I love making this Spanish coffee recipe because it feels like a little celebration in a mug. The warm coffee mixed with a touch of rum and coffee liqueur makes it perfect for cozy evenings or when you want to impress friends. Scroll down to see how simple it is to create this fun and tasty drink.
Some ingredients in this recipe might be new if you haven’t tried them before. Coffee liqueur is a sweet, coffee-flavored alcoholic drink that you can usually find in the liquor section of the supermarket. The 151-proof rum is very strong, so look for it carefully and handle it with care, especially when lighting it on fire. Whipped cream and sugar are common, but the rest might need a quick trip to the store.

Ingredients For Spanish Coffee Recipe
Coffee liqueur: A sweet, coffee-flavored alcoholic drink that adds rich flavor to the coffee.
151-proof rum: A very strong rum used for igniting and adding warmth to the drink.
Hot coffee: Freshly brewed coffee that forms the base of the drink.
Whipped cream: A creamy topping that adds sweetness and smoothness.
Sugar: Used to rim the mug and add extra sweetness.
Technique Tip for This Coffee
One of the coolest parts of making this Spanish Coffee recipe is the step where you carefully ignite the rum. It might sound a little tricky or even scary at first, but with a bit of care, it’s actually pretty fun and adds a nice touch to the drink. Here’s how you can do it safely and smoothly:
- Make sure you’re working on a heatproof surface and away from anything flammable.
- Pour the 151-proof rum into your sugar-rimmed mug, just like the recipe says.
- Use a long lighter or a match to light the rum carefully. Hold the flame close to the surface of the liquid but don’t stick your hand right over it.
- You’ll see a blue flame flicker on top. Let it burn for just a few seconds—this helps burn off some of the alcohol and warms up the drink.
- When you’re ready, slowly pour the hot coffee into the mug to put out the flame.
Doing this step right makes the Spanish Coffee taste smoother because the flame burns off some of the strong alcohol bite, and it also warms the whole drink perfectly. Plus, it looks really cool when you serve it!
A little tip from me: the first time I tried lighting the rum, I got a bit nervous and almost dropped the lighter. It helps to take a deep breath and move slowly. Also, if you don’t have a long lighter, a match works fine, but be careful not to burn your fingers. Once you get the hang of it, it’s a neat trick to impress your friends or family. Just remember to always be safe and never leave the flame unattended.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
coffee liqueur - Substitute with amaretto: Amaretto provides a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the coffee.
coffee liqueur - Substitute with hazelnut liqueur: Hazelnut liqueur adds a rich, nutty taste that pairs well with coffee.
151-proof rum - Substitute with dark rum: Dark rum has a robust flavor that can mimic the intensity of 151-proof rum without the high alcohol content.
151-proof rum - Substitute with brandy: Brandy offers a warm, fruity flavor that blends well with coffee.
hot coffee - Substitute with espresso: Espresso provides a stronger, more concentrated coffee flavor.
hot coffee - Substitute with decaf coffee: Decaf coffee is a good option for those avoiding caffeine but still wanting the coffee flavor.
whipped cream - Substitute with coconut whipped cream: Coconut whipped cream offers a dairy-free alternative with a subtle coconut flavor.
whipped cream - Substitute with marshmallow fluff: Marshmallow fluff adds a sweet, creamy texture that can replace whipped cream.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness with a hint of floral notes.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements coffee.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Coffee
How To Store / Freeze This Coffee
- Allow the Spanish coffee to cool to room temperature before attempting to store it. This prevents condensation and maintains the integrity of the flavors.
- Transfer the cooled Spanish coffee into an airtight container. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal to preserve the aroma and taste.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the Spanish coffee within 24 hours. This keeps the coffee liqueur and rum flavors intact.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the Spanish coffee. Pour the cooled beverage into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- When ready to enjoy, reheat the Spanish coffee gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Avoid boiling to prevent altering the taste.
- If you have leftover whipped cream, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Freshly whipped cream can be stored for up to 2 days.
- To serve, reheat the Spanish coffee and top with the stored whipped cream. If desired, add a fresh sprinkle of sugar to the rim of your mug for an extra touch of sweetness.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the leftover Spanish coffee into a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid boiling to preserve the flavors.
- Alternatively, transfer the Spanish coffee to a microwave-safe mug.
- Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the desired temperature is reached.
- If the whipped cream has melted, top with a fresh dollop before serving.
- For an extra touch, rim the mug with sugar again before reheating to recreate the original presentation.
Best Tools for Making This Coffee
Coffee mug: A sturdy mug to hold the hot coffee and other ingredients.
Lighter or match: Used to carefully ignite the 151-proof rum.
Spoon: Useful for stirring the coffee and other ingredients together.
Measuring shot glass: Ensures accurate measurement of the coffee liqueur and rum.
Whipped cream dispenser: For topping the drink with whipped cream.
Saucer or small plate: To hold the sugar for rimming the coffee mug.
How to Save Time on Making This Coffee
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the coffee liqueur, 151-proof rum, and sugar in advance to save time during preparation.
Use pre-made whipped cream: Opt for store-bought whipped cream to eliminate the need for whipping it yourself.
Heat coffee in advance: Brew and keep the hot coffee ready in a thermos to maintain its temperature.
Rim multiple mugs: Prepare several sugar-rimmed mugs at once if making multiple servings.
Use a long lighter: A long lighter makes it easier and safer to ignite the rum.

Spanish Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 shot Coffee liqueur
- 1 shot 151-proof rum
- 1 cup Hot coffee
- to taste Whipped cream
- to taste Sugar
Instructions
- 1. Rim the coffee mug with sugar.
- 2. Add the coffee liqueur and 151-proof rum to the mug.
- 3. Carefully ignite the rum with a lighter or match.
- 4. Let the flame burn for a few seconds, then pour hot coffee into the mug to extinguish the flame.
- 5. Top with whipped cream and serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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