Coffee is not just one of the most loved drinks in the world but also a remarkably versatile drink. It has been adopted by cultures around the world and made into unique beverages that shows while the ritual of waking up and grabbing a cup of coffee remains the same; the preparations and ingredients vary from region to region. So, let’s take a look at our massive and deeply rooted love affair with coffee through this compiled list of famous coffees from all over the world:
1Espresso (Italy)
This strong Italian brew is typically served in tiny cups with a slice of lemon, sliding around the edge of the cup and a peel of lemon zest on the side. The sourness of lemon is said to enhance the sweetness of this simple, yet so perfect beverage.
2Flat White (Australia)
While the origin of the Flat White is fiercely contested between Australia and New Zealand, this beverage consists of a double shot of espresso topped with steamed milk microfoam (steamed, velvety milk). Similar to a latte though smaller in volume, this Aussie fave has less steamed milk and therefore greater coffee flavour.
3Türk Kahvesi (Turkey)
This thick brew is known to have a unique preparation method more than a recipe. Usually served after meals from a long-handled copper pot called a cezve (a special copper pot), Türk Kahvesi is prepared by brewing finely ground beans with spices like cardamom. Considered a social ritual, this unfiltered delicious coffee has thick and frothy consistency.
4Irish coffee (Ireland)
Usually served after dinner, Irish coffee brings coffee and cocktail together. The main ingredients include hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and whipped cream. This cocktail of sweetened coffee is not only a decadent finale to a meal but can also be expected as a morning treat on holidays.
5Frappé (Greece)
The Greek frappé is a frothy iced beverage and is traditionally made with instant coffee, water and sugar. Accidentally invented by a Nescafé representative in 1957, Frappe is a popular summer beverage in Greece. It can be made into a tasty, foamy, and refreshing drink by shaking or blending it in a shaker, Frappé maker or blender. It is often served with whipped cream and toppings.
6Affogato (Italy)
Affogato translates to “drowned” in Italian and is an Italian coffee-based dessert. It consists of a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream “drowned” with a shot of hot espresso (hence the name). Take both your coffee and dessert breaks to a completely new level with this Italian classic.
7Mazagran Coffee (Portugal)
This cold coffee beverage is typically prepared by combining cold brew coffee and lemon juice or lemon soda to provide a unique twist. While Mazagran is said to have originated in Algeria, it was the Portuguese who started adding lemon flavouring instead of water to the icy coffee beverage. Often times, the drink also includes rum.
8Yuan-Yang Coffee (Hong Kong)
Yuan Yang is a popular drink in Hong Kong that combines the flavour of both coffee and tea into one deliciously powerful drink! It consists of a mix of coffee and Hong Kong-style milk tea. It can be served hot or cold and different types of milk teas can be used to create a variety of unique flavours. Out of different types of milk tea, the ones used most popularly are the highly caffeinated Assam and Ceylon which, when paired with coffee, make for a drink with a serious jolt.
9Ca Phe Trung (Vietnam)
This traditional Vietnamese drink is made with whipped egg yolks, sugar and condensed milk. It is then layered on top with robust filtered coffee making it a delicious and creamy beverage. The bitterness of the strong coffee is a tantalizing contrast to the sweet and velvety whipped eggs. Also known as Vietnamese egg coffee and, like kaffeost, it is a perfect indulgence to wow your taste buds and warm your belly!
10Cafe Au Lait (France)
Cafe Au Lait literally means “coffee with milk” in French. It is made with equal parts of steamed milk and strong hot coffee to make this perfect mellow beverage and is served in a cup wide enough to dip baguettes or croissants.
Our love of coffee is been celebrated annually on the International Coffee Day (1st October). Have you ever experienced a unique coffee beverage on your travels? Tell us your coffee experiences in the comments below!