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5 different ways people enjoy their coffee around the world

Recently updated on July 24th, 2023 at 03:25 pm

No matter the country or continent, we all have something in common – enjoying a good cup of coffee. It’s one of the most popular drinks on earth, with almost 10 billion kilos of coffee consumed around the world every year, and we’ve been drinking it since at least the 15th century. While some people simply use their coffee beans as a liquid fuel to start their day, other cultures have traditional rituals used to prepare and enjoy coffee. From adding egg, cardamom or whiskey, to unique brewing methods like sock filters, here are five different ways people enjoy their coffee culture around the world.

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three coffees in mug with latte art

1. Aguas de Medias – Costa Rica

The eco-paradise of Costa Rica is famed for growing some of the best coffee in the world. The Costa Rican government even once passed a law making it illegal to produce any type of coffee other than the premium Arabica coffee, the highest quality of coffee beans. So how do Costa Ricans drink their coffee? The traditional brewing method is “aguas de medias” which translates to “sock water”. 

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The locals use a “chorreador” or “coffee sock” – a cloth filter held in a wire frame over a container. The ground beans go into the sock, with near-boiling water poured over the beans (never use boiling water as it creates a bitter flavour!). The sock acts like a drip coffee filter, and the warm brew filters into the mug below. Traditional Costa Rican coffee is usually strong but not bitter or acidic, and most locals add milk and lots of sugar to their coffee.

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Irish coffee with biscuits St Paddys Day

2. Irish coffee – Ireland

There are few coffee cultures around the world more legendary than in Ireland. The famous Irish coffee is the perfect blend of coffee and alcohol. Originating in the 1940s when a genius bartender poured some whiskey in a coffee at Shannon Airport to soothe stranded passengers, today you can find an Irish coffee at almost any bar in Ireland… Although it’s a bit fancier these days. You’ll get a delicious blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey and brown sugar, and topped with thick whipped cream. Warm and buttery, this is the ultimate way to enjoy a coffee, cocktail and dessert all wrapped in one sweet hug in a mug.

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Turkish coffee in porcelain cup

3. Turkish coffee – Turkey

Turkish coffee is as much about the traditional ritual as the drink itself. The finely ground, unfiltered coffee is boiled with water, sugar and cardamom inside the ancient cezve, a long-necked brass or copper pot. As the mixture bubbles, the grounds settle to the bottom of the pot and forms a thick foam on the surface. Once ready, you pour the frothy coffee into small porcelain cups known as kahve finjani, and leave it to settle. The locals traditionally don’t add cream or milk or stir it, so as not to disturb the foam, and they like to drink their coffee slowly with a side of Turkish sweets and good conversation. In Turkey, the coffee is sweet, strong and delicious – and always enjoyed with others.

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Vietnamese coffee drip filters

4. Cà phê đá – Vietnam

As one of the largest producers of coffee in the world, you’re sure to find superb coffee in Vietnam. They’re famed for their strong Robusta beans which they mellow out using a metal drip filter called a phin. The coffee slowly drips into a glass filled with sweet condensed milk, creating the beloved drink – cà phê đá. You can also have it with ice (cà phê sữa đá) for a deliciously refreshing way to enjoy coffee. If you’re looking for something even sweeter to take the edge off, try cà phê trứng – Vietnamese egg coffee. It’s a cup of coffee with a light, creamy mixture of egg yolks and condensed milk. It tastes like tiramisu and you can enjoy it hot or cold. The best part about Vietnamese coffee is that the locals serve it everywhere from lavish cafés to street coolers on bicycles.

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5. The Flat White – Australia

While Australians and New Zealanders bump heads over who created the flat white in the eighties, one thing is certain – it’s a beloved café favourite Down Under. So what exactly is a flat white? It’s made by pouring silky steamed milk microfoam over a double shot of espresso. While it might sound similar, it’s not a latte or a cappuccino, with a different ratio of velvety steamed microfoam. You’ll find it’s not as foamy as a cappuccino, but stronger than a latte… The perfect balance for your morning cup of joe.

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What is your favourite coffee culture around the globe? Let us know in the comments below!

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