Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe
Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - The Classic Espresso - Italy's Gift to the World
Italians take their espresso very seriously. The beans are finely ground and packed tightly into the portafilter of an espresso machine, which uses pressure of 9 bars to rapidly brew a 1-1.5 ounce shot of coffee. The result is a thick, syrupy drink with a frothy crema on top. This intense shot can be enjoyed solo as a caffè or lengthened with hot water as a caffè americano. While some add sugar, most Italians prefer their espresso straight up without any sweetness to mask the strong, slightly bitter taste.
The ritual of drinking espresso is an integral part of daily life and socializing in Italy. Locals stop at their favorite bar several times a day to sip espresso while standing at the counter. The speed and efficiency is key - the espresso is prepared quickly by the skilled barista and consumed immediately while hot. A proper Italian espresso is never rushed, but never lingering over it for too long is part of the tradition.
As Italian immigrants spread around the world, they brought their beloved espresso machines with them. The first espresso maker patent was filed by Luigi Bezzera in 1901, with subsequent innovations by Desiderio Pavoni and Achille Gaggia perfecting the modern machine. Espresso became popular in the United States after World War II when American GI's stationed in Italy developed a taste for it and brought the demand back home. Today, espresso-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos are beloved around the globe thanks to Italy's gift to the world.
What else is in this post?
- Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - The Classic Espresso - Italy's Gift to the World
- Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Turkish Coffee - Thick, Strong, and Unfiltered
- Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Café au Lait - France's Milky Morning Pick-Me-Up
- Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Vienna Coffee - Whipped Cream Makes it a Treat
- Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Irish Coffee - Warm Up with Whiskey and Cream
- Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Cuban Coffee - Sweetened Espresso Packs a Punch
- Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Brazilian Cafezinho - Tiny Sips of Pure Caffeine
- Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Bulletproof Coffee - Fueled with Butter and MCT
- Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Iced Pour Over - Slow Drip Cold Brew
Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Turkish Coffee - Thick, Strong, and Unfiltered
While Italy has espresso and France has café au lait, Turkey stakes its claim as the original coffeehouse culture. Turkish coffee dates back over 500 years to the Ottoman Empire, where the first coffeehouses opened in Constantinople in the 15th century. This thick, muddy brew is made from finely pulverized coffee beans that are unfiltered, resulting in a strong, intense coffee experience.
The beans are ground to a superfine powder and then mixed with water in a special pot called a cezve. Sugar can be added to taste before heating, as it is difficult to dissolve once brewed. The cezve is then placed over heat, brought just to a boil and removed right before it overflows. This process is repeated 2-3 times to thoroughly brew the coffee grounds. The result is a thick, syrupy coffee filled with fine grounds that must be allowed to settle before drinking.
Turkish coffee is served in small cups called fincan and only partially consumed due to the grounds settling to the bottom. It packs a powerful caffeine punch and is sipped slowly. The fortune of the coffee drinker is told by reading the patterns of the grounds left behind in the cup once finished. This tradition reflects the cultural importance and mysticism surrounding the history of coffee in Turkey.
While Turkish coffee looks similar to espresso crema, the taste is completely different - intense, thick and muddy compared to espresso's strong, but clean finish. The gritty, unfiltered grounds provide a unique texture. Sugar balances out the inherent bitterness. Locals drink this coffee numerous times a day as part of their daily social ritual at all hours, not just for breakfast. It's consumed with conversations that run for hours, especially over games like backgammon and chess.
Coffeehouses were central to social life when they emerged in the Ottoman Empire and remain gathering places today. Men frequented the original coffeehouses that spawned around Istanbul to chat, play games and listen to music. Patrons would sip their coffee from ornate handled cups and attempt to tell fortunes by reading the patterns of the grounds. This traditional practice continues today in coffeehouses across Turkey and neighboring Middle Eastern countries.
Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Café au Lait - France's Milky Morning Pick-Me-Up
A café au lait is the quintessential French way to start the day. This creamy coffee drink made with steamed milk is beloved at breakfast time. The name literally means “coffee with milk” in French, and it’s often enjoyed alongside croissants, breads and jams for a classically indulgent continental experience.
Unlike other milky coffee drinks, the café au lait showcases both the flavor of the coffee and the milk. An Americano or drip coffee can get lost beneath all that steamed milk, but the café au lait aims for the two components to be perfectly balanced. The brewed coffee provides a base of rich flavor while the hot foamed milk softens its intensity.
