The art of flaming coffee in Solaris

By: Mariel Díaz

What is it?
Flamed coffee is a drink prepared with coffee and spirits. Also known as flambéed coffee, a term that comes from the French "flamber" (which means "to make flames"), it is a way of cooking with alcohol (ethanol).

How is it made?
We have a signature procedure with a special touch to make it unique at Solaris: The first thing our specialists do is prepare the container where the coffee will be served, which is rimmed with sugar in order to add an extra decorative touch and additional flavor to the cocktails. This is the first step, because to achieve the sugared rim on the edge of the glass or cup, it must be turned upside down and placed on sugar.
Once the container is ready, a generous spoonful of whipped cream previously prepared by our great kitchen staff is added. It is followed by approximately a cup of American coffee, which causes the whipped cream to remain on the surface due to its light texture from being whipped.

Now the spectacular process begins!

A portion of coffee liqueur is taken and another of whiskey, tequila, brandy, amaretto, or xtabentún is added in a metal container. These ingredients are placed over fire and passed through the air into another identical container, thus pouring this mixture over the flame, which, being flammable, gradually begins to hold fire within it. A spectacle that dazzles everyone waiting for their coffee. This process burns off about 50% of the alcohol, which gives it a totally different flavor.
Upon finishing this process, and with the mixture literally in flames, it is served in the container that had been prepared previously. Et voìla!

Types of coffee available at our hotels
You might be wondering, what are the flavors you can enjoy when you stay at a Solaris hotel? Here are the names of each one and the liqueur that distinguishes them:
Mexican, based on tequila
Irish (or Scotch at GR Solaris), based on whiskey
Mayan, based on Xtabentún, a liqueur of Mayan origin, produced in the state of Yucatán, from the honey of bees fed on the xtabentún flower. (Only available at hotels in Cancun)
Spanish, based on brandy.
Italian, based on amaretto. (Only available at hotels in Cancun)

Flavor description
Asking our guests as well as those who prepare it, they have told us:

"It is a coffee with a touch of liqueur flavors, which is not strong. It tastes toasted, very easy to drink."

"The touch of the flambé caramelizes the liqueur a bit and multiplies the flavor of the coffee."

"It is the exact combination of a delicious Mexican coffee, the sweetness of the sugar, and the liqueur of your choice, with the coffee liqueur adding a special note. It doesn't matter if it's hot, having a flamed coffee is enjoying a visual spectacle and a comforting drink."

Schedule and location

GR Caribe by Solaris: Lobby from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm