Welcome to On The Menu presented by Oatly. Check out more signature drinks in our On The Menu archive.
As told to Sprudge by Michael Fleischkup.
The hours are more readily given to dusk these days, aren’t they? As we approach the very end of October, we’re taking a closer look at an intriguing coffee roasting company in rural North Dakota with an unexpectedly long history. This is Fleischkup’s Coffee.
Tell us about your signature drink!
Born in 1915 in Kulm, North Dakota, mine nana—Helgeborg Fleischkup—first developed this signature drink in 1931, inspired by the Fleischkup family’s traditional approach to coffee roasting, brewing, grinding, and serving. (The grinding is especially important in our tradition.)
Who crafted your signature drink?
My beloved Nana.
What unique ingredients does it contain?
Nana’s Little Busselthürst uses a signature blend of caraway seeds, mace, salt, mustard, a pinch of earth, and a dusting of paprika. There are additional ingredients which I am forbidden to disclose.
Is your signature drink served in a particular vessel? How did you make this choice?
We serve our drink in a sturdy iron cup, forged during our family patriarch Augustus Fleischkup’s persecution by authorities in our homeland of Essen, Germany. Indeed, one such iron cup was actually used by our beloved Augustus as a means of self-defense during his daring escape accompanied by his first wife, Henrietta, who later disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
The tradition of the Iron Cup has continued today. It’s like Nana always says: “If someone asks too many questions about Nana’s drink, simply give them one good “bomps!” over the head with the cup!”
That’s my Nana, always making such jokes.
Where is it available?
It is available exclusively at Fleischkup’s Coffee of Kulm, North Dakota. Your journey here to experience Nana’s Little Busselthürst will change the course of your life forever.
How much is it?
$6 and available “to stay” only.
How long will it be on the menu?
Nana’s Little Busselthürst appears on our menu once a month, coinciding with Nana’s gnawing thirst for the beverage which much be sated at the height of each lunar cycle. Such practice has been demanded by my family since time immemorial, handed down first by the patriarch Augustus Fleischkup, and taught to him by a passing cavalry division of cursed Hussars.
Anything else you’d like to share about the drink?
One sip and you’ll discover the truth of our motto at Fleischkup’s Coffee: Powered by People!
Thank you!
On The Menu is proudly presented by Oatly. Check out more signature drinks in our On The Menu archive.
