Cafe Royale

Name: Cafe Royale Coffee Cocktail With Sugar Cube
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cube Sugar cube; Brandy; 1 C Hot Black Coffee

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Cafe Royale is a classic after-dinner cocktail that combines hot black coffee with brandy-soaked sugar that's traditionally ignited tableside, creating a caramelized sweetness and theatrical presentation.

🏷️Equipment: mug

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Recipe Source

Visit Mr. Boston Drinks

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's and Party Guide

Ingredients

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1 cube Sugar cube
Brandy
1 C Hot Black Coffee

3 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Put cube of sugar, well soaked with brandy, in teaspoon and hold so that it will rest on top of the cup of coffee and ignite.
2
Hold until flame burns out.
3
Drop contents in coffee.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Warm the serving cup beforehand to prevent the hot coffee from cooling too quickly.
Use a sturdy spoon that can safely hold the sugar cube; a slotted spoon or bar spoon works best.
If flaming, extinguish the flame before the sugar fully caramelizes to avoid bitterness.
Serve immediately to enjoy maximum heat and the brandy's aromatic notes while they're most prominent.

Substitutions

Brandy → Cognac, rum, or whiskey (changes flavor profile but maintains structure)
Sugar cube → 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or 1 tablespoon simple syrup (omit flaming if using syrup)

Storage & make-ahead

Cafe Royale cannot be made ahead and must be prepared and served immediately.

Equipment

bar spoon or slotted spoon · lighter or matches (if flaming)

Common Questions

Is it safe to flame the sugar cube in this recipe?

Yes, when done carefully. Soak the sugar cube in brandy on a spoon, ignite it briefly, then drop it into the coffee. Never leave it unattended while flaming and keep hair and loose fabric away.