A Cup Of Pharisees

Determined to offer his guests something festive without upsetting their spiritual leader, Johannsen devised a clever plan. He prepared a drink that appeared to be nothing more than innocent coffee, masking a hearty splash of brown rum beneath a crown of whipped cream. The cream served a dual purpose: it hid the alcohol’s aroma and kept the rum from evaporating in the steaming coffee. For added secrecy, the pastor received a special alcohol-free version. Thanks to the strong rum trade in northern Germany at the time, the key ingredient was readily available.

The party was a success, with guests happily partaking in the disguised libation. But as the evening wore on, the pastor grew suspicious. When the ruse was uncovered, Pastor Bleyer, in a fit of righteous indignation, cried out, “Oh, you Pharisees!”—a reference to the biblical Pharisees, often criticized for their hypocrisy. The name stuck, and the Pharisaer drink became a beloved staple of North Frisian culture, embodying both cleverness and conviviality.

The tale has become so ingrained in local lore that it inspired a song by the North German music group Godewind in the 1970s. Today, the Pharisaer remains a symbol of community, celebration, and a touch of mischief.

Similar Drinks: Rüdesheimer Coffee, Irish Coffee, and Heintzmann Coffee

The Pharisaer is not the only drink that combines coffee with alcohol to create a comforting treat. Three iconic beverages share this concept but with unique regional twists:

• Rüdesheimer Coffee: Originating in Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany, in 1957, this drink is made with brandy, sugar, and hot coffee, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It’s a luxurious treat often served in special cups.
• Irish Coffee: This globally renowned beverage, invented in 1943, features hot coffee blended with Irish whiskey and sugar. The drink is said to have originated as a warming treat for transatlantic travelers at Ireland’s Foynes Airport.
• Heintzmann Coffee: Mr. Heintzmann, who invented this drink for House Of Applejay in their tasting room in 2024, crafted it as a tribute to his family’s heritage. The Heintzmann Coffee blends espresso with Mt Grassy Knob Sweet Grass naturally flavored vodka for a uniquely botanical twist. It is traditionally served with sugar on the side and a piece of dark chocolate, enhancing its indulgent experience.

This sophisticated drink is available in the House Of Applejay tasting room or can be recreated at home using the recipe found on their website at houseofapplejay.com/cocktails.

Raise Your Cup

Mr. Heintzmann’s inventive spirit, alongside the timeless classics like Pharisaer, Rüdesheimer Coffee, and Irish Coffee, reminds us of how delightful warm coffee cocktails can be on colder winter days. These drinks are more than just beverages—they are stories, traditions, and connections shared with loved ones. This holiday season, let the warmth of a steaming cup and the creativity of these recipes fill your gatherings with cheer. After all, not everyone sipping these delightful drinks is a Pharisee. Prost!