Daly's Bartenders' Encyclopedia by Tim Daly (1903, p.116)

0.75 cupblack coffee — hot black coffeebase
1 ponybrandy base
1 lumpsugar — loaf sugarsweetener
  1. Three-quarters fill a small china cup with hot black coffee and add the sugar and brandy.
  2. Ignite and serve in the presence of the customer.

Visible ignition at service is part of the drink identity.

See also: Cafe Royal, Coffee Kirsch