots, etc. It will still balance our drink.
Kahlua
Kahlua is a coffee-based liquor, which is a sweet and rich, flavorful coffee liqueur. Kahlua is basically a cocktail, and it’s highly recommended to enhance the coffee flavor. Anyway, you can also use a dry coffee liqueur if you prefer a less sweet taste.
Strong Coffee
In this recipe, we use regular drip coffee. However, you can use any fresh, hot, and strong coffee. You can use double-shot espresso as a substitute, especially when you want a stronger, richer flavor.
Heavy Cream
Be sure to use fresh cream, please don’t use old cream, as it can become too dense.
Sugar
In this recipe, we will use regular white sugar to caramelize the sugar on the rim of the glass. This makes the drink a little extra special for you. By the way, you can also use powdered sugar, which helps the caramelization process go a little quicker.
Heat-Treated Glass
For this Spanish coffee recipe, we will have to face high heat, so use heat-treated glass. I suggest you use an Irish coffee mug or a tempered wine glass.
Ingredients:
- ¾ oz 151 proof rum
- ¼ oz Orange liqueur
- 1½ oz Kahlua
- 3 oz Strong coffee
- Fine sugar
- Heavy cream
- Nutmeg
How to make Spanish Coffee Step by Step
Step 1: First of all, we need to prepare our glass with a proper sugar rim. Cut a wedge of lime and then make a small slit in the middle of the lime. Then rub it around the rim of the glass. Where the lime juice is applied, the sugar will stick. Next, take your glass and rub sugar into it, creating a nice, pretty sugar rim.
Step 2: In this stage, pour ¾ ounce (22.5 ml) of 151 rum into the glass, followed by 7.5 ml of orange liqueur. Now, the fun part: lighting it on fire carefully. However, try using a long lighter or firestick to safely ignite the rum.
Hold the bottom of the glass (since the middle will be very hot). Rotate the glass around until you slowly caramelize the sugar. Don’t touch the glass with your fingers as it is already too hot. Then, cover the glass with a plate. This will cut off the oxygen to the glass and extinguish the fire.
Step 3: Next, add 1.5 ounces (45 ml) of Kahlua. Then, pour in the strong, fresh, hot coffee, filling the glass almost to the top.
Step 4: Now add heavy whipping cream on top. If you have a hand mixer, you can use that, or you can also use a mason jar. Grab a spoon and gently pour the cream over it, creating a nice layer of cold cream on top.
Step 5: Finally, Now add some grated nutmeg to the drink. And tada, your delicious Spanish coffee is now ready to try. Sip it and enjoy your drink!
Tips for Soft Whipped Cream
The softness of the whipped cream is a huge factor in coffee cocktails like Spanish coffee. The whipped cream should be a soft, wavy layer that you spoon on top. It blends seamlessly into the coffee and gives the drink a luxurious texture.
You can use a hand mixer or a mason jar. Just be careful not to overbeat the cream, as it will spoil the texture.
Some Safety Tips
- Avoid drinking it if you are under 18 years of age.
- Never add any type of unsafe substances to cocktails.
- If you have long hair, tie your hair back and also roll up your sleeves.
- Must use heat-treated glass.
FAQs
Can Spanish Coffee Be Used With Milk?
Nope, an authentic Spanish coffee doesn’t use milk. This drink is made with rum and liqueur as the base ingredients for the coffee. However, it is topped with whipped cream, which balances out the flavor.
Can I make Spanish Coffee in Advance?
The main thing is that this Spanish coffee is best served fresh. If you want, you can pre-whip the cream. But it will be better to make and enjoy instantly.
Why is Spanish Coffee So Bitter?
If your Spanish coffee tastes so bitter, there are some facts behind this, like over-extracted or too darkly roasted coffee, Caramelized Sugar Rim if burned, or too little Kahlúa is used.
Final Thoughts
Spanish coffee is a great-tasting drink to enjoy with your friends and loved ones. It gives you a boost of booze and caffeine that you won’t get anywhere else. Above all, the mesmerizing view of the fire and the process of making the coffee add to the fun.
Hi! I’m Semiul Bennett. After spending so many years in the coffee industry, I’ve developed a deep passion for all things coffee—from the beans to the brewing process. Now, I’m on a mission to help people have a better coffee experience at home and outdoors. Together with my team, we’re here to share expert tips, brewing techniques and the latest coffee trends, so you can enjoy your perfect cup every time.
