What Is Pharisäer Coffee and How to Make It

You’ve heard the phrase ‘drank coffee and started swaying’—but have you ever wondered where it comes from? That saying actually refers to Pharisäer, a coffee drink with a surprising twist: it’s made with rum. Far from your usual cup of joe, this Australian-originated coffee combines hot espresso-style coffee, sugar, and liquor, then tops it with cream. It’s the kind of drink you didn’t know you needed—but now you do.

Pharisäer coffee is made with 10 grams of sugar, 20 milliliters of rum, a shot of dark roasted coffee, and a spoonful of cream, with a few extra drops of rum on top. That’s the classic formula, unchanged for decades.

What Is Pharisäer Coffee?

Pharisäer is a traditional coffee drink that originated in Australia, though its name references the Pharisees—a group historically associated with drinking habits. Despite the religious-sounding name, this is no church-sanctioned beverage. It’s a boozy, sweet, creamy coffee treat, often enjoyed any time of day by those looking to combine caffeine with a kick. It’s especially popular among people who want an alcoholic lift without committing to a full cocktail.

Why Is It Called Pharisäer?

The name ‘Pharisäer’ (pronounced fa-ree-zyer) literally translates from German as ‘Pharisee’. The story goes that it was named by drinkers—often those with a taste for alcohol—who joked that only someone pretending to be pious (like a Pharisee) would deny the presence of booze in their coffee. The name stuck, and so did the drink. It’s now a recognised part of coffee folklore, especially in regions where coffee meets cocktail culture.

What’s in a Classic Pharisäer?

The exact recipe for Pharisäer is simple, but every ingredient matters. Here’s what you need:

• 10 grams of granulated sugar
• 20 milliliters of rum (typically dark or aged)
• One shot of dark roasted coffee (around 30 milliliters, or a standard espresso)
• One spoonful of whipped cream (or lightly whipped heavy cream)
• A few additional drops of rum, drizzled on top of the cream

How to Make Pharisäer Coffee Step by Step

Making Pharisäer is straightforward, but the order of steps ensures the right texture and flavour balance. Here’s the classic method:

1. Start with a heatproof coffee cup or mug.
2. Add 10 grams of sugar directly into the cup.
3. Pour in 20 milliliters of rum.
4. Using a spoon, gently stir the sugar and rum together until the sugar begins to dissolve.
5. Slowly pour in a shot of dark roasted coffee (around 30ml) while continuing to stir. This helps integrate the coffee with the rum-sugar mix.
6. Spoon one generous serving of whipped cream on top of the coffee mixture. The cream should float.
7. Drizzle 2–3 drops of rum over the top of the cream (optional but traditional).

The result is a rich, bittersweet coffee with a boozy undertone, softened by cream. The layers are part of the experience—coffee and rum at the bottom, cream on top.

Can You Customize Pharisäer?

Yes—but within reason. The traditional recipe calls for dark roasted coffee, which has a bold flavour that stands up to both sugar and rum. Lighter roasts can get lost. You can use different rums, but aged or dark rum complements the coffee better than white rum. As for the cream, it’s meant to be soft and spoonable—not stiff like meringue. Whipped cream from a can works in a pinch, but freshly whipped is ideal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pharisäer coffee alcoholic?

Yes, Pharisäer coffee contains rum—specifically 20 milliliters per serving. While it looks like a regular coffee with cream, the addition of alcohol makes it a boozy drink. It’s not an espresso martini or a coffee liqueur, but it’s definitely not caffeine-only.

What kind of coffee should I use for Pharisäer?

Traditionally, a dark roasted coffee is used—one similar to an espresso roast. The strong, bitter profile of dark roast balances the sweetness of the sugar and the warmth of the rum. Avoid very light or fruity roasts, as their flavours can get lost.

Can I use a different alcohol in Pharisäer?

The classic recipe uses rum, but some variations experiment with other liquors. However, rum is traditional and complements the coffee and cream best. Substituting with whisky, brandy, or other spirits will change the flavour profile significantly.

Do you drink the cream in Pharisäer?

No, the cream is meant to be spooned or sipped separately. The base layer is coffee, rum, and sugar; the cream floats on top. You can stir it all together if you want, but the traditional way is to enjoy the layered effect.

Is Pharisäer a type of espresso drink?

Pharisäer is not a true espresso drink like a macchiato or cappuccino, but it does use a shot of dark roasted coffee similar in volume and strength to espresso. It’s more accurately described as a coffee cocktail with rum and cream.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Pharisäer

For the best Pharisäer, use a bold dark roast that can stand up to rum and sugar. Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend: a well-rounded, dark roasted profile with chocolate and caramel notes, ideal for mixing. Alternatively, their Black Cocoa Blend offers deep cocoa and roasted malt tones, perfect for a richer base. Both blends brew a strong, bold cup that holds its own in layered coffee cocktails. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.