7 Types of Coffee from Around the World
Wondering what is the best coffee in the world? It is nearly impossible to pick one! Since its discovery in the Ethiopian highlands, the coffee bean has spread around the globe.
Many different cultures have used dark, humble beans to create their unique beverages. Cold or hot, coffee is now enjoyed worldwide. From Sweden to Vietnam, those tiny beans are brewed into much-loved and frankly, much-needed beverages.
However, different cultures have different takes on the drink. From adding a dash of whiskey to whisking in egg yolk or cheese, coffee is prepared in several ways around the world to delight the taste buds. Read on to learn more about the history of coffee and discover unique ways to enjoy your favorite drink.
A Cup of History: Who Discovered Coffee?
Truth be told – no one knows exactly who or when coffee was discovered. However, the most popular theory traces coffee’s origins to the ancient forests on Ethiopian plateaus.
The legend has it that the goat herder, Kaldi, was the first to discover the treasured beans in the midst of the forest. As the word about the energizing beans spread, coffee found its way into the Arabian Peninsula.
By the 15th century, it was already grown and cultivated in Arabia, beginning a journey that would spread the beans worldwide and make coffee one of the most widely consumed drinks of modern times. By the end of the 16th century, coffee had taken over the Near East, including Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey. The dark, aromatic drink was dubbed as the “wine of Araby” and eventually caught the interest of European travelers.
They brought coffee to Europe in the 17th century, and it gained popularity across the continent. However, many people were apprehensive of the new drink. Did you know that the locals first condemned coffee when it reached Venice in 1615?
The controversy around coffee grew to the point where Pope Clement VIII was requested to intervene and give a final say about the aromatic beverage. Before making a judgment, he decided to try the drink for himself. As expected, he found it to be delicious that he gave it papal approval!
Somewhere around the same time during the mid-1600s when it reached Europe, coffee also found its way to New Amsterdam – now known as the New York. Coffee houses quickly appeared all around, eventually, changing the American drinking preference from tea to coffee. To date, coffee is the most loved beverage in the United States.
Coffee from Around the World
While we may not know exactly who discovered coffee, we know that the beans have traveled around the world. As a result, there are several unique and exotic variations of coffee. Ready to find out what is the best coffee in the world? Here are some strong contenders so you can host your own multi-cultural coffee tasting party.
Turkish Coffee
It is customary to sip a cup of coffee after the morning meal in Turkey. Breakfast in Turkish is called "kahvalt," which means "before coffee." Typically, a glass of water is served with Turkish coffee to cleanse the taste buds88 before and after coffee to enhance the flavor. Turkish coffee is never served with cream. Instead, the dark and bitter brew is enjoyed with Turkish delight or baklava on the side.
It is usually made in a small copper or brass kettle known as an ibrik or cezve. The preparation is distinguished by several subtleties.
It is usually made in a small copper or brass kettle known as an ibrik or cezve. The preparation is distinguished by several subtleties. To begin with, the sugar is added during the brewing process and there is no cream or milk in the recipe. The cup is prepared with finely ground coffee beans and the boiling process results in a foamy surface that should not be disturbed. Avoid the urge to stir your coffee.
It is interesting to note that Turkish coffee is not filtered. The coffee powder settles at the bottom of the cup and is often used for fortune-telling after you've finished your coffee. So, does Turkish coffee really predict your future? We’ll let you be the judge of it.
However, it is a great conversation starter. It can also be a fun game to play with friends and family. Simply flip the empty cup upside down on the saucer and set it aside for a few minutes. Then you try to forecast your future by reading the patterns in the coffee grounds.
How to Make Turkish Coffee
- Pour 50 mL (1.7 oZ) of water into the cezve (ibrik) for every cup of coffee.
- Add sugar to taste and whisk to combine.
- Bring the water to a boil, then remove from the heat and stir in one teaspoon of coffee for each cup.
- Bring the coffee to a boil.
