How to Make Royal Coffee – Napoleon’s Favorite Drink

If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate the dramatic coffee drink rumored to have been favored by Emperor Napoleon himself, you’re not alone. Royal Coffee isn’t just a fancy name—it’s a storied recipe that blends hot black coffee with flambéed sugar and cognac, served without milk. But what’s the right way to do it? And can you still make it if you don’t have the special spoon?

The short answer: Yes. All you need is 20ml of cognac, one square of sugar, and 150ml of strong black coffee. With those three ingredients—and optionally a specialty ‘Royal Coffee Spoon’—you can recreate this dramatic, historic drink in under five minutes.

What Is Royal Coffee?

Royal Coffee is a classic preparation said to have been created for or by Napoleon Bonaparte. It combines hot black coffee with a spoonful of sugar flambéed in cognac, then stirred into the coffee. It’s traditionally served straight—no milk, no cream. The addition of cognac not only complements the coffee’s bitterness but also introduces a warming alcoholic note. Despite the name, there’s no royalty required to make it.

Why Add Cognac to Coffee?

This preparation is built around contrast and transformation. Black coffee provides bold, roasted intensity. Cognac—a type of dry brandy—adds a sweet, complex, and warming alcohol layer. When the sugar is lit atop the cognac, it caramelizes, melting into the spirit and ultimately dissolving into the coffee. The result is a layered drink: bitter, boozy, sweet, and aromatic. Legend says Napoleon preferred this style because it stood apart from more delicate or milk-heavy coffees.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients & Tools)

• 20ml (approx. 1.3 tablespoons) of cognac (dry brandy, such as VS or VSOP)
• 1 square of white sugar (standard cube or small block)
• 150ml of strong black coffee (any roast, though medium to dark recommended; instant is acceptable)
• A coffee cup with ~180ml capacity
• (Optional but traditional) A Royal Coffee Spoon: a square-shaped spoon with a hook to rest over the cup rim

How to Make Royal Coffee – Step by Step

1. Start with a coffee cup that holds around 180ml. Pour in 150ml of freshly brewed black coffee. Strength matters: aim for something bold and well-extracted.
2. If you have a Royal Coffee Spoon, place it across the rim of the cup so it’s secure. If not, a regular spoon can be used instead—but you’ll need to hold it steady during the next steps.
3. Place one square of sugar in the bowl of the spoon (or on a regular spoon placed over the cup).
4. Pour approximately 20ml of cognac evenly over the sugar. This step is crucial: the cognac should cover the sugar adequately so it can absorb enough flammable liquid and ignite smoothly.
6. Once the flame extinguishes, stir the remaining cognac and melted sugar into the coffee. Serve immediately, black—no milk is added in the traditional version.

Can You Make It Without a Royal Coffee Spoon?

Absolutely. While the specially designed spoon helps stabilize the sugar and cognac over the cup, it’s not mandatory. A normal spoon can be used if you’re careful—just rest it securely on the edge of the cup and take standard flambé precautions. Either way, the technique and ratios are what deliver the drink’s signature flavor.

Why No Milk?

Legend has it that Napoleon himself wouldn’t dilute his beloved Royal Coffee with milk or cream. The traditional preparation is served black to preserve the contrast between the bitter coffee, sweetened caramelized sugar, and the warming bite of cognac. Adding milk would mute those layers. That said, modern drinkers sometimes add a dash if they prefer a softer profile—but purists stick to the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a Royal Coffee Spoon to make this drink?

No. While the Royal Coffee Spoon helps hold the sugar and cognac over the cup, a regular spoon works fine if used carefully. Just make sure it sits securely on the cup’s rim while you pour and ignite the cognac.

What kind of coffee works best for Royal Coffee?

The original recipe doesn’t specify a roast level, but medium to dark roasts are common. The coffee should be strong and bold to stand up to the cognac and caramelized sugar. Instant coffee is also acceptable if that’s what you have.

Can I use a different alcohol besides cognac?

Traditionally, cognac—or any dry brandy—is used. You could experiment with other spirits, but they may alter the flavor balance. Avoid overly sweet liqueurs or low-proof alcohols that won’t ignite properly.

Is flambéing safe at home?

Yes, but with care. Work over a sink or away from flammable surfaces. Keep a lid or plate nearby to smother the flame if needed. Always pour alcohol carefully and ignite it away from your face.

Can I make Royal Coffee with an espresso shot instead?

Not really. The recipe calls for about 150ml of black coffee, which is much more than a single espresso. Using espresso would make the drink too intense and unbalanced with the quantity of cognac and sugar used.

Should I stir the drink before drinking?

Yes. After pouring the flambéed cognac and sugar into the coffee, stir thoroughly to distribute the melted sugar and alcohol throughout the cup.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Royal Coffee

For Royal Coffee, we recommend FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for its balanced roast profile and smooth body that stands up to bold flavors. Alternatively, try the Black Cocoa Blend for its rich, slightly sweet notes that complement the cognac and caramelized sugar. Both work well as medium to dark roasts, matching the intensity expected in this dramatic drink. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.