7 Coffee Drinks From Around the World You’ve Never Heard Of
Explore a world of coffee beyond the familiar espresso and cappuccino. These seven international coffee drinks offer distinct profiles and surprising ingredients that invigorate coffee traditions. By focusing on traditional preparation methods and regional touches, you'll expand your coffee repertoire and deepen your understanding of regional palates. Each sip connects you with a slice of global culture, introducing flavors and techniques that have stood the test of time.
Kaffeost: Finnish Coffee with Cheese
Kaffeost combines hot coffee with a unique twist, the inclusion of cheese. Traditionally, a firm, squeaky cheese called “leipäjuusto” is cut into cubes and served in a wooden cup known as a “kuksa.” The heat from the coffee gently softens the cheese, creating a pleasing contrast of textures. This ceremonial coffee drink encapsulates the coziness of Finnish hospitality. When preparing, ensure the cheese is fresh; its milky tang should complement the coffee's robustness without overwhelming it.
Get the recipe: Kaffeost
Mazagran: Portugal’s Original Iced Coffee
Mazagran, hailing from Portugal, melds the sharpness of coffee with the brightness of lemon juice. This refreshing drink is served chilled, often sweetened, and can sometimes include a splash of rum. To create this invigorating beverage, start by brewing strong coffee, letting it cool before adding a squeeze of fresh lemon. The interplay between citrus and coffee results in a tangy, invigorating flavor profile. Perfect for hot days, Mazagran reinvents your iced coffee routine with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.
Türk Kahvesi: Turkey’s Unfiltered Delight
Türk Kahvesi is a storied brew featuring finely ground coffee and water, simmered in a traditional pot called a “cezve.” Unfiltered, it's served in small cups to allow the grounds to settle. The key to this rich, thick beverage lies in slow, even heating. A foam layer forms on top, a sign of a well-made cup. Sweetness levels vary, so adjust the sugar to your taste before brewing. The result is a deep, aromatic coffee experience that’s been cherished across generations.
Ipoh White Coffee: Malaysia’s Unique Brew
Originating in Ipoh, Malaysia, Ipoh White Coffee is a distinctively mild and creamy beverage. It's made with beans roasted in palm oil margarine and brewed directly before being blended with sweetened condensed milk. The result is a smoother, more aromatic flavor compared to its conventional counterparts. When preparing, opt for medium-roast beans to preserve the signature subtlety. This creamy brew is a delightful introduction to Malaysia's coffee traditions, inviting you to explore its nuanced sweetness.
Café de Olla: Mexico’s Spiced Tradition
Café de Olla is a traditional Mexican coffee that combines earthy, rich flavors with aromatic spices. Start by simmering water with cinnamon sticks and piloncillo, an unrefined whole cane sugar, to infuse sweetness and warmth. Once the piloncillo dissolves, add coarsely ground coffee directly to the pot. Allow the mixture to steep, then strain it into cups. This brewing method enhances the coffee’s natural bitterness, creating a robust balance with the sweet and spicy notes. Serve in clay mugs, as their porous nature subtly augments the drink's flavors.
Egg Coffee: Vietnam’s Creamy Concoction
Originating from Vietnam, egg coffee offers a unique combination of texture and richness. Begin by brewing a strong Vietnamese coffee, preferably using a traditional phin filter. As it brews, whip together egg yolks with sweetened condensed milk until the mixture transforms into a frothy, custard-like cream. Pour the brewed coffee into a cup and gently float the egg mixture on top. The result is a layered coffee experience, where the creamy, velvety top gradually melds with the bold, aromatic coffee beneath. Serve immediately for the ultimate indulgence.
Qahwa: Saudi’s Aromatic Coffee Experience
Qahwa is a traditional Saudi Arabian coffee, known for its distinctive flavor profile infused with cardamom. Use lightly roasted Arabic coffee beans, grinding them coarsely to maintain a mild, earthy essence. Boil the coffee with crushed cardamom seeds, allowing the spice to enhance the brew's fragrance and flavor. Often, saffron and rose water are added before serving to introduce floral notes. Pour the coffee into small cups, typically alongside dates to balance the bitterness. Qahwa offers a refreshing and complex taste journey into Saudi culture.
