Sometime the preparation of a drink is as important as the actual results. Café Brulot Diabolique is one of the most famous of all Coffee drinks. It has been flamed in various ways by Maître D’s and Fine Dining Captain’s all over the world. Sadly, drinks that require such commitment to showmanship are mostly a thing of the past. Likely it was the insurance companies that put the kibosh on the whole thing, it being just a tad dangerous cascading flaming brandy down citrus spirals. That said, we implore you not to try this at home one drunk evening, it is something that is practiced and done soberly. Variations of the drink have been known under many a guise such as the Café Diablo, but Café Brulot Diabolique, “translated Devilishly Burned Coffee”, is the original New Orleans version. It was created at Antoine’s by Jules Aliatore, son of the founder. When executed properly the Café Brulot Diabolique is a sight to behold and a devilishly good after dinner treat. Laissez le bon temps rouler!
Café Brulot Diabolique Recipe
- 2 Sticks Cinnamon
- 8 Whole Cloves
- The Peel of 1 Orange
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Sugar
- 3 Ounces Brandy
- 3 Cups Strong Black Coffee
- Long Handled Fork
- Metal Ladle
- Fireproof Bowl (a small saucepan will do in a pinch)
Gently peel the skin of one orange in a spiral keeping the whole thing intact so that it looks like a coil when held by one end. Poke holes in the peel every ¼ inch or so and stud the peel with the cloves. Put the studded lemon peel, cinnamon, sugar, and brandy in a fireproof bowl and heat on open flame. Have a long fork handy to firmly spear one end of the lemon spiral. When the brandy is hot, but not boiling, bring the bowl to the table and ignite with a long match. Use a ladle to stir the flaming liquid. Use a long fork to lift the orange peel over the bowl and slowly ladle the flaming liquid down the spiral. Allow to flame for 1-2 minutes then pour the hot coffee into the flaming brandy and carefully ladle the hot mixture into Brulot-demitasse cups.
Makes 6- 4 ounce Brulot-Demitasse
