How to Make Fleming Coffee: A Dramatic Brandy Dessert Drink

If you’ve ever wanted to serve a coffee that’s part drink, part performance, Fleming Coffee—also known as Brûlot or sometimes linked to Napoleon’s favourite Brûlot Coffee—is your answer. This theatrical beverage combines hot coffee, brandy, sugar, and citrus in a flaming presentation that’s equal parts showmanship and indulgence. It’s ideal for dinner parties or special gatherings where a little drama enhances the experience.

To make Fleming Coffee, you’ll combine hot coffee with sugar, then slowly pour warm brandy infused with spiral-cut lemon peel over the back of a spoon so it drips into the cup while the brandy is lit. The entire process is designed for visual impact, with flames and citrus aroma adding to the effect.

What Is Fleming Coffee?

Fleming Coffee takes its name from variations of a historic coffee drink associated with Napoleon, such as ‘Brûlot’ or ‘Brandy Coffee’. It’s not a standard coffee recipe but rather a flamboyant preparation where brandy is set alight and poured over coffee, often accompanied by lemon peel for aroma. The drink is more dessert-like than traditional coffee and is meant to be shared among guests for entertainment as much as taste.

Why This Method Works

The appeal of Fleming Coffee lies in its multisensory experience. The flame from the burning brandy adds drama, while the lemon peel infuses the drink with a bright, fresh citrus note. The sugar balances the strength of both the coffee and the liquor. Though it contains alcohol, the warmth of the coffee and the slow drip of brandy create a layered drinking experience that feels both indulgent and theatrical.

How to Make Fleming Coffee: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to recreate this classic flaming coffee drink at home or for guests:

• 1. Prepare Your Cup: Use a deep coffee cup or small heatproof glass that can withstand heat and an open flame.
• 2. Add Sugar and Coffee: Place an appropriate amount of sugar (typically 1–2 teaspoons, adjust to taste) into the cup. Pour freshly brewed hot coffee (around 85–95°C / 185–205°F) over the sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
• 3. Infuse the Brandy: In a separate small heatproof container or bowl (not the drinking cup), pour a measure of brandy—about 30–50ml depending on your preference. Take a long spiral-cut piece of lemon peel and twist it over the brandy to release its oils, then drop the peel into the brandy. Let it sit for a minute to infuse.
• 4. Ignite and Pour: Carefully ignite the brandy. Once it’s flaming steadily, hold the container over your prepared coffee cup and slowly pour the flaming brandy over the back of a spoon into the coffee. Allow the flames to subside naturally. The brandy should drip slowly into the coffee, mingling with the sugar and coffee beneath.
• 5. Serve: Let the citrus aroma fill the air. The drink is ready to sip once the flames die down and the temperature is comfortable. Enjoy the combination of warm coffee, sweet sugar, citrus, and a gentle alcoholic warmth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Fleming Coffee, safety and technique matter:

• Never pour brandy directly from the bottle while it’s lit.
• Use only enough brandy to create the effect—you’re not making a mixed drink, but a dramatised coffee presentation.
• Ensure your cup can handle heat and flame without cracking.
• Don’t let the flame burn too long; extinguish it naturally or cover it if needed for safety.
• Avoid over-twisting the lemon peel, which can make the brandy too bitter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fleming Coffee?

Fleming Coffee is a dramatic coffee preparation featuring hot coffee, sugar, and flaming brandy poured over the back of a spoon. It often includes a spiral-cut lemon peel for aroma. It’s named after historical drinks associated with Napoleon and is more theatrical than a standard coffee beverage.

Do you drink the alcohol in Fleming Coffee?

Yes, the brandy is meant to be consumed along with the coffee, though the amount is typically small—about 30–50ml per serving. The flame burns off some alcohol, but not all, so it has a mild warming effect.

Can I make Fleming Coffee without alcohol?

Not really. The flaming brandy is central to the drink’s effect and flavour profile. Non-alcoholic substitutes won’t ignite or deliver the same experience, though you could experiment with a flaming non-alcoholic citrus syrup for show—but it won’t be Fleming Coffee.

What kind of coffee should I use?

The article doesn’t specify a coffee bean type, but for best results, use a medium to dark roast with good body to stand up to the brandy and sugar. Avoid overly acidic or light roasts that might clash with the citrus and alcohol.

Is Fleming Coffee safe to make at home?

Yes, if done carefully. Always pour flaming alcohol away from people, use proper heatproof containers, and never leave the flame unattended. Extinguish the flame before drinking if necessary.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Fleming Coffee

For Fleming Coffee, choose a bold, full-bodied roast that can balance the sweetness of sugar and the warmth of brandy. Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for its blueberry and dark chocolate depth, or their Brazil Queen Manor for a nutty, chocolatey profile that complements citrus and caramel notes. Alternatively, their Classic Blend offers a smooth, balanced base with hints of nuts and dark cherry. These beans hold up well against the strong flavours in the drink. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.