- Remove the cezve from the fire as soon as the coffee boils. Remove any formed froth, and mix well.
- Place the cezve on the heat again. The coffee is boiled twice with the cezve carefully removed from the heat between each boiling. Foam can be stirred or discarded.
- Allow the coffee powder to settle before serving. To speed up the procedure, add a tablespoon of cold water to the saucepan after boiling twice.
- You can add finely ground spices, such as cinnamon or cardamom, to add a distinct flavor.
Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is a holiday morning delicacy made with sweetened coffee, Irish whiskey, and whipped cream that is not only acceptable but also anticipated. It is the perfect celebratory beverage for everyday celebrations as well as special occasions, including St. Patrick's Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas morning.
Irish coffee was created as a result of a flight delay. When a plane carrying American passengers was delayed due to poor weather on its way to Newfoundland in 1942, Chef Joe Sheridan of the airport restaurant decided to put some Irish whiskey in the passengers' coffees to warm them up.
One of the passengers complimented the chef's work and inquired whether he used Brazilian coffee. Joe laughed and said, "No, that was Irish Coffee!" Hence, Irish coffee was born.
Like all good things, it quickly took off. Today, National Irish coffee day is celebrated all around the world on January 25 every year. If you are looking for coffee with a kick, the Irish brew is might be for you. Wondering how to make Irish coffee? Let’s find out.
How to Make Irish Coffee
- Pour boiling water into a glass to heat the glass and keep your Irish Coffee warm for longer. Make sure you have a metal spoon in the glass when adding the boiling water to prevent the glass from cracking.
- Pour in a measure of Irish whiskey
- Pour boiling water into a glass to heat the glass and keep your Irish Coffee warm for longer. When pouring the boiling water into the glass, leave a metal spoon in the glass to keep the glass from splitting.
- Add a shot of Irish whiskey.
- Add a tablespoon of sugar and some coffee. If making Irish Coffee at home, it is best to add coffee granules and some boiling water as well.
- Mix well. Make sure the sugar is thoroughly dissolved in the coffee. Check the bottom of the glass for any grains that may have remained.
- In a mixing basin, whisk together some cream. Don’t whisk it too stiffly. You won't be able to pour the cream if it is too stiff.
- Hold a spoon over the glass of Irish coffee and gently pour whipped cream over it. It's easier to keep the cream from sinking into the coffee if you pour it slowly. Top the cream with a sprinkling of chocolate.
- Now sit back and enjoy a classic cup of Irish coffee as the cream blends with the heated Irish whiskey and coffee.
Neapolitan Coffee
Also known as Italian coffee, Neapolitan is the perfect choice for those who prefer their coffee a little sweeter than the dark. Coffee really took off in Naples in the 19th century. Despite its name, the delicious brew was invented by a Frenchman and has since become an integral part of Neapolitan culture.
The flavor of Neapolitan coffee depends on the method of preparation and the quality of the water. The quality of the brew is judged by its appearance and aroma. A good cup of caffè has a nut-brown hue, a creamy texture, and a strong scent.
You get cream when you whisk in the sugar, which sinks gently to the bottom of the cup. Only hot caffè can bind the flavoring components, thus maintaining the right temperature is crucial. On the other hand, a badly prepared cup of Neapolitan coffee will have a harsh taste, light color, and bubbles.
Neapolitan coffee is generally prepared in a Neapolitan coffee pot. If you are not from around Naples or Italy, the coffee pot may seem a bit strange to you. However, using it to prepare the perfect cup of coffee is not complex or hard.
How to Make Neapolitan Coffee
- Measure 5-6 grams (approximately 1/5 oz) of medium-ground coffee for every cup of coffered desired.
- Place the coffee in the tank aperture and secure the filter.
- Add the water to the machine's bottom. Make sure you do not fill over the small hole. Fix the two pieces of the coffee maker together.
- With the spout facing downwards, place the unit on the burner and bring the water to boil.
