Découvrez comment faire un café brésilien festif

Brazilian Coffee: The Warm Holiday Cocktail Recipe
published on 12.16.2024 — by Marc-Alexandre Emond-Boisjoly — 5 mins of reading —


Brazilian coffee is a warm cocktail made with strong coffee, a liqueur such as Grand Marnier, Amaretto or dark rum, sugar and whipped cream. Despite its name, it isn't a traditional Brazilian recipe: it's a festive drink popularized in North American and European cafés and homes, as a tribute to Brazil, one of the world's largest coffee producers.

Découvrez le café brésilien avec le torréfacteur de café 94 celcius

Origin of Brazilian Coffee

Brazilian coffee has become a holiday table classic across North America and Europe, with no direct link to a traditional Brazilian recipe. Its appeal comes from the balance between rich coffee, warming liqueur and smooth whipped cream, a combination that makes it an after-dinner drink rather than a morning coffee.

The Essential Ingredients of Brazilian Coffee

A Rich, Bold Coffee

The base of the cocktail has to hold its own against the liqueur and the cream. A quality coffee, with notes of caramel, spice or dried fruit, keeps its character once the cocktail comes together. 94 Celcius's coffee blends, built for balance and body, work well for this kind of drink.

A Flavourful Liqueur

Grand Marnier, Amaretto or dark rum each bring a different kind of warmth and depth. The choice mostly comes down to which pairs best with the coffee's profile.

Sugar or a Sweetener

A tablespoon of sugar is enough to balance the coffee's bitterness and the liqueur's strength, without masking either one.

Whipped Cream

The finishing touch, poured on top in a layer, adds smoothness and visually sets Brazilian coffee apart from a classic Irish coffee.

Which Coffee to Choose for This Recipe

A light, acidic coffee gets overpowered by the liqueur and the cream. Go for a bolder profile, with notes of caramel, nuts or gentle spice, that can hold its own against the other two ingredients. Micro-lots from the Exceptional collection are built for this kind of bold profile, but any medium to dark roast specialty coffee works too.

Traditional Brazilian Coffee Recipe

Ingredients (for 1 serving)

  • 1 shot of espresso or 50 ml of strong coffee
  • 30 ml Grand Marnier (or your liqueur of choice)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar, to taste
  • 100 ml 35% cream, lightly whipped
  • Orange zest or a pinch of cocoa, for garnish (optional)

Steps

  1. Brew an espresso or a strong cup of coffee.
  2. Pour the Grand Marnier into a heat-resistant cup or glass.
  3. Add the hot coffee and sugar, then stir until fully dissolved.
  4. Gently spoon the whipped cream on top, without mixing, to create a contrast in texture.
  5. Garnish with orange zest or cocoa, then serve immediately.
Le meilleur café du temps des fêtes par le torréfacteur de Montreal 94 celcius

Variations to Customize Your Brazilian Coffee

Alcohol-Free

Replace the liqueur with a spoonful of maple syrup or caramel: still just as indulgent, and suitable for the whole table.

Chocolatey

A splash of crème de cacao or melted chocolate in the coffee adds a dessert-like dimension to the drink.

Spiced

A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg warms up the aromatic profile, in the same spirit as the spiced winter variations of the Espresso Martini.

Barista Tips for a Perfect Brazilian Coffee

Quality coffee makes all the difference in this cocktail, since the base can't hide behind the liqueur or the cream: a rich bean gives a rounder result than an ordinary coffee. The liqueur should complement the coffee's notes rather than cover them, and serving it in a clear glass or a nice cup shows off the layers of the cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Brazilian coffee actually contain coffee from Brazil?

Not necessarily. The name refers to Brazilian coffee culture in general, not to the exact origin of the beans used in the recipe. Any bold, strong coffee works, though a real Brazilian-origin coffee can add an authentic touch.

What liqueur should I use in Brazilian coffee?

Grand Marnier, Amaretto and dark rum are the most common choices. Each brings a different note: orange for Grand Marnier, almond for Amaretto, caramel and spice for dark rum.

Can I make Brazilian coffee without alcohol?

Yes. Replacing the liqueur with maple syrup or caramel gives a version that's just as indulgent, suited to a wider audience.

What coffee should I choose for Brazilian coffee?

A bold coffee with notes of caramel, nuts or spice holds up better against the liqueur and cream than a lighter one. 94 Celcius's espresso coffees, often rounder and more intense, are a good starting point.

Is Brazilian coffee only for Christmas?

The cocktail is associated with the holidays, but nothing stops you from making it all winter long, like any other comforting hot drink.

Looking for another specialty coffee cocktail for the holidays? The Boris Long Iced Coffee goes a different route with rum and cold brew, for a tropical, refreshing take.