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Cafe Brulet

A dramatic New Orleans tableside spectacle: strong coffee is infused with brandy, orange liqueur, citrus peel, and warm spices, then flambeed and ladled into cups. Festive and rich.

20 minMediumServes 4120 cal/serving

CajunAlcoholic DrinkStovetopStandardHigh FiberDairy-FreeGluten-FreeEgg-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 4 oz brandy or cognac
  • 2 oz orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec)
  • 8 orange peel strips (pith removed)
  • 4 lemon peel strips (pith removed)
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 4 cups strong-brewed coffee or chicory coffee, hot

Instructions

  1. 1

    Brew 4 cups strong-brewed coffee or chicory coffee and keep it very hot. Set out heatproof mugs or demitasse cups.

  2. 2

    In a chafing dish or a wide, shallow saucepan, combine 4 oz brandy or cognac, 2 oz orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec), 8 orange peel strips (pith removed), 4 lemon peel strips (pith removed), 8 whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar.

  3. 3

    Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring gently, until the sugar dissolves and the liquid is steaming but not boiling, about 3 to 4 minutes. Do not boil.

  4. 4

    Dim the lights for effect. Using a long match or a lighter, carefully ignite the surface of the brandy mixture. Gently stir and ladle the burning liquid to keep the flames going for about 30 to 60 seconds.

  5. 5

    Slowly pour the hot 4 cups strong-brewed coffee or chicory coffee into the flaming pan, which will extinguish the flames. Stir gently to combine.

  6. 6

    Ladle the Cafe Brulet through a fine-mesh strainer into the prepared cups, discarding the spices and peels. Serve immediately.

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Questions

What is Cafe Brulet?

A dramatic New Orleans tableside spectacle: strong coffee is infused with brandy, orange liqueur, citrus peel, and warm spices, then flambeed and ladled into cups. Festive and rich. This reference files it under Cajun alcoholic drink: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 20 minutes start to finish.

Can I make Cafe Brulet without alcohol?

The alcohol here is 4 oz brandy or cognac and 2 oz orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec). Replace a base spirit with the same volume of a zero-proof spirit, or with chilled tea or tonic for bite; replace sparkling wine with sparkling water and a squeeze of citrus. Keep every other line as written, and expect a lighter, sweeter drink, since alcohol also carries bitterness and body.

How many calories are in Cafe Brulet?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 120 calories, with 3 g protein, 21 g carbohydrate and 0 g fat, plus 6 g fiber and 16 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Can I batch Cafe Brulet for a group?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Halved, the brandy drops from 4 oz to 2 oz; doubled, it is 8 oz. Every line in this entry carries its half and double quantity, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. To batch it for a crowd, multiply everything but add the ice only when serving.

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