- When steam begins to escape from the hole, remove the unit from the heat, gripping both handles tightly.
- Turn the unit upside down and strike it firmly against the counter. It will allow the water to pass through the filter. Liquid coffee will collect in the lower portion in a few minutes.
Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Vietnamese Egg coffee is a war-time invention that readily turned into a modern-day delicacy. It is a sweet blend of coffee, butter, and eggs. Locally known as cà phê trung, the blend has a darker history than its glamorous appearance suggests. It was invented as a clever hack to battle the dairy shortage during the war.
A bartender in Hanoi, Nguyen Van Giang came up with the idea for egg coffee in 1946 while bartending at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel. He whisked in an egg as a much-needed substitute for milk due to the dairy shortage caused by the French War.
Giang's specialty drink was such a sensation that he followed up with the opening of Café Giang, where his son continues to serve the famed egg coffee even today!
Egg coffee's influence extends far beyond Hanoi, despite its origins as a Northern specialty. Because of its growing popularity and subsequent spread across the country, egg coffee is now available on the menus of many of the coffee shops in the South. Coffee in Vietnam is considered an international tourist experience.
Today, it is treated as a dessert as well as a beverage. Heavy Robusta is now topped with a mixture of a hot, whisked egg, sugar, and creamy additions ranging from condensed milk to cheese and butter. The good news is that this Vietnamese delicacy is extremely easy to make.
How to Make Vietnamese Egg Coffee
- In a standing mixer bowl, whisk together an egg yolk, condensed milk, and vanilla extract on high speed for about 10 minutes. The mixture should not be overly frothy. Instead, it should have the consistency of cake batter.
- Test for the right consistency by spooning a small amount of foam on top of a glass of water. If the foam floats, you have nailed the consistency. If it doesn’t, continue whipping for a few more minutes. Once the egg foam is ready, put it aside.
- Use your favorite method to brew an espresso. Set aside about half a cup for later use, pouring the remaining coffee in coffee in cups. Gently spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons of whipped egg foam over each cup.
- Pour a small amount of the reserved coffee into each cup's foam. If desired, dust with chocolate powder. Serve right away!
Caffè Americano
A shroud of mystery surrounds Caffè Americano as no one knows the exact origin. However, the word around the town is that Caffè Americano also dates back to the times of World War II. Coffee was an all-time favorite, even during the war.
However, American soldiers stationed in the Italian regions couldn’t develop a taste for the butter Italian espresso. Consequently, the soldiers diluted the espresso with water until it reached the desired strength, and thus star-Americano was born in Italy.
Many people confuse Caffè Americano with black coffee. However, these two coffees are far from being the same. The main difference lies in the brewing techniques. Plus, you don't have to be a coffee enthusiast to notice the differences in flavor.
While black coffee generally requires a drip coffee machine, Americano is prepared by simply adding six ounces of hot water with espresso shots.
The aroma is also completely different. Espresso beans are high-quality beans that have been roasted slowly and carefully. On the other hand, regular beans that are used to make black coffee do not have the same aroma.
How to Make Caffè Americano
- Bring water to a boil and pour it into a mug.
- Prepare two espresso shots. It is best to use an espresso machine. However, if you don’t have one on hand, brew espresso-like coffee with a stovetop Moka pot.
- Pour the shots of espresso into the water slowly and enjoy.
Cuban Coffee
Café Cubano, commonly known as cafecito or Cuban espresso, is a type of espresso from Cuba. It is sweetened with demerara added sugar during the brewing process. It's usually produced using finely ground dark roasted coffee beans.
Traditionally, it is prepared in a cafetera moka – an Italian stove-top espresso maker. Café Cubano is frequently served in ceramic demitasse cups. There are many variants of Cuban coffee.
A large serving, usually four to six shot-sized, is called Colada. When unsweetened, the drink is known as a Cortadito. Cafe con Leche is another variant, served with steamed whole milk. It is usually served at breakfast with buttered toast.
