Appenzeller Alpenbitter - Coffee Glass "Kafi Fertig"

Swiss traditional coffee glasses with the Appenzeller Alpenbitter logo. "Kafi Fertig", "Kafi Biber", "Kafi Luz" (short for Lucerne) or "Cheli" is a hot drink to enjoy around the carnival season in Switzerland. It consists of a glass of 'thin' coffee with 'Träsch' - a liqueur made of apples and pears. According to the recipe the coffee should be transparent like tea, so that one can still read the newspaper thru it.

"Kafi Luz" was invented in the 18th century in Switzerland, when the per capita consumption of distilled liqueurs was at 13 litres p.a. For the farmers the day began with a pre-breakfast 'Schnapps". It was meant to help the digestion of the heavy cheese dishes. When the authorities introduced the ban on distilling and consuming alcohol the people started to conceal the liqueur in the coffee.

Directions for preparing "Kafi Fertig": In a coffee glass, add boiling water, sugar, the liqueur and some coffee but remember it has to be transparent! The coffee can be topped with whipped cream and the choice of liquor can be varied according to preferred taste. Apart from 'Träsch' also 'Pflümli' (plum) or 'Zwetschgen' (prune), or other Schnapps can be used.

Appenzeller Alpenbitter is a family owned company with tradition since 1902. Emil Ebneter, founder of today’s Appenzeller Alpenbitter AG, not only gave the company valuable recipes, but also passed on a set of values that continue to be maintained today, and which form the basis of the company’s success. The family-owned company has remained true to its tradition and continues to be an independent Swiss company.