Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages globally, and different cultures have developed unique ways of preparing and enjoying it. From Italian espresso to Vietnamese egg coffee, each country has its signature coffee drink.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular coffee drinks from around the world, their ingredients, and how they are made.
1. Espresso (Italy 🇮🇹)
☕ What is it?
A small, concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure.
🔹 Ingredients:
- Finely ground coffee
- Hot water
🔹 How it’s served:
- Typically in a small ceramic cup.
- Can be enjoyed black or used as a base for other drinks like cappuccino and latte.
2. Cappuccino (Italy 🇮🇹)
☕ What is it?
A delicious combination of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, creating a creamy and well-balanced coffee.
🔹 Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso
- Steamed milk
- Milk foam
🔹 How it’s served:
- Traditionally served in a 6-ounce cup.
- Often topped with cocoa powder or cinnamon.
3. Café au Lait (France 🇫🇷)
☕ What is it?
A simple and elegant coffee drink made with equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk.
🔹 Ingredients:
- 1 part brewed coffee
- 1 part steamed milk
🔹 How it’s served:
- Usually in a large bowl or mug.
- Often paired with a croissant or baguette for breakfast.
4. Flat White (Australia & New Zealand 🇦🇺 🇳🇿)
☕ What is it?
Similar to a latte but with less milk and more microfoam, giving it a stronger coffee taste.
🔹 Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso
- Steamed milk (less foamy than a cappuccino)
🔹 How it’s served:
- In a small cup (5-6 ounces).
- Smooth, velvety texture with a thin layer of microfoam on top.
5. Turkish Coffee (Turkey 🇹🇷 & Middle East)
☕ What is it?
A rich, unfiltered coffee made by boiling finely ground coffee with sugar and cardamom in a small copper pot called a cezve.
🔹 Ingredients:
- Finely ground coffee
- Water
- Sugar (optional)
- Cardamom (optional)
🔹 How it’s served:
- In small espresso-like cups.
- The grounds settle at the bottom, so it is not filtered.
6. Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Vietnam 🇻🇳)
☕ What is it?
A unique coffee made with strong Robusta coffee and a creamy, whipped egg yolk mixture.
🔹 Ingredients:
- Strong brewed Vietnamese coffee
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Egg yolk
🔹 How it’s served:
- In a small glass with a spoon.
- Has a thick, custard-like texture.
7. Irish Coffee (Ireland 🇮🇪)
☕ What is it?
A coffee cocktail made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and topped with whipped cream.
🔹 Ingredients:
- Hot brewed coffee
- Irish whiskey
- Brown sugar
- Whipped cream
🔹 How it’s served:
- In a tall glass with a handle.
- The coffee is not stirred, allowing you to drink through the cream.
8. Café de Olla (Mexico 🇲🇽)
☕ What is it?
A traditional spiced coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) in a clay pot.
🔹 Ingredients:
- Coarsely ground coffee
- Cinnamon sticks
- Piloncillo (or brown sugar)
- Water
🔹 How it’s served:
- In a clay mug for an earthy flavor.
- Often enjoyed in rural areas and cold weather.
9. Affogato (Italy 🇮🇹)
☕ What is it?
A dessert-like coffee where a scoop of vanilla gelato is drowned in hot espresso.
🔹 Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso
- 1 scoop of vanilla gelato (or ice cream)
🔹 How it’s served:
- In a small glass or bowl.
- Served as a dessert rather than a drink.
10. Café Bombón (Spain 🇪🇸)
☕ What is it?
A sweet, layered coffee drink made with espresso and condensed milk.
🔹 Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso
- Sweetened condensed milk
🔹 How it’s served:
- In a small glass to highlight the beautiful layers.
- Stirred before drinking for a sweet and creamy experience.
Final Thoughts
Coffee culture varies across the world, and each country has its own unique way of enjoying coffee. Whether you prefer a strong espresso, a creamy cappuccino, or a sweet Café Bombón, there’s a perfect coffee drink for everyone.