The taste can be best described as bitter with a hint of sweetness. It is stronger than Americano with light-brown foam that sits at the top, mimicking the much-loved appearance of traditional espresso. However, thanks to sugar, the foam has a sweeter taste as compared to the slightly acidic aftertaste of the espresso crema.
Over the years, the Cuban take on coffee has been accepted worldwide. It is particularly popular in Florida, with every other café and coffee shop offering the rich flavors of café Cubano.
How to Make Cuban Coffee
- Fill your espresso maker with water and ground espresso. Brew the espresso on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Place the granulated sugar in a measuring cup or creamer cup. Pour the first few drops of espresso from the espresso maker into the cup. The first few drops that come out of the espresso maker are the most intense. That's exactly what we're looking for!
- Allow the espresso maker to brew while you prepare the sugar foam.
- Vigorously stir the sugar and those few drops of espresso together. Add only a few drops at a time and mix until the sugar foam thickens but is still drippy.
- Combine the brewed espresso with the sugar foam. Pour them together in the cup and stir slowly. Serve in espresso cups to complete the experience.
Swedish Kaffeost
A specialty in Sweden and Finland, Kaffeost is not everyone’s cup of tea. The name translates to “coffee cheese,” and that’s exactly what this is. Cheese with coffee is an unusual combination. However, Leipäjuusto cheese is often enjoyed with coffee.
In Sweden, cheese cubes are dipped in the coffee cup, while in Finland, the cheese is normally served as a side to your coffee. In a traditional cup of kaffeost, a cube of cheese is placed at the bottom of a wooden mug carved out of a birch burl.
Drinkers can shovel the softened chunks out as they sip or savor the small cheese dregs left at the bottom of the wide-mouthed mug after pouring the boiling coffee inside.
However, don't let it sit for too long, no matter how much you enjoy it. A cold brew with curds is unquestionably less appealing.
You can prepare your cheese at home or purchase your favorite cheese wheel at the store. Either way, you can enjoy it with your morning coffee.
How to Make Swedish Cheese Coffee
- Heat the cream and milk to 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add the rennet and whisk for about 30. Then leave aside for 15 minutes. It will allow the curds to solidify.
- Slice the curds into 1cm cubes using a long knife.
- Place a wet muslin cloth in the colander to capture the whey, then spoon the curds in, allowing the whey to escape into the bowl.
- Allow the whey to separate overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the curds in an ovenproof dish and bake. Refrigerate.
- Use a sharp knife, cut the wheel of cheese into slices and cubes.
- Pile the pieces in a cup and fill it with fresh coffee. Eat the pieces with a spoon as you enjoy your coffee.
Enjoy Different Types of Coffee from Around the World with Lifeboost Coffee
Now that you know all about the different ways coffee is savored around the world, you are all set to enjoy the best types and flavors of coffee. This is where Lifeboost comes in!
Regardless of how you brew it, Lifeboost coffee is rich in both taste and quality. Every coffee is prepared using non-GMO, chemical-free, single-origin, fairly-traded, and shade-grown products – in other words, you will be hard-pressed to find a healthier coffee across the entire planet.
We only deal in non-GMO and chemical-free coffee that is not only delicious but also offers health benefits. Our beans are tested independently to ensure they do not contain any toxin, including Mycotoxins.
To further enhance the experience for our clients, we roast the beans after you place an order. Meaning, you can now enjoy the unbeatable flavor and aroma of freshly roasted beans.
The coffee is grown and produced in Nicaragua – a region that is known for the supreme quality and pleasant taste of its coffee beans. Also, since all the coffee is cultivated in a single farm, as well as roasted and processed using identical methods, you can be assured of consistency in terms of quality.
So, what do you think? What is the best coffee in the world?
Place your order today to purchase our highest-quality beans. Prepare different kinds of coffee to find out which one you like the best. Try all the different types of coffee to find the best coffee in the world.
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