Cafe Brulot Recipe

Cafe brulot is one of the iconic after-dinner drinks served in New Orleans, and is considered part of the city’s rich culinary heritage. This classic coffee beverage features a blend of spices, citrus peels, and brandy that warms you up on even the coldest winter days. The preparation process involves setting it ablaze which adds an exciting element to your dining experience!

For those looking to cap off their meal with something special or simply indulge in a sweet treat, cafe brûlot is an excellent choice. With this recipe at hand you can easily replicate the drama and excitement of this dish within your own home environment. However, do take note that burning alcohol produces flames which may not always be visible – so exercise caution when working with fire.

Ingredients for a perfect cafe brulot

A pot with capacity of at least 4 cups or 1 liter, with a lid
A metal ladle
A butane lighter with a long extension (used for lighting BBQ or other fires)
2 cups fresh strong black coffee
1 cup of cognac brandy
1/2 cup Grand Mariner or other orange liqueur
3 sugar cubes
6 whole cloves
A cinnamon stick at least 2 inches long
The peel of an orange, cut into 1 inch x 1/8-inch strips
The peel of a lemon, cut into 1 inch x 1/8-inch strips

Combine the hot coffee, brandy and Grand Mariner in the pot.
Stir in the sugar, cloves, and cinnamon stick.
Warm the mixture on a low flame use the stove or, if you prefer doing it at the dinner table in front of your guests, then warm the mixture over a flaming can of Sterno.
Heat the mixture until it is hot but not boiling, stirring with the ladle.
Keep the lid nearby for safety to snuff out the mixture if it catches file while you are stirring the ingredients.
Add the lemon and orange peels, and use the lighter to set the mixture on fire. In a restaurant, this is usually done using a ladle, used to scoop out some of the mixture, which is set on fire, and then using the ladle to add the flaming mixture to the pot to set the pot full of mixture on fire.
Stir the flaming mixture with the ladle, and let it burn for 30 seconds.
Snuff out the flame by putting the lid on the pot, and then use the ladle to serve the drink into mugs.

Recipe Variations

Café brûlot offers a range of variations to explore. Consider trying them out and discovering which one suits your taste buds best!

For a sweeter taste, add two more sugar cubes or two tablespoons of honey.
For a more robust flavor profile in their coffee, consider adding two ounces of Kahlua coffee liquor or several drops of bitters to the pot.
To alter the flavor profile of your cocktail consider experimenting with various brandies or liquors. Try the original recipe first before making any adjustments.

For a unique coffee experience with an added touch of drama, look no further than the classic New Orleans style drink known as café brûlot.