Discover the rich history of Pharisäer, a beloved North Frisian coffee cocktail. This indulgent drink originated in the 19th century on the island of Nordstrand, where a clever congregation devised a way to secretly enjoy alcohol during a christening celebration.
Pharisäer combines strong, hot coffee with dark rum and a generous dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The key to its unique flavor lies in the quality of the ingredients: use freshly brewed, medium-dark roast coffee and a high-quality aged rum. The whipped cream should be unsweetened or only slightly sweetened to balance the sweetness of the rum. When prepared correctly, the hot coffee and rum remain separated from the cool cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast with each sip.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indulge in the warmth and richness of Pharisäer! Here's why you'll fall in love with this German coffee cocktail:
- Perfect balance: The combination of strong coffee, smooth rum, and creamy topping creates a harmonious flavor profile
- Warming comfort: Ideal for cold evenings or as an after-dinner treat
- Rich history: Enjoy a taste of North Frisian culture and tradition
- Impressive presentation: The layered appearance makes it a showstopper for guests
- Customizable: Easily adjust the rum content or cream sweetness to suit your taste
Pharisäer (German Coffee Cocktail)
Equipment
- Coffee maker or brewing device
- Coffee mug or heat-resistant glass
- Whisk or cream whipper
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 180ml (6 oz) strong, hot coffee
- 30ml (1 oz) dark rum
- 1 sugar cube
- 60ml (2 oz) lightly sweetened whipped cream
- Cocoa powder for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Brew a cup of strong, hot coffee using your preferred method.
- Place a sugar cube in a warm coffee mug or glass.
- Pour the hot coffee over the sugar cube.
- Add the dark rum and stir gently to combine.
- Carefully float the lightly sweetened whipped cream on top of the coffee mixture.
- Optionally, dust the whipped cream with a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy the contrast between the hot coffee and cool cream.