8 Classic Specialty Coffee Drinks from Around the World

When you walk into a coffee shop anywhere in the world, you’re likely to find local twists on classic coffee drinks—some with spices, others with alcohol or dairy, and some served hot, others icy cold. But how many of these drinks truly count as specialty coffee? More importantly, what makes each one distinct in flavor, preparation, and tradition?

From Turkey’s unfiltered ritual brew to Mexico’s boozy chocolate blends and Thailand’s sweet-spicy iced coffee, this guide covers eight globally recognized specialty-style coffee drinks. We break down what defines each one, how they’re made, and the cultural or sensory elements that set them apart.

Turkish Coffee: A Strong, Unfiltered Ritual

There’s a Turkish proverb: “Drink a cup of Turkish coffee, and you’ll remember each other for forty years.” Found in small shops across Turkey—many marked with tiny steam-rising coffee cup signs—Turkish coffee is known for its intense, sludgy brew. It’s unfiltered, finely ground, and traditionally prepared in a cezve (small brass pot). The fine grind and lack of filtration mean the coffee retains more oils and sediment, creating a thick, strong cup with a heavy mouthfeel and bold flavor notes. It’s not just a drink—it’s a social experience, often served with water and sometimes even sweetened with sugar or served plain.

Mexican Coffee: Optimism in Every Cup

Mexican coffee reflects the country’s cheerful and optimistic spirit, often highlighted by the addition of chocolate. The drink varies, but a key distinction is whether it includes alcohol. Many traditional versions are non-alcoholic, featuring dark roasted coffee blended with cinnamon and chocolate syrup or cocoa powder. When made with a splash of rum or Kahlúa, it takes on a festive character. The combination of coffee and chocolate creates a comforting, sweet-bitter balance, often served hot but sometimes over ice in warmer regions.

Green Tea Coffee: East Meets West in One Cup

This is one of the most distinctly Eastern-style specialty coffee drinks—and also one of the simplest to make. By combining strong brewed coffee with fresh green tea, you get a beverage where the bitterness of coffee and the grassy, vegetal notes of green tea complement rather than clash. The result is unexpectedly harmonious. Typically, equal parts freshly brewed coffee and hot green tea are mixed, though ratios can vary. It’s a great way to enjoy the depth of coffee while adding the brightness of tea. No milk or sugar is required, though optional.

Thai Iced Coffee: Spiced, Sweet, and Icy

If you want a coffee that feels like a cool ocean breeze with a hint of Asian spice, Thai iced coffee is it. Made with very strong brewed coffee (often Robusta-based for extra intensity) poured over ice, it’s typically sweetened with sugar and combined with sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk. A key twist is the addition of ground cardamom—or in some cases, a pinch of ground star anise or even cloves. Though the source specifies small cardamom , which comes from the Indian subcontinent, it brings a warm, floral spice that contrasts beautifully with the coffee’s richness. Served tall over ice, it’s creamy, sweet, cooling, and aromatic.

Burgundy Coffee: Wine-Flavored Elegance

Named after France’s famed Burgundy wine region, this coffee drink mimics the sophistication of red wine. It’s made by blending coffee with a small amount of red wine—typically a full-bodied, fruity variety—to introduce tannins, acidity, and complexity. The wine isn’t used in large quantities, but enough to influence the flavor profile. Served in a wine glass or coffee cup, it’s a classy, adult-oriented beverage that plays on the contrast between coffee’s bitterness and wine’s fruitiness. It’s a niche drink, often found in French-style cafés or during special occasions.

Iced Frappé Coffee: A Popular Frozen Treat

Ice-blended or “frappé” coffee drinks have surged in popularity worldwide, often appearing on fast-food and café menus. These drinks typically combine espresso or chilled coffee with milk, sugar, and ice, then blended to a slushy consistency. Flavorings like vanilla, caramel, or chocolate syrup are common. Though not a traditional recipe, the iced frappé represents the modern evolution of coffee into a cold, sweet, convenience-focused drink. It’s ideal for those seeking a quick, frosty caffeine fix with a dessert-like finish.

Café au Lait (European-Style Milk Coffee)

In France, Café au Lait—literally “coffee with milk”—is a classic drink made by combining equal parts brewed coffee and steamed or hot milk. Served in a large bowl-like cup, it emphasizes smoothness and balance over intensity. The French typically use a dark roast brewed through a filter or press, then mix it with an equal amount of warm milk. Unlike lattes made with espresso, this version has a lighter body and a more delicate crema layer, if any. It’s a comforting, everyday drink often enjoyed at breakfast or with pastries.

Ice Cream Coffee: A Sweet, Melty Treat

This inventive cold coffee dessert features a shot of espresso poured over vanilla ice cream—most often a mild-flavored one like vanilla or, ideally, vanilla bean. As the hot coffee hits the cold ice cream, it melts it slightly, creating a creamy, spoonable mixture. Toppings can include whipped cream and chocolate sauce, often drizzled or swirled into artistic patterns. As the ice cream melts, those patterns shift, creating a dynamic visual effect. The key recommendation here is to use a lightly flavored ice cream—vanilla is best—so it doesn’t overpower the coffee’s natural bitterness and aroma. The result is a rich, textured drink that moves from hot to cold, bitter to sweet, in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Turkish coffee and how is it different from espresso?

Turkish coffee is an unfiltered, finely ground coffee brewed in a cezve and served with the grounds settled at the bottom. It’s not filtered, so it’s much thicker and contains more sediment than espresso, which is a filtered, high-pressure extraction. Turkish coffee is also typically unpressurized and has a strong, heavy body with a pronounced mouthfeel.

Do all Mexican coffees contain alcohol?

No, many traditional Mexican coffee drinks are non-alcoholic, often featuring chocolate, cinnamon, and sugar. Alcoholic versions may include rum or coffee liqueurs, but the defining trait is the combination of coffee and chocolate, reflecting the country’s upbeat culture.

Why is cardamom used in Thai iced coffee?

Cardamom is a spice native to South Asia that adds a warm, floral, and slightly citrusy note. In Thai iced coffee, it complements the strong, often Robusta-based coffee and enhances the drink’s aromatic complexity. It’s a traditional additive that balances the sweetness and creates a unique Southeast Asian flavor profile.

What’s the difference between Café au Lait and a latte?

Café au Lait is made with brewed coffee and steamed milk, usually in a 1:1 ratio, and served hot. A latte is made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk, often with added milk foam, and generally has a higher milk-to-coffee ratio. Café au Lait emphasizes brewed coffee flavor, while a latte highlights espresso.

Can I make green tea coffee with any type of tea?

Traditionally, green tea coffee is made with standard green tea leaves to achieve a balanced flavor with the coffee. Using other types of tea may shift the flavor profile too far, but experimenting with lightly oxidized oolongs could work. The key is that the tea should not overpower the coffee’s bitterness or aroma.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Global-Style Coffee Drinks

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