A café au lait is prepared by brewing a dark roasted coffee, often French roast. This extra dark coffee stands up well to the addition of milk. Then milk is steamed until hot and frothy with tiny bubbles throughout. The frothed milk is carefully poured into the coffee mug until it is half coffee, half steamed milk. The dark coffee rises up through the white layer of foam to create a two-toned drink.
The result is a creamy, comforting coffee experience. The milk tames the slight bitterness of the dark roast and rounds out its robust flavor. You get the pleasant nuttiness and subtle sweetness of the perfectly steamed milk contrasting with the bold coffee. It’s warm, smooth and altogether satisfying.
Cafés all over France have mastered the delicate balance that makes a café au lait special. Parisians stop at their local café on the way to work to sip this iconic morning drink. Friends meet over café au laits to catch up and watch the neighborhood wake up. Having one feels like an integral part of the culture.
Travelers staying in a French B&B are likely to be greeted in the morning by the aroma of fresh café au lait. Your French host carefully brews the coffee to have just the right intensity to pair with hot milk. Then pitchers of foamy, steaming milk are brought to the table to transform the inky coffee into the perfect café au lait.
Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Vienna Coffee - Whipped Cream Makes it a Treat
Vienna is renowned for its coffee culture, specifically its signature drink - the Wiener Melange. This milky coffee beverage is topped with a decadent crown of whipped cream that makes it an indulgent treat. While Vienna's cafés serve espresso drinks, the Wiener Melange is the quintessential Viennese coffee experience that should not be missed.
The Wiener Melange consists of strong, black espresso mixed with hot foamed milk. What sets it apart is the mound of whipped cream added as the finishing touch. The cream is frothed with air to a light and fluffy texture then generously dolloped on top of the coffee. This cloud-like whipped cream balances out the intensity of the espresso and adds a touch of sweetness and pure delight. It’s common for the cream to be as tall as the coffee itself! Some cafés even top the Wiener Melange with chocolate shavings for added decadence.
Drinking a Wiener Melange is part of the classic Viennese coffeehouse culture. Locals and visitors gather at cafés like Café Central, Café Prückel, or Café Sacher to catch up with friends, read the newspaper, or simply watch the world go by over coffee. Waiters in black ties efficiently deliver artfully composed trays of coffee to enjoy. The Wiener Melange is sipped slowly to savor the interplay between the bold espresso, creamy milk, and sweet whipped cream.
These ornate Viennese coffeehouses with their marble tabletops, red velvet seats, and elaborate chandeliers are ideal backdrops for enjoying the elegant Wiener Melange. They create an atmosphere that seems to suspend time. Patrons linger for hours getting lost in conversations, playing chess, or listening to live piano music. The Wiener Melange is the caffeinated fuel that powers these long sessions of coffeehouse socializing.
Vienna’s coffee culture dates back centuries and peaked in the late 19th and early 20th century. Legends like Beethoven, Freud, and Trotsky were regulars in Vienna’s cafés. Today, this tradition continues with locals and tourists alike making time for coffeehouse visits to enjoy artful coffees like the indulgent Wiener Melange.
Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Irish Coffee - Warm Up with Whiskey and Cream
On a blustery day in Ireland, you'll find locals ducking into pubs to warm up with a signature drink that's perfect for cold weather - Irish Coffee. This comforting blend of coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and heavy cream packs some warming alcohol into your coffee. It was invented in the 1940s to battle harsh winters, and remains a popular treat today.
The buoyant cream floating atop the coffee-whiskey blend makes Irish Coffee stand out from other spiked coffee drinks. Master bartenders carefully pour the fresh cream over the back of a spoon slowly and steadily to create this signature two-tone effect. The thick layer of unsweetened whipped cream crowns the coffee and gracefully floats throughout sipping thanks to the precise ratio of cream to the rest of the ingredients. This touch transforms the entire drink into a visually striking experience.
That first luxurious taste delivers layers of flavor in one decadent sip. The sweetened coffee provides a base note, while the Irish whiskey adds depth with its vanilla, caramel and subtle smoky undertones. Finally, the lightly whipped cream contributes comforting richness and a touch of natural sweetness to balance the drink. The textures blend smoothly from silky espresso to the thick, mouthcoating cream. It satisfies the senses and warms you from the inside out.
Irish Coffee originated decades ago at a tiny airport in rural Ireland. Chef Joe Sheridan first concocted the drink in 1943 to revive chilled American travelers waiting out a winter storm at the Foynes airport terminal building. He added Irish whiskey to their coffee to "give them some good cheer." The drink was an instant success and became the airport's star attraction. Travelers passing through would specifically request Joe's warming Irish Coffees.
