Pharisäer

Pharisäer, which translates as a Pharisee, is a German drink consisting of strong, sweetened coffee, a splash of rum, and whipped cream. It is usually served in a large hot toddy glass. The drink originally comes from North Frisia, and the most popular theory about its origin claims that it was invented in the 19th century during a christening or a festival.

At the time, the local congregation was led by a pastor Gustav Beyer who was known as a strict opponent of drinking alcohol. The villagers tried to trick him by combining rum with coffee, and they topped the drink with whipped cream, which prevented the smell of rum to evaporate.

The pastor was given the alcohol-free variation, but as he noticed the scam, he allegedly exclaimed Ihr Pharisäer (you Pharisees)—as a biblical reference to the Pharisees that were criticized for hypocrisy and perjury.