Behind every cup of coffee lies a story, and for "marghiloman" coffee, it's truly captivating, blending politics, hospitality, and the unmistakable taste of Romanian tradition.
1) Legends of "Marghiloman"
There are two legends surrounding the creation of this distinctive coffee. The first features the conservative politician Alexandru Marghiloman (1854-1925). It is said that one day, while out hunting and lacking the traditional coffee ingredients, his valet improvised, using brandy instead of water. Thus, "marghilomana" was born.
Another, less known legend attributes the invention of this coffee to a tavern keeper or coffee maker named Marghiloman, during a visit by King Carol I to Sulina. In the absence of fresh water, he brewed coffee with rum. The pleasant taste of the coffee captivated the guests, and since then, the specialty has been called "marghiloman", after the tavern keeper's name.
2) Preparing "Marghiloman" Coffee
From these legends, it emerges that "marghiloman" is a Turkish coffee boiled in cognac or rum. Discussions with the "cafegii" who prepared this beverage revealed a preference for adding water alongside cognac or rum to avoid excessive costs and to temper the effects of coffee on the consumers.
An old recipe dating back to 1908 describes the preparation process, indicating that high-quality rum is added during the coffee's boiling.
3) The First Mention of "Marghiloman"
The first mention of "marghiloman" coffee is found in an 1889 article about Mihai Eminescu. Although it's not clear if the rum coffee mentioned in this article is identical to "marghiloman", the term is used in a similar context.
Another reference to "marghiloman" appears in 1908 in the magazine "Furnica", and in 1909 in a text by I. L. Caragiale, confirming the popularity of this beverage at the time.
4) The Origin of the Name
There are several theories about the origin of the name "marghiloman". One attributes it to N. T. Orășanu, a prose writer and director of the publication "Monitorul Oficial". He is said to have named this beverage, along with other drinks, in a symbolic and humorous way.
Other theories associate the name with Alexandru Marghiloman, given his reputed preference for coffee with rum or cognac.
Regardless of the exact origin of the name, "marghiloman" coffee remains an important part of Romanian culinary tradition, bringing with it not only the rich aroma of coffee but also the stories and legends behind each cup enjoyed.