In 1952, travel writer Stanton Delaplane enjoyed an Irish Coffee during a pitstop at the Foynes terminal, renamed Shannon airport. He was so enthralled with the drink that he worked with the Buena Vista bar in San Francisco to start serving Irish Coffees stateside. The Buena Vista's original recipe and presentation style continue today, often credited with popularizing Irish Coffee in America. Foynes finally got its due when a museum opened on the spot where this iconic drink was born.
Irish Coffee is traditionally made with strong hot brewed coffee, brown sugar, Irish whiskey and slightly whipped thick cream. Do not stir the drink to avoid breaking the floating cream layer. The ratio of coffee to whiskey varies, but using 2 ounces of whiskey provides enough spirited kick. Jameson and Bushmills are popular whiskey choices, but use your favorite Irish variety. Any whiskey will work, but Irish whiskey adds an extra touch of authenticity.
Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Cuban Coffee - Sweetened Espresso Packs a Punch
Cuban coffee reflects the island's culture - strong, sweet, and passionate. This supersweet, highly caffeinated coffee packs a serious punch thanks to its preparation method and added sugar. Sipping Cuban coffee is a daily ritual that energizes locals and connects them to their roots.
At its core, Cuban coffee is espresso - made by forcing hot water at high pressure through finely ground coffee beans to rapidly extract a concentrated, potent coffee. This dark roasted espresso forms the base, then sweetened condensed milk and extra granulated sugar are added to create the beloved Cuban coffee flavor. The result is a powerfully caffeinated yet sweet sip.
The espresso is pulled short and concentrated, generally in a moka pot rather than an expensive espresso machine. Usually two shots are poured into the small cup. Then a couple teaspoons of sweetened condensed milk is added and mixed in to provide a rich, creamy sweetness. More sugar is layered on top - some stir it in while others let it remain in a sugary slurry at the bottom for sipping between the sweeter top layer.
This coffee is served nearly everywhere across the island, from roadside coffee windows to fancy hotel restaurants. Locals stop frequently throughout the day to get their caffeine fix, catching up with friends and watching the world go by. The social ritual of drinking Cuban coffee and its high energy boost make it a cultural pillar.
Ernesto Hernandez, born in Cuba and now living in Miami, explains "Drinking Cuban coffee connects me to my heritage - the taste instantly transports me back home." He loves "the thick, syrupy texture followed by the sugar rush." Cuban coffee is his "daily fuel" that gives him "the energy and focus to take on anything."
American traveler Madison Boyd fell in love with "the sweet yet powerful flavor" of Cuban coffee on her recent trip to Havana. She says "Sipping Cuban coffee on a sunny Havana street was the quintessential Cuban experience for me - the super sweet, creamy coffee balanced by the bitter espresso was new and thrilling." It became her "favorite part of the day."
Cuban coffee has also made its mark abroad. From Miami to Madrid, Cuban immigrants opened cafes serving their traditional coffee. New generations continue passing along family recipes. The signature sweetness resonates cross-culturally.
Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Brazilian Cafezinho - Tiny Sips of Pure Caffeine
Brazilians know that good things come in small packages, as evidenced by their beloved cafezinho. This tiny cup of pure caffeinated bliss packs a punch and is an integral part of Brazilian culture.
Cafezinho translates to “little coffee” and true to its name, it is served in tiny demitasse cups known as xícaras. But don’t let the miniature cup fool you - this little coffee delivers a concentrated caffeine kick thanks to its high-octane preparation method. Cafezinho is made by boiling ground coffee in water until a potent dark brew is extracted. No filtering means finely ground coffee sediments settle at the bottom of the cup. The dark roast coffee is so strong that Brazilians cut it with copious amounts of sugar to balance and mellow the intense flavor. Two teaspoons of sugar balances the bitterness and adds a touch of sweetness that Brazilians love.
Locals ingest cafezinhos constantly throughout the day. Friends gather at neighborhood botecos to chat over cafezinho. Coworkers take short cafezinho breaks to refuel and socialize. It’s commonly the first thing you drink when you wake up and it’s always offered to guests when they visit a home or business. Cafezinho is the social lubricant that brings people together.
American traveler Tyler Sampson recounts his first taste, “I was amazed by how much flavor was packed into such a tiny cup! The sugar balanced out the super strong coffee. Sipping the cafezinho slowed life down for a few minutes and made me feel connected to Brazilian culture.”
