Flaming Mexican Coffee: A Spectacular Drink in Mexico

Let me introduce you to our first flaming Mexican coffee. While we were having a succulent dinner overlooking a quiet beach, we noticed a fire show at a neighboring table. What a show! Of course, we asked about it and were told that this was Mexican coffee.

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What is Flaming Mexican Coffee?

In the past, when we had “Mexican coffee”, it was almost “boring”: Kahlua, tequila topped with whipped cream and some cinnamon. Enjoyable, tasty but not a huge wow-factor. Until our lives changed…

When we stayed at the Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, Mexico, our foodie world expanded with a fiery dessert. Yes, that is where we encountered Flaming Mexican Coffee! An amazing one-man show with fire, booze and coffee! Burning tequila and flaming kahlua. Served in a glass with caramelized sugar/cinnamon coated rim.

What is not to love? Right away, we decided that we had to try it. Carpe Diem! Or maybe Carpe Café in this case.

Our Experience with Flaming Mexican Coffee

After we finished our meal, we couldn’t wait to try our own Mexican coffee show. They lit the Kahlua and tequila on fire, they poured and flaming liquids were “everywhere”. Leaning back, relaxed after a good meal, we very much enjoyed the spectacle. According to my theory all the alcohol burns off, so it’s basically just an after dinner coffee, right?

Over the next few days we might have chosen this special coffee again, just because life is too short not to. And since coffee is a bean, it really is like eating vegetables. Also it was my birthday month, so it was impeccable timing. Roasted vegetables for the win!

What is the History of this Cocktail?

Commonly believed that this cocktail is based on a drink called carajillo. One explanation says that it dates back to the times when Cuba was a Spanish province. The Spanish troops drank coffee with rum to give them courage. “Coraje” is Spanish for courage, and since it’s only a small amount of courage, they named it corajillo, which later morphed into carajillo.

Where Can You Get This in Mexico?

Doing some web research showed that this drink is available many locations in Mexico. So if you are at a resort or restaurant in Mexico, ask about it. Even if they don’t have it there, they might know where you can get it.

In our case, it was at the Villa Del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, which looks out over an UNESCO World Heritage site AND it is a national park in Mexico. Truly, you can’t beat this view! Especially with good food and flaming drinks. It was a great way to celebrate watching grey whales in Magdalena Bay.

After our discovery, we have had it at our Villa Del Palmar in Los Cabos, so I thought it might be a signature drink for the Villa Group. But further research has shown that there are many other place that offer it.

Or Maybe in the USA?

Not surprisingly, some US restaurants copied this Mexican coffee although they often rebranded it as Spanish coffee. For example, Huber’s Cafe in Portland, Oregon started offering during the 70s. Since this is also the oldest cafe in Portland, we now have two reasons to visit when we make it to Portland!

Can You Make Your Flaming Coffee at Home?

Frankly, I would NOT recommend doing it at home, because it is just too nice to sit back and let someone else deal with all the logistics. But if you insist, Flaming Spanish Coffee seems a good recipe, but use tequila instead of their rum. Caution: Do NOT burn down your house! Frankly, I would caution against trying it at home.

Conclusion: Go For It! (You Only Live Once)

Have you ever seen this Flaming Mexican Coffee show? If so, where did you see it? How did you like it? Or did you get a similar Spanish Flaming Coffee?

If you haven’t tried it yet, put it on your bucket list.

The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.

Alice Morse Earle

Other Things To Do in Mexico

• Cancun Birding Paradise: Snorkel Your Way to Isla Contoy!
• Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: another UNESCO World Heritage Site;
• Have you ever touched a whale? Find out more at Epic Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay.

Or expand your world by visiting a coffee farm in Costa Rica!

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