How to Make Royal Coffee, Napoleon’s Favorite Drink

If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate the legendary Royal Coffee—reportedly a favorite of Emperor Napoleon—this guide gives you the exact method, ingredients, and tools used to make it. No fluff, no modern twists: just the classic preparation with cognac, sugar, and strong black coffee, served the way it was meant to be.

To make Royal Coffee the traditional way, you’ll need 20ml of cognac , 1 sugar cube, and 150ml of strong black coffee. Ignite the cognac poured over the sugar, let it burn, then stir it into the coffee. That’s the whole ritual—no milk, no espresso, just fire, sugar, and spirit.

What Is Royal Coffee?

Royal Coffee is a classic coffee drink with a dramatic flair: it combines hot black coffee with cognac that’s been ignited and poured over a sugar cube. The story goes that Napoleon Bonaparte himself enjoyed this drink, which is why it’s named “Royal.” While its true origins are uncertain, the ritual of setting cognac alight over sugar has made it a storied part of coffee folklore.

Why Add Alcohol to Coffee?

The addition of cognac isn’t just for show—it’s a traditional pairing meant to complement the bitterness of strong coffee. In the Royal Coffee recipe, the spirit is not just mixed in; it’s ignited over a sugar cube to caramelize it before being stirred into the brew. This adds both aroma and a subtle burnt-sugar complexity. It’s a ceremonial drink, not an everyday cup, often served as a digestif or after-dinner treat.

Do You Need a Special Spoon?

Traditionally, Royal Coffee is made using a specially designed “Royal Coffee Spoon.” This is a square-shaped spoon with a hook that allows it to sit neatly on the rim of your coffee cup. The spoon holds the sugar cube and holds the cognac while it’s lit. But don’t worry—if you don’t have one, a regular spoon will work just fine. The ritual is important, but the tool isn’t essential.

Ingredients for Royal Coffee

• 20ml of cognac
• 1 sugar cube
• 150ml of strong black coffee (no special roast required; instant is acceptable)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Royal Coffee

Follow these steps exactly to recreate the traditional version of Royal Coffee:

1. Use a coffee cup with about 180ml capacity. Pour in 150ml of strong black coffee. The roast level doesn’t matter, but the coffee should be bold.
2. If you have a Royal Coffee Spoon, place it across the rim of the cup. Otherwise, skip to the next step.
3. Place 1 sugar cube in the spoon (or on a regular spoon if using).
4. Pour 20ml of cognac evenly over the sugar cube. This step is crucial—the cognac must coat the sugar well to allow proper ignition and melting.
5. Ignite the cognac. Let it burn until it goes out on its own. This caramelizes the sugar and infuses the liquid with toasty flavor.
6. Once the flame dies, stir the liquified sugar and remaining cognac into the coffee. Serve immediately, without milk.

Why No Milk in Royal Coffee?

According to tradition—and the legend of Napoleon—Royal Coffee is never served with milk or cream. The bold, fiery combination of coffee and cognac is meant to stand on its own. Adding dairy would dilute both the ritual and the flavor profile. It’s a drink meant to be strong, ceremonial, and unapologetically potent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of alcohol for Royal Coffee?

No, traditional Royal Coffee specifically calls for cognac , a type of French brandy. Other spirits like whiskey or vodka won’t deliver the same flavor or ignition qualities. Cognac’s sweetness and viscosity make it ideal for caramelizing the sugar cube.

Do I really need a special spoon to make it?

No, the Royal Coffee Spoon is traditional but not mandatory. Its design helps hold the sugar and cognac over the cup, but you can use a regular spoon if that’s all you have. The key steps are pouring the cognac over the sugar and igniting it properly.

What kind of coffee works best for Royal Coffee?

The recipe states that no special coffee is required. Any strong black coffee is acceptable—even instant. However, a bold, rich brew brings out the best flavor when combined with the sweet, burnt-caramel notes of the cognac and sugar.

Is it safe to ignite alcohol at home?

Yes, but with caution. Cognac ignites at a relatively low temperature and burns off alcohol quickly. Ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable surfaces, and never leave the flame unattended. Let it burn out naturally for the best results.

Can I make Royal Coffee with espresso instead of filter coffee?

The original recipe does not specify espresso, and it calls for 150ml of standard black coffee. While you could experiment with espresso, the traditional method uses a regular brewed coffee, so that’s what’s recommended for authenticity.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Royal Coffee

Pair your Royal Coffee with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright fruitiness, or their Yirgacheffe for floral and citrus notes that contrast nicely with the cognac’s richness. For something deeper, try the Black Cocoa Blend—a bold, roasty option that stands up to the dram of brandy. All three beans are roasted to highlight their unique profiles and are ideal for strong black coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.