From the simple Italian espresso shot to traditional Turkish coffee ceremonies, see how people around the world take their cup of coffee.
By: Kathleen Rellihan
Zero Creatives / Cultura / Getty Images
Italy: Espresso
You’ll surely get an eye roll or two if you order a to-go cup at an Italian cafe, for espresso is the Italians’ version of to-go coffee. This strong brew served in tiny cups is commonly sipped while standing at cafes. And don’t order a cappuccino late in the day in Italy, either — the only appropriate time to enjoy that particular drink is in the morning.
Nico Kaiser via Flickr Creative Commons 2.0
Turkey: Türk Kahvesi
A famous Turkish proverb says that coffee should be “as black as hell, as strong as death and as sweet as love.” This thick brew is usually served after meals from a long-handled copper pot called a cezve, accompanied by chewy Turkish candy.
Rhiannon Taylor
Denmark: Kaffee
Perhaps because of the cold, dark Scandinavian winters, coffee consumption in Denmark has always been some of the highest in the world. Coffee is such a vital part of the Danish culture that packed cafes can be found on nearly every corner, especially in cities such as Copenhagen.
Jessica Spangler via Flickr Creative Commons 2.0
France: Café au Lait
The French begin the day with their café au lait –coffee with hot milk, served in a mug wide enough to allow the dunking of baguettes or croissants.
By Ivan2010 [CC BY-SA 3.0]
Cuba: Café Cubano
Cubans like their coffee strong, whether it’s first thing in the morning, after meals or at any chance they get throughout the day. An important part of the social fabric, the Cuban’s strong brew is served in shots and best enjoyed while socializing.
Nalf alOwais / Moment / Getty Images
Saudi Arabia: Kahwa
In Saudi Arabia and other Arab cultures, coffee ceremonies follow many rules of etiquette, including always serving the elders first. It is also a common custom to serve this cardamom-spiced drink with dried dates to counter the coffee’s bitterness.
Goncalo Valverde, flickr
Netherlands: Ladder
Not to be confused with Amsterdam’s infamous coffee shops, coffee-serving cafes are a celebrated part of the Netherlands’ culture. Also known as bakkie troost, the Dutch kaffe is enjoyed any time of day, usually comes black, and is served alongside a cookie.
bbq / Moment / Getty Images
Ireland: Irish Coffee
Coffee meets cocktail with this after-dinner drink. Irish coffee includes hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and the crowd-pleasing whipped-cream topper. Irish coffee was actually created in Ireland in the 1940s to warm up American tourists on a cold winter’s night, and it remains as popular as ever today.
Leon Rafael / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Mexico: Café de Olla
If you like cinnamon in your coffee, this is your drink. Spiced café de olla is brewed with cinnamon sticks in earthenware pots, which Mexicans swear brings out the coffee taste.
Tim E. White / Photolibrary / Getty Images
Ethiopia: Buna
In Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, traditional coffee ceremonies are a distinguished part of the culture, with the brewing and serving process lasting up to two hours. Historically, buna, as coffee is called here, was served with salt or butter instead of sugar.
Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images
Austria: Mélange
Served in Viennese cafes, Austria’s traditional drink, mélange, is very similar to a cappuccino. It contains espresso and steamed milk and is topped with froth or, sometimes, whipped cream (which is what makes it different from a traditional cappuccino).
Tilemahos Efthimiadis via Flickr Creative Commons BY-SA 2.0
Greece: Frappé
The Greek frappé is a frothy iced drink made with Nescafé instant coffee, cold water, sugar and evaporated milk. It’s best enjoyed in an outdoor cafe. Source
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How did you miss Abkhaz coffee? In Georian, “cezve” is called “jezva,” and if you ask for Turkish coffee, they’ll be offended. Akop (that’s a name) cooks his coffee in individual tine jezvas in hot sand, holding 5 long handles in each hand. When you look at the photo “U Akopa” in this link (http://roadsandkingdoms.com/2014/just-dont-call-it-turkish-coffee/), notice the all-male crowd. My appearance there caused a huge scandal, since I look somewhat Georgian. Tempers got even hotter when I did not answer in their language – I don’t know it. They figured that I was pretending not to understand! The fact that my companion was a totally Russian-looking man obviously made matters even worse. I had to produce my TV journalist ID, and so did my cameraman. Then they became our best friends, and we got invited to several homes.
I apologize for a long comment, but this was such a trip down memory lane!
