Coffee Recipes from Around the World that You Can Make at Home

If you were to think of a beverage that has been around for centuries, that everyone has heard of, and that is loved by many, you will most likely say “coffee”. This amazing drink, with multiple properties that even reach the medical field, can be prepared in so many ways that it’s impossible not to find the recipe you like the most. For all coffee lovers out there who start their day with a cup of this delicious black liquid, here is a quick guide to obtaining the tastiest brews and some of the most interesting recipes gathered from around the world.

The best methods to brew coffee

As it happens with most foods and beverages, the flavor doesn’t only lay in the quality of the ingredients but also the preparation process. A high-end coffee maker will surely enhance the aroma of a hot cup of coffee, so don’t overlook this aspect next type you want to brew coffee.

• The most widespread method and the oldest is brewing coffee on the stovetop because it’s said to preserve most of its flavor. Most people use a pot where they heat water and add the freshly-ground coffee right seconds before bringing it to a boil. This way, the coffee is thermally-processed for a short time, so the flavor is more intense. An alternative to the old-style method is the stovetop coffee percolator which you have to fill with water, ground coffee, and place on a stovetop until the water boils, goes up to pass through the sieve filled with coffee, then return to the bottom from where you can pour it into your cup.
• The pour-over technique is also widely extended around the world, although the utensils used can differ. It basically consists of a paper filter that holds the coffee and a manner of pouring hot water over it, to extract the flavor from the powder coffee that remains inside the filter.
• K-cup machines have gained more and more popularity over time because they provide a simple, fast, and clean method of brewing coffee. Those who enjoy coffee specialties prefer this method because they can find pods with flavored coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, creamy caramel coffees, and even chocolate-flavored assortments.
• The espresso machine remains a top favorite by those who enjoy the delicious taste of coffee beans that have been ground just seconds before. Using high pressure, the machine sends the boiling water through the coffee powder to result in a strong and flavored cup of coffee.
• Many people prefer the traditional French press that also replicates the oldest version of making coffee. This item requires you to fill it with boiling water, add the ground coffee, and stir thoroughly to let the liquid catch the flavor. Then, it must be left to sit for about 4 minutes, before you can press the lid to gently push all the coffee to the bottom, while all the liquid resulted will be ready to be poured into cups.

Which is the tastiest coffee type?

You might think that all coffee types look the same and they offer similar flavors, so it’s not very important which type you buy. This idea is completely wrong because the aroma of each cup of coffee is influenced by the origin of the coffee beans, the roasting and grinding method, and the brewing procedure. The most popular types that reach the shelves come from Brazil, Colombia, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Kenya, Jamaica, Yemen, and even Ethiopia or Australia. The coffee that comes from South America is the most delicious, with the strongest flavor, followed by African coffee, while the Asian type comes last. Some types are very strong, slightly acidic, while others are milder, with delicate subtones of nuts or fruits.

The two commonly seen types are Arabica and Robusta, and you are most likely to find each type sold separately, with rare chances of seeing the two mixed. The single-origin brands offer a top-quality coffee while those that mix the two types address multiple levels of customers with a lower budget.

The Arabica beans are of superior quality, with a slightly elongated shape and a more prominent flavor due to the high content of essential oils. The Robusta beans are of lower quality, usually grown and harvested by companies that make instant coffee. It has a rounded shape, with a less intense flavor, a low content of essential oils, and a strong level of caffeine.

Worldwide coffee recipes

Turkish “sand” coffee

Turkish people have their own method of making coffee using hot sand. If you haven’t been to Turkey and tried it, we advise you put it on your bucket list because it’s a true culinary experience. They start by mixing coffee with water and optionally, sugar, in something called “cezve” or “ibrik”. Then, they bring it to a boil on a bed of hot sand that slowly heats so that the flavor will be released gradually. The result will be a frothy coffee with lots of foam on top, foam that will eventually hit the bottom of the cup. They don’t pass it through a sieve because they think it has more aroma and strength.

Frappe

At its origins, Frappe is a Greek coffee that was invented in the 1950s using instant Nescafe coffee. To prepare it, you will need instant coffee, milk, sugar, water, and a handful of ice cubes. It can be done using a blender, a cocktail shaker, a milk frother, or even a mixer. Put in a glass some instant coffee and sugar, add a few tablespoons of cold water, and blend thoroughly until you will get a frothy concoction. Add milk and ice cubes and enjoy a refreshing coffee-based beverage.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

To keep the refreshing pattern, here is another delicious recipe that you can sip on a hot summer afternoon. The original recipe has Robusta beans as its base because it brings a nutty flavor and is one of the widely-grown types in Vietnam. To start with, you will need something called a “phin” filter, which is a small plate with holes that allow the coffee to drip, a brewing compartment, and a top. You don’t necessarily need a special filter; you can always make regular coffee using any coffee machine. The recipes couldn’t be simpler: it requires you to mix hot coffee with sweetened condensed milk and add ice cubes. You won’t believe how creamy and delicate the result will be.

Cortado

Who would have thought that espresso and latte work so fine together? This recipe, originally from Spain, comes from the Spanish word “to cut” and it refers to cutting the strength of the espresso in half by adding milk. Therefore, mix equal parts of espresso and steamed milk into a cup and you will have a creamy beverage. The milk doesn’t necessarily have to be frothed, so it’s a very simple recipe.

Irish Coffee

If you like to spice your coffee with some liquor, this recipe will suit you like a glove. Make a regular coffee, any type you like, and add some brown sugar to enhance its flavor. Add a pinch of Irish whiskey (or more) and top with whipped cream. It will be a mix of strong and creamy flavors. If you prefer the milder version, you can replace the whiskey with Bailey’s and the result will be even softer.

Café Viennois

In Italy, it’s identified as “espresso con panna”, Americans call it by the name “café Vienne” while the original French recipe is called “Melange”, so you might find it under different names in coffee shops all over the world. The recipe couldn’t be simpler, as it only requires a shot or two of espresso, depending on how long and strong you want it, and a touch of whipped cream to add some softness and texture. The French love to add a pinch of grated chocolate on top, to complete the delicateness of the taste.

Bottom line

Coffee is, no doubt about it, the utmost known beverage around the world. Every nation has its favorite recipe and luckily, there is an assortment for every taste. You might not be a fan of the strong Ristretto, but you will surely appreciate the softness of a creamy latte or the refreshing taste of an iced coffee. To put it short, coffee is something that can bring us together, can help us get the energy we need for the day, and can become a soft indulgence during a spare moment of relaxation. Try the recipes we have presented and discover new tastes and combinations that will change your perspective on the versatility of coffee.