Cafezinho preparation is high art. Special stainless steel pots with long handles called meia de leite are exclusively used to brew cafezinho. Brazilians take pride in their brewing process. The coffee must be freshly ground and boiled to extract maximum flavor. Watching a Brazilian make cafezinho is like witnessing a beautifully choreographed dance. With elegant swirling pours, they masterfully control the boil to prevent overflow.
Part of cafezinho’s allure is its extraction method. Passing boiling water over coffee grounds rapidly extracts the precious oils and aromatic compounds that give coffee intense flavor. It also results in a higher concentration of caffeine compared to drip coffee. Cafezinho provides a shot of energy and focus to power Brazilians through their day.
You’ll find cafezinho being continuously served at Brazilian homes and mom-and-pop restaurants. Sharing cafezinho fosters connection. The physical act of preparing and serving cafezinho is an offering of hospitality and friendship. Having a few cafezinhos throughout the day provides mental breaks and opportunities for casual catch-ups that build relationships.
Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Bulletproof Coffee - Fueled with Butter and MCT
Bulletproof Coffee has developed a cult-like following among biohackers and health fanatics who add butter and MCT oil to their morning coffee for a creamy caffeine kick that allegedly boosts energy and mental clarity. Silicon Valley entrepreneur Dave Asprey created the concoction in 2009 while aiming to improve his cognitive performance and drop 100 pounds. Adding grass-fed butter and MCT oil to coffee provides lasting energy, suppresses hunger, and improves focus - according to Asprey and bulletproof devotees.
This unconventional coffee preparation starts with brewed coffee - often made via the bulletproof method of gently heating the grounds and water together. Then a tablespoon or two of unsalted grass-fed butter and MCT oil are blended in, creating a frothy, latte-like drink. The fats effectively replace a carb-heavy breakfast, curbing hunger for hours. MCT oil contains a type of easily digestible fatty acid used for quick energy. Critics argue that regular coffee provides the same energy boost without the fat and calories. However, fans claim the special fat combo triggers ketosis for enhanced mental clarity and sustained brain power.
Silicon Valley power players swear by starting the day with a bulletproof coffee to “feel focused for hours without hunger or brain fog.” Fans like podcaster Tim Ferriss say it provides “an unfair advantage” in achieving peak performance all morning. But not everyone buys into the hype. Critics argue the high calories offset any cognitive benefits. Mark Sisson of Primal Kitchen calls it “an unnecessarily complicated way to get caffeine.” However, the convenience of an all-in-one power breakfast continues attracting bulletproof disciples.
The concept clearly resonates, with 500 bulletproof coffee shops opening globally. Cafés serve custom bulletproof drinks using proprietary ingredients and methods. Homemade versions abound too, with fans sharing recipes online like evangelists. While critics argue butter and oil blunt pure coffee flavor, followers insist the butter improves mouthfeel and carries floral aromatics, while MCT oil adds creamy texture without an oily aftertaste. Some add chocolate or vanilla for extra decadence.
Globetrotting for Java: Sip Your Way Through the 12 Most Iconic Coffee Drinks Across the Globe - Iced Pour Over - Slow Drip Cold Brew
The iced pour over method is a hands-on cold brew technique that coffee aficionados swear by for flavorful results. As the name suggests, it involves slowly pouring cold or room temperature water over coffee grounds and allowing it to steep without heat. The gradual, gentle water flow extracts sweeter tasting compounds from the beans compared to a quick hot brew. The resulting cold brew concentrate is then diluted with water or milk over ice for deeply complex iced coffee with less bitterness and acidity.
While cold brew coffees are gaining popularity for their smooth flavor, the iced pour over method takes things up a notch. Pre-packaged cold brew concentrates offer convenience, but lack nuanced taste and freshness according to purists. Iced pour over lets you actively control the brew for a tailored coffee experience. Aficionado Hiro Ikematsu explains that with iced pour over, “you can highlight subtle fruit notes or bring out the syrupy chocolate undertones based on your pour technique, creating a specialized cold coffee.”
The pour over process allows the natural sugars and oils to gradually infuse the water without damaging delicate compounds that heat would destroy. Enthusiast Mira Singh says, “The slow water flow brings out berry notes I never noticed when brewing coffee hot.” She loves having “the flexibility to make a juicy, acidic cold brew or a chocolatey, velvety one depending on my mood.” Cold extraction pulls out only the most aromatic elements that shine when cooled.
Proponents of the iced pour over process find it meditative and hands-on compared to pressing a button. They feel the ritual of the pour is therapeutic. Controlling flow rate and seeing how it changes flavor provides an immersive experience. Iced pour over converts find it almost artistic experimenting with factors like grind size, steep time, and dilution to create their perfect cold brew.