25 Days of Christmas Cocktails, Day 23: Rudesheim Coffee

Photo: Imbibe

If your guests are in the mood for a show, this drink can be flamed. But if you'd rather skip the pyrotechnics, the drink will be just as delicious.

Rudesheim Coffee
2 oz. high-proof brandy, warmed
3 oz. hot coffee
3 sugar cubes
Tools: barspoon
Glass: mug
Garnish: whipped cream

Place 3 sugar cubes in the bottom of a heat-proof mug. Add the brandy and, if you like, very carefully light with a long match. Stir carefully to dissolve the sugar and allow the mixture to burn for about 30 seconds. Top with hot coffee, which should put the flame out if you chose to light it. Garnish with whipped cream.

Anu Apte, Rob Roy, Seattle