Photo by Richard Maack Spanish coffee

What’s better on a chilly night than a hot coffee drink fireside? How about a fiery coffee drink tableside?

The flashy Spanish coffee presentation at the Four Seasons’ Talavera is one part classic cocktail, one part decadent dessert and one part entertainment.

Bartenders pour ½ ounce Bacardi 151 into a large, sugar-rimmed snifter, allow it to coat the inside of the glass and then flame it using a lighter on the bottom of the glass. While it’s burning, they sprinkle a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg into the drink. When the sugar begins to caramelize, they add ¼ ounce Cointreau, ¾ ounce Kahlua and 4 ounces coffee, and top it with two tablespoons whipped cream. Then they drizzle ¼ ounce crème de almond on top.

It warms the spirits, literally and figuratively.

Price: $16
($8 for locals in January and February)




Talavera, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale
480-513-5085
talaverarestaurant.com