How to Make a Pharisäer Coffee with Rum and Cream

Ever ordered a coffee just to feel like you’re having something stronger? The Pharisäer—a coffee cocktail with a cult following in Australia—is exactly that. It looks like a simple cup of coffee with cream, but there’s rum in both the brew and the topping. If you’ve ever wanted a warm, sweet, boozy coffee that still counts as ‘just coffee,’ here’s exactly how it’s done.

The classic Pharisäer is made with 10 grams of sugar, 20 milliliters of rum, hot brewed black coffee, and finished with a spoonful of cream and a few drops of rum on top. That’s five core ingredients, measured and layered for the full effect.

What Is a Pharisäer Coffee?

The Pharisäer isn’t just any coffee—it’s a sweet, creamy, rum-laced coffee drink that originated with drinkers who wanted the taste of alcohol without the obvious appearance. Despite the name, it’s strongly associated with Australia, where it became a café staple. Today, anyone craving a drink that walks the line between coffee and cocktail orders a Pharisäer any time of day.

Why the Name 'Pharisäer'?

The name ‘Pharisäer’ (German for Pharisee) supposedly comes from religious drinkers who outwardly frowned on alcohol but secretly enjoyed it—much like the biblical Pharisees. Over time, the name stuck to this particular coffee drink that hides rum in plain sight.

What’s Actually in a Pharisäer?

The exact formula is simple but specific. Every element matters:

• 10 grams of granulated sugar
• 20 milliliters of rum (typically dark or aged)
• Hot black coffee (freshly brewed, dark roast preferred)
• 1 spoonful of whipped cream or poured cream
• A few drops of rum drizzled on the cream

How to Make a Pharisäer Step by Step

Follow these steps in order for the authentic result:

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 and stir gently with a spoon until the sugar begins to dissolve.
4. Slowly pour in freshly brewed hot black coffee (ideally a dark roast) while stirring continuously to integrate the sugar and rum.
5. Top with 1 spoonful of cream—either softly whipped or gently poured.
6. Finish by adding a few drops of rum directly onto the cream for aroma and flavor contrast.

Flavor Profile & Serving Notes

The Pharisäer delivers a balance of bitter coffee, sweet sugar, warming rum, and silky cream. The initial sip tastes like a rich coffee with cream, but the rum reveals itself in the aftertaste—especially from the drops on the cream. It’s served any time, not just as a dessert drink, and is especially popular among those looking for a cozy, spirited coffee fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of alcohol in a Pharisäer?

No—the Pharisäer is defined by using rum. While other coffee cocktails may swap in whiskey, liqueurs, or brandy, the traditional and authentic Pharisäer recipe calls specifically for 20ml of rum, usually dark or aged for more depth.

Do I have to use dark roast coffee?

Not strictly, but a dark roast is recommended. Its bold, bitter profile balances the sweetness of the sugar and the strength of the rum. Lighter roasts can work but may taste overly bright or grassy against the other flavors.

Should the rum be added hot or cold?

The 20ml of rum is added to the cup while cold or at room temperature along with the sugar. The hot coffee is poured in afterward. Do not heat the rum with the coffee—it can cause too much alcohol evaporation and affect the flavor balance.

Can I make a Pharisäer without alcohol?

You can omit the rum, but it won’t be a true Pharisäer. The drink’s signature flavor and name come from the rum in both the base and the cream topping. Without it, you’re making a simple coffee with cream and sugar.

What kind of cream should I use?

A standard spoonful of dairy cream—whipped or poured—is traditional. Whipped cream holds the rum drops better, but either works. Avoid flavored or sweetened creams, as they’ll clash with the sugar and rum.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Pharisäer

For a Pharisäer coffee, choose a bold, dark roast that can stand up to sugar and rum. FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend offers chocolatey, nutty notes with a full body—ideal for mixing. Their Black Cocoa Blend brings deep cocoa and roasted malt tones, pairing well with the drink’s richness. Both roasts provide the bitterness and depth needed to balance the sweet cream and rum. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.