Note: the choice of orange liqueur used in this recipe will have a distinct effect on the flavor of the drink. Grand Marnier gives a strong, rich taste, while Cointreau provides a pleasantly flowery nuance.

3 cups fresh brewed coffee
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau
grated orange zest, for garnish

Directions:
In a medium saucepan, combine the coffee, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Heat until simmering.

Meanwhile, pour 2 teaspoons of the orange liqueur into each of four large mugs. Pour the hot coffee mixture over the liqueur. Sprinkle with orange zest.

Serves 4

Variations:
Instead of adding the cream to the coffee, increase the cream to 1/3 cup and whip it with 1 tablespoon sugar until it holds soft peaks. Top the hot coffee with dollops of the whipped cream and sprinkle with orange zest.

For added sparkle, turn the orange zest into orange sugar. Before making the coffee, mix the orange zest with an equal quantity of sugar. Spread the mixture out on a plate and let dry for at least 20 minutes. You can keep the orange sugar for a week or two.

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