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Translated from German. In case of discrepancies, the German version applies.
Rüdesheimer Kaffee
Rüdesheimer Kaffee (Rüdesheim coffee) is a coffee speciality from Rüdesheim am Rhein, on the Rhine: the brandy Asbach Uralt is warmed with sugar cubes in the cup and flambéed, then coffee is added, topped with whipped cream and chocolate.1 According to the tourist information office, it was invented by Karl Adam in 1957.1
Where it comes from
The brandy in Rüdesheimer Kaffee comes from Rüdesheim itself: Hugo Asbach founded his company Asbach & Co. in the town in 1892.2 The brandy is still made in the Rüdesheim distillery today.1
On the origin of the drink itself, the sources we rely on give only the year and the name: 1957, Karl Adam.1 Other stories about the occasion and the inventor can be found online, but not in official sources or those of the operators – so we do not repeat them.
What goes into it
The tourist information office describes the preparation like this: in the Rüdesheim coffee cup, 6 cl of Asbach Uralt are warmed with three sugar cubes and flambéed; then coffee and vanilla sugar are added, topped with whipped cream and chocolate flakes.1
- Brandy: Asbach Uralt, 6 cl
- Sugar: three sugar cubes, plus vanilla sugar
- Coffee: added after flambéing
- Topping: whipped cream with chocolate
The brandy is flambéed in front of the guests – this is how the tourist information office describes the offer of a café in the Drosselgasse lane.3 We give the preparation as a description of the speciality, not as a recipe to copy.
Good to know: the drink contains alcohol. If you are driving, ask in the café or restaurant for an alcohol-free version – whether there is one is up to the business.
Where to get it
Whether a café or restaurant serves Rüdesheimer Kaffee is shown on its menu. The tourist information office, for example, presents an offer by Art Café Rüdesheim at Drosselgasse 5, where the coffee is flambéed at the table – to go with the chimes that play on the hour.3,
Cafés, wine taverns and restaurants with addresses: Food and drink.
Asbach in Rüdesheim
At the Asbach Besucher Center (visitor centre) at Ingelheimer Straße 4, the company shows how its brandy is made.2,
Close by is the Asbachgasse: a quarter on the former site of the Asbach distillery, today with restaurants, a wine shop and the Mechanicum.6 More about the names: Well-known names and places.
Frequently asked questions
What is in Rüdesheimer Kaffee? Asbach Uralt, sugar cubes and vanilla sugar, coffee, whipped cream and chocolate.1
Who invented Rüdesheimer Kaffee? According to the tourist information office, Karl Adam, in 1957.1
Is there Rüdesheimer Kaffee without alcohol? Each business decides that for itself; ask in the café or restaurant.
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