How to Make a Pharisäer Coffee: Australian Coffee With Rum

You’ve heard of drinking coffee to wake up—but what about coffee that makes you want to dance? The Pharisäer, a unique coffee drink with rum, is said to have earned its name from tipsy churchgoers in Australia who couldn’t help but sway after a cup. Whether you're curious about coffee cocktails or just love adding a twist to your brew, this is the drink for you.

To make a classic Pharisäer, you’ll need just four ingredients: 10 grams of sugar, 20 milliliters of dark rum, a shot of strong black coffee, and a spoonful of cream—with a few extra drops of rum for aroma.

What Is a Pharisäer Coffee?

The Pharisäer is an Australian-style coffee drink that blends hot black coffee with dark rum and sugar, then tops it with a float of cream. Its quirky name supposedly comes from religious drinkers in the 19th century who were caught enjoying rum in their coffee during church gatherings—earning them the nickname “Pharisees.” Today, it’s a go-to drink for anyone craving a little kick in their cup, any time of day.

Why Add Rum to Coffee?

Coffee and spirits have long been paired for their complementary flavors. The bitterness and richness of coffee balance the warmth and sweetness of dark rum. In the case of the Pharisäer, the rum doesn't just add alcohol—it enhances the coffee’s depth, smooths its edges, and gives the whole drink a gentle, festive lift. It’s a simple way to turn a regular cup into something special.

How to Make Pharisäer Coffee: Step by Step

Making a Pharisäer is straightforward, but precision matters for the right balance. Here’s how to do it:

• Start with a heatproof cup or mug.
• Add 10 grams of granulated sugar directly into the cup.
• Pour in 20 milliliters (about 1.5 tablespoons) of dark rum.
• Using a small spoon, stir the sugar and rum together until the sugar begins to dissolve.
• Slowly pour in a shot of freshly brewed, hot black coffee—ideally a dark roast with full body. Continue stirring gently to help the sugar fully dissolve.
• Spoon a generous layer of whipped or pouring cream on top of the coffee.
• For the finishing touch, add a few drops of dark rum directly onto the cream for aroma.

The result is a rich, bittersweet coffee base under a silky cream topping—with a hint of rum in both the drink and its aroma.

Can You Adjust the Recipe?

Yes—but keep proportions in mind. The original recipe calls for 10g sugar, 20ml rum, and a single shot of coffee. You can tweak the sugar to taste or use a different rum, but changing the amount of coffee or cream too much will alter the texture and balance. Avoid using flavored liqueurs or overly sweet coffee, as they’ll clash with the intended profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the origin of the name Pharisäer?

The name “Pharisäer” (German for Pharisee) comes from 19th-century anecdotes in northern Germany or Australia, where churchgoers secretly added rum to their coffee. When caught, they were jokingly called Pharisees—religious figures accused of hypocrisy. The drink became known by that name as a nod to its “forbidden” origins.

Can I use a different type of alcohol?

Traditionally, the Pharisäer is made with dark rum. While you could experiment with other spirits, such as brandy or whiskey, they will change the flavor profile significantly. Rum is used for its caramel-like sweetness and smooth heat, which complements the coffee without overpowering it.

What kind of coffee should I use?

Use a strong, dark-roasted coffee for best results. A full-bodied brew brings out the rum’s depth and balances the sweetness. Avoid light or fruity espressos, as they may clash with the spirit. A dark roast highlights the drink’s traditional profile.

Do I have to use cream? Can I use milk instead?

The traditional recipe calls for cream—either whipped or poured—as a float. Milk can be used in a pinch, but cream gives the best texture contrast and holds the rum drizzle better. For the authentic experience, stick with cream.

Is the Pharisäer a type of espresso drink?

Not exactly. While it includes a shot of black coffee, it isn’t prepared as an espresso-based drink like a latte or affogato. The coffee is brewed separately—typically as filter or espresso—and poured into the cup with sugar and rum before the cream is added. It's closer to a coffee cocktail than a classic espresso drink.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Pharisäer

For your Pharisäer coffee, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend: a well-rounded, medium-dark roast with notes of dark chocolate and dried fruit that stands up to rum. Alternatively, their Black Cocoa Blend offers bold roastiness with cocoa and spice—perfect for enhancing the drink’s richness. Both blends brew strong cups ideal for mixing. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.