Hotel Icefiord

Greenlandic Coffee

Greenlandic coffee is a unique and warming drink that combines alcohol and coffee in a recipe that is both festive and rich in symbolism. This coffee is more than just an ordinary cup of coffee—it’s an experience, often served at special occasions, celebrations, and social gatherings in Greenland. It is full of flavor and tradition and can be compared to other coffee drinks like Irish Coffee, but with its own distinct Greenlandic twist.
 
You can enjoy Greenlandic coffee at Restaurant Icefiord – Just ask the waiters

What is Greenlandic Coffee?

Greenlandic coffee consists of several layers where different types of alcohol are blended with coffee and whipped cream to create a unique and aromatic drink.
The primary ingredients include:

  • Strong coffee, preferably freshly brewed.
  • Whisky or cognac as the base of the drink.
  • Kahlúa or another coffee liqueur to add sweetness and depth.
  • Grand Marnier, an orange liqueur, which adds a sweet and citrusy note.
  • Whipped cream, added on top to balance the flavors and give a creamy texture.

The recipe for Greenlandic coffee is not just about mixing ingredients—it’s often part of a small ceremony. The different layers are carefully poured and presented beautifully, often with a dramatic touch, such as flambéing the Grand Marnier over the whipped cream.

The coffee represents the dark sea, the whipped cream symbolizes the sea ice, and the blue flame from the flambéing is a symbol of the mesmerizing Northern Lights. This makes the serving of Greenlandic coffee both entertaining and memorable.

Hotel Icefiord - Restaurant

How to Make Greenlandic Coffee

The recipe for Greenlandic coffee can vary depending on personal preferences, but here’s a classic way to make it:

  1. Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee.
  2. In a heat-resistant glass, pour 2 cl of whisky or cognac.
  3. Add 2 cl of Kahlúa (or another coffee liqueur) for sweetness and flavor.
  4. Pour the hot coffee over the alcohol and stir gently to mix everything.
  5. Whisk a little cream until it forms a light foam, and carefully spoon it on top of the coffee.
  6. Pour 1 cl of Grand Marnier over the whipped cream. For an extra dramatic touch, you can carefully light the Grand Marnier (flambé) before serving.

The result is a warm and intense coffee with layers of flavor from the whisky, coffee liqueur, and Grand Marnier, all rounded off by the smooth whipped cream.

Who invented Greenlandic coffee?

Greenlandic coffee has its roots in Greenland, but the inspiration for the drink likely comes from Europe, especially from drinks like Irish Coffee, which also combines alcohol and coffee. In Greenland, this type of drink quickly became popular and developed its own local version with ingredients that symbolize the country’s harsh climate and natural beauty.

The flambéed Grand Marnier, for instance, represents the Northern Lights dancing across the dark sky during the long winter months, while the whisky or cognac symbolizes the strong and resilient Greenlandic people. The coffee, which makes up the majority of the drink, represents the dark sea, while the light whipped cream on top illustrates the sea ice with majestic icebergs.

Greenlandic coffee is thus a combination of local traditions and international inspirations, and it has become a staple at festive occasions in Greenland. It is a drink that symbolizes warmth, togetherness, and celebration in one of the world’s coldest climates.

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