Belgian Bin Ye Coffee Said to Bring Luck

In Belgium’s westernmost city of Ypres, there’s a centuries-old festival where people dress in costume, climb church towers, and toss stuffed toy cats—alongside serving a special coffee believed to bring good fortune. But what exactly is this “lucky” Belgian coffee, and why is it tied to a peculiar feline-themed event?

The answer is Bin Ye coffee—a layered hot drink made with whiskey, coffee, steamed milk, sugar-whipped egg white, and topped with cream. Served during Ypres’ Kattenstoet (Throwing Cats Festival), just catching a plush cat tossed from a bell tower is said to grant happiness. This coffee, similarly steeped in local lore, is considered a charm for good luck.

What Is the Kattenstoet, or Throwing Cats Festival?

Held in Ypres, a small city in western Belgium, the Kattenstoet is a long-running festival with roots in medieval Europe—once a time when cats were wrongly associated with witchcraft. Though its origins are dark, today the event is festive. Highlights include costumed parades and the signature event: a jester tossing toy cats from the belfry tower. Tradition says catching one brings happiness. During the festivities, Bin Ye coffee takes center stage as the signature drink.

Why Is This Coffee Considered Lucky?

The coffee became associated with luck through its role in the Kattenstoet. While the festival’s cat-throwing tradition has humorous and historical roots, catching one of the soft toys is believed to bring joy. Drinking Bin Ye coffee during the event adds to the festive magic, making it a ritualistic part of the day for those seeking a little extra good fortune.

How to Make Traditional Belgian Bin Ye Coffee

The classic recipe includes just a few ingredients, combined in a specific way to create a rich, frothy coffee drink with a boozy kick. Here’s the exact method:

• Coffee: 100 milliliters
• Milk: 40 milliliters
• Whiskey: 1 ounce (approximately 30 milliliters)
• Refined white sugar: to taste
• Egg white: to taste

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Start by mixing refined white sugar with egg white until fully combined and smooth.
2. Add cream (or whipped topping) to the sugar-egg white mixture, stir well, then pour it into your coffee cup as a base layer.
3. In a separate clean cup, pour the whiskey first, then slowly add the prepared 100ml of coffee over it.
4. Top the drink with a dollop of cream.

This layered presentation and the use of egg white create a unique texture and flavor, while the whiskey adds a warming complexity. The coffee is meant to be enjoyed during the festival, but you can make it year-round for a taste of Belgian tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bin Ye coffee?

Bin Ye coffee is a traditional Belgian drink made with coffee, whiskey, milk, sugar, egg white, and cream. It’s served layered, with whipped egg white and sugar at the bottom, coffee and whiskey in the middle, and cream on top. It’s associated with the Kattenstoet festival in Ypres.

What is the Kattenstoet festival?

The Kattenstoet, or Throwing Cats Festival, is a traditional event held in Ypres, Belgium. It features costumed parades and the iconic act of tossing toy cats from a belfry tower. It originated from medieval traditions related to witchcraft and cats, but today is a lighthearted and festive celebration.

Does catching a toy cat from the Kattenstoet really bring luck?

According to local tradition, catching a plush toy cat thrown from the bell tower during the Kattenstoet is believed to bring happiness or good fortune. It’s a symbolic and fun part of the festival.

What ingredients are in traditional Belgian Bin Ye coffee?

The coffee requires 100ml coffee, 40ml milk, 1 ounce whiskey, refined white sugar, egg white, and cream. The sugar and egg white are whisked together first, then layered with coffee and whiskey, and topped with cream.

Is the egg white in Bin Ye coffee cooked?

No, the recipe calls for raw egg white mixed with sugar. It’s not cooked, but is whipped and layered at the bottom of the cup before adding the coffee and whiskey.

Can I make Bin Ye coffee outside of the festival?

Yes, while traditionally served during Ypres’ Kattenstoet, you can make Bin Ye coffee any time using the same ingredients and method to recreate the unique Belgian drink.

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