So right you are! Exciting journey you’ve had. We have shared much and have hinted on much. AOC simply savors for more adventures. ❤💕❤
Thank you, darling! I’ve had many journeys, some of them truly exciting.
So present in your enticing recioe shares.❤
You are too kind! 😻
Amazing account of Coffee cultures around the world.
Regards
Shiva
Nice! Don’t forget China next time 😀
https://joshuamckibbin.wordpress.com/2018/02/07/sourcing-coffee-in-china/
Certainly China is on aoc’s coffee map! Keep checking us out and check out our archives.
Of course! You guys put out some great articles. Check out my coffee blog, I travel nonstop sourcing epic coffees around the world.
I try to read a lot about coffee. But I did not have the slightest idea of the Austrian coffee. Glad that you could make us aware of it. I wrote one on Indian coffee. Perhaps you could give it a read and add it your personal list!
https://mordernsouls.wordpress.com/2018/05/14/7030-medium-roast-fine-ground/
Will do! Many many thanks for your visit, feedback and share. ❤❤❤❤
Wonderful post. I’m a big coffee fan. Thank you.☕
☕️😎☕️👍
They all look delicious! I was surprised Ethiopia was the birthplace of coffee.
That is amazing. There has to be some controversy.🤔
Love the tour of coffee around the world…..great post! It just highlights how boring my morning coffee is…hot and just simple black coffee. :)
Thanks Kirt for stopping over. Plain, strong black coffee is staple for me. Being inspired by other coffee cultures is interesting. Cheers!💕
I find this fascinating to read! It’s a “taste” of so many different cultures and the flavors they live life with. Lots of fun! I’m partial to espresso, myself. But that Irish drink looks pretty darn yummy!
Thanks for sharing this. I really enjoyed the read! Hope your day is extraordinary!
Thank you Holly for reading and commenting on our share. Coffee is definitely a world event. I love my coffee (many different kinds, especially dark and the espresso)! Glad the Irish traditional was a big attraction for you. Enjoy your coffee today!! Cheers!
Nice post! Very interesting to see so many varieties of coffee from around the world.
True! Thank you Sean! 👍💕👍
The best coffee I have had abroad was in Luxor, Egypt. The best coffee we have had at home is espresso made with Burundi. coffee which a friend imported for us.
Hi Allen! Thanks for stopping over and commenting. South Indian coffee is one of AOC’s tops. Every nation has its coffee secrets. Smart business, ehh? ☕️💕☕️💕
Nice post! So many interesting things about coffee! Super!
Thank you kindly, garden expert for your visit today, and for your appreciative feedback! Wishing you an excellent day ! 💕☕️☕️💕
Just wanted to let ya know the vid is not working
😎
Thank you krc . Resolved. 🙏❤️👍
Good info! The pics look yummy. Coming from a coffee addict!
LOL! No not an addict… a lover
Wow. Great Post. The global society takes its coffee quite seriously. A lot of valuable information. Especially the birthplace of coffee. Just give me a decaf latte’ hot with a heated brownie from Starbucks and I am good to go. LOL.
That”s a wrap! LOL! No standing around waiting in lines for you…
You got jokes. Blessings and Peace. Have a great week and please stay safe.
God gave us humor and I thank him for all and everything that he knew we would need! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Last night I was thinking about a song by Earth, Wind and Fire that would be appropriate for right now. It’s entitled Open Our Eyes. The lyrics are so timely for right now. Thought you might want to check it out.
A nice blessed sound! Thank you…sharing! ❤️☕️❤️☕️
Stowe aways are say “coffee ahoy”! Lol!💦
A maritime fantasy, no doubt!
Oh yes!
You are a spoil!💕☕️☕️
😁 Love your blog.
Thank you for your visit and for your appreciation expressed in the kindest of words!💕☕️☕️🇺🇸🇺🇸
Another virtual idea!
And it works! People are inspired.
🐬💦🐠🐠🐠I am being followed
Be watchful!💕☕️☕️
I will just disc my bubbles! Chow!💦
Good luck!
🐬💦
Glad you can touch your tail. I can touch my toes.
Café au Lait is by far my favourite! I also love the mochaccino from certain shops. When done right, it’s just so heartwarming! :P Literally!!
I love them all but sparingly. Sometimes we have to be our own baristas. It is a learning experience that cuts the cost on fashion coffee! 🤔☕️☕️