How People Drink Coffee Around the World

Ever wonder how people in other countries actually take their coffee? Whether it’s a 15-second shot or a spiced, hours-long ritual, the way coffee is brewed and enjoyed varies wildly—from taste preferences to preparation tools. Here’s how ten countries around the world do coffee their own way.

Quick Answer: Across ten countries, coffee is prepared in vastly different ways—from Italy’s 30ml espresso served in tiny cups to Turkish coffee boiled with grounds left in the cup for fortune-telling. Each method reflects local tastes, traditions, and tools.

Italian Espresso: Small Cup, Big Flavor

In Italy, coffee means espresso—served in a small cup, made quickly, and consumed just as fast. It’s an intense, concentrated shot that regular coffee drinkers grow to appreciate. The experience is fast-paced and meant for those accustomed to bold flavors.

French Coffee: Mild and Chicory-Infused

The French prefer a lighter coffee, often made with medium-roasted, coarsely ground beans using an infusion method. Many French drinkers add chicory root to their brew, contributing to its mellow, slightly earthy profile.

British Coffee: Boiled in a Pot

In Britain, coffee is typically made by placing ground coffee in a cloth bag, tying it up, and steeping it in water inside a saucepan. The mixture is then boiled on a stove before being poured into cups. It’s an old-fashioned, simmered style of preparation.

Dutch Coffee: Sweet, Creamy, and Heavy

Dutch coffee includes equal parts coffee, sugar, and cream, creating a rich and heavy drink. Its intense sweetness and fat content can become cloying, often leading drinkers to cut it with water to balance the flavor.

Sudanese Coffee: Spiced with Cloves

In Sudan, black coffee is typically brewed in a pot and infused with cloves and other spices. This aromatic, spiced coffee is a favored way to enjoy the drink, adding warmth and complexity to the brew.

Turkish Coffee: Boiled and Divinatory

Turkish coffee is made by boiling finely ground coffee along with sugar and water in a special pot called an Ibrik. It’s unfiltered, so the grounds settle at the bottom—and the leftover coffee grounds are often used for fortune-telling after drinking.

American Drip: Convenience First

In the United States, electric drip coffee makers are a household staple. Designed for speed and ease, these machines align with the fast-paced American lifestyle, delivering filtered coffee with minimal effort.

Greek Coffee: Thick and Gritty

Greek coffee is slowly boiled on a small propane burner. It’s unfiltered and contains a high proportion of fine coffee grounds, resulting in a thick, sludgy cup that many find too intense to drink in large quantities.

Ethiopian Coffee: Ceremonial and Social

In Ethiopia, coffee is served in small handleless ceramic cups as part of a ceremonial tradition. The host wears traditional dress, and the brew is often accompanied by roasted barley grains and local snacks, emphasizing community and ritual.

Russian Coffee: Black with Lemon Twist

Russians often drink black coffee with added sugar and a slice of lemon. This combination yields a bold, deep flavor profile that’s both strong and uniquely refreshing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common way to drink coffee in Italy?

In Italy, the most common way to drink coffee is as a quick espresso served in a small cup. It’s made rapidly and consumed immediately, offering a strong and intense flavor that regular coffee drinkers come to appreciate.

Why do the French add chicory to their coffee?

The French often add chicory root to their coffee to create a milder, more complex flavor. This practice results in a lighter-tasting brew, typically made with medium-roast, coarsely ground beans using an infusion method.

How is Turkish coffee different from other types?

Turkish coffee is boiled with finely ground coffee beans, sugar, and water in a special pot called an Ibrik. Unlike filtered coffee, it’s unfiltered, leaving coffee grounds in the cup—which can also be used for fortune-telling after drinking.

What makes Ethiopian coffee unique?

Ethiopian coffee is unique because it is part of a cultural ceremony. It’s served in small, handleless cups and often accompanied by roasted barley and local snacks. The host typically wears traditional clothing, highlighting its social and ceremonial significance.

Why is Dutch coffee so heavy and sweet?

Dutch coffee is made with equal parts coffee, sugar, and cream, resulting in a rich, sweet, and heavy drink. The high sugar and fat content can make it overly rich, so some drinkers mix it with water to balance the flavor.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Global Brewing Styles

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright floral notes, perfect for exploring light, floral brews akin to French or Ethiopian styles. Their Colombia Huila offers balanced caramel and citrus, great for mimicking American drip profiles. For a bolder option, the Indonesia Mandheling brings earthy spice, ideal for experimenting with Turkish or Greek-style richness. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.