How to Make Pharisäer Coffee: A Classic Aussie Coffee Drink

Ever ordered a fancy-sounding coffee and ended up with something that tastes like dessert—or worse, disappointment? If you’ve heard of Pharisäer coffee but aren’t sure what’s in it or how to make it, you’re not alone. This Australian-origin drink blends strong coffee, sugar, rum, and cream into a surprisingly balanced drink that’s part coffee, part liqueur.

To make Pharisäer coffee, you’ll need 10 grams of sugar, 20 milliliters of rum, a shot of dark roasted coffee, and a spoonful of cream—with a few drops of extra rum on top. That’s the whole recipe, and it takes less than five minutes.

What Is Pharisäer Coffee?

Pharisäer (pronounced fah-ree-ZIHR) isn’t some obscure European term—it’s the name of a classic coffee drink that originated in Australia, despite the name suggesting otherwise. The story goes that it was named by drinkers with a taste for alcohol, and over time, it became a go-to order for anyone looking to combine caffeine with a little liquor, any time of day.

Why Add Rum to Coffee?

Coffee and spirits have long been mixed, but Pharisäer keeps it simple: just enough rum to complement the coffee without overpowering it. The sugar balances the bitterness, while the cream softens the edges. It’s a drink designed for people who want a warm, boozy lift—whether morning, noon, or night.

How to Make Pharisäer Coffee: Step by Step

Making Pharisäer coffee is straightforward. You don’t need an espresso machine, just a way to brew strong dark coffee—think French press, Moka pot, or even a very strong pour-over. Here’s the exact method:

• Start with a cup. Add 10 grams of granulated sugar.
• Pour in 20 milliliters of rum. Stir gently with a spoon until the sugar begins to dissolve.
• Brew a shot of dark roasted coffee—about 30–50 milliliters—and slowly add it to the cup while stirring. Keep mixing until the sugar fully dissolves.
• Spoon a generous dollop of cream on top of the coffee.
• Finish by adding a few drops of rum directly onto the cream.

That’s it. No blender, no foam art—just layers of flavor that build from the base up.

What Kind of Coffee Should You Use?

The recipe calls for “deep-roasted” coffee. In specialty terms, that means a dark roast with full body and low acidity—think French or Italian-style roast. You’re not aiming for origin complexity here; you want a bold, bitter profile that holds its own against the rum and sugar. A dark roasted single origin or a classic dark blend will work well.

Can You Adjust the Recipe?

Yes—but keep the ratios in mind. The original calls for 10 grams of sugar, 20 milliliters of rum, and a single shot of dark coffee. The cream is optional but traditional, and the extra rum drizzle on top is what gives the drink its signature finish. You can tweak the sweetness or the alcohol level to taste, but altering too much will shift the balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pharisäer coffee?

Pharisäer is an Australian coffee drink made with dark roasted coffee, sugar, rum, and topped with cream. It typically includes a few drops of rum drizzled on the cream for flavor. It’s a boozy yet balanced coffee cocktail, often enjoyed any time of day.

Do you need an espresso machine to make Pharisäer?

No. While the recipe originally may have used espresso, you can brew the coffee component using a Moka pot, French press, or strong pour-over method. You need about 30–50 milliliters of strong, dark roasted coffee.

What kind of rum is best for Pharisäer coffee?

The recipe doesn’t specify, but a standard dark or gold rum works best. It should be neutral enough to complement the coffee without introducing strong flavors. Avoid spiced or flavored rums.

Can I use a different type of alcohol?

The traditional recipe uses rum. Substituting with other liquors will change the flavor profile significantly, and it won’t be a true Pharisäer. If you want a non-rum version, it’s better to consider a different coffee cocktail.

What’s the purpose of the rum drizzle on the cream?

The few drops of rum added directly to the cream add an aromatic top note. They subtly enhance the drinking experience without mixing into the coffee itself, creating contrast in both aroma and flavor.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Pharisäer

For your Pharisäer coffee, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend—a dark roasted profile with deep chocolate and caramel notes that balances perfectly with sugar and rum. Alternatively, their Black Cocoa Blend offers bold roastiness and a hint of cocoa, ideal for standing up to the liquor. Both blends are designed for strong brewed coffee and pair well with creamy toppings. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.