What Is Greek Coffee? Three Types & How It’s Made

If you’ve ever tried to order a ‘Greek coffee’ abroad and been met with blank stares, you’re not alone. This style isn’t widely known outside Greece—but it’s a rich, culturally distinct way to enjoy coffee, with unique preparation, texture, and flavor notes. Whether you're curious about the brewing method or want to understand the difference between skaito, metrio, and gligi, here's what makes Greek coffee truly different.

Greek coffee comes in three main types: espresso (plain strong coffee), cappuccino (espresso with steamed milk), and fredo (iced coffee with milk). It’s always made with finely ground coffee, boiled in a metal briki, and served unfiltered—with the grounds settling at the bottom. Sweetness varies across three levels: skaito (bitter, no sugar), metrio (slightly sweet), and gligi (sweet).

Three Main Types of Greek Coffee

Greek coffee culture includes three standard preparations. The first is espresso—simply a strong, black coffee similar to its Italian counterpart. The second is cappuccino, which is espresso with steamed milk added, typically served hot. The third is fredo, an iced coffee made with milk, offering a cooler alternative. While these names will be familiar, their execution follows local conventions, especially in preparation and presentation.

The Briki: Metal Pot at the Heart of the Brew

The traditional tool for making Greek coffee is a small, long-handled stainless steel pot called a briki. Unlike filter or espresso machines, the briki is used to boil finely ground coffee directly. There is no paper filter involved—the coffee is brewed and served with the grounds inside the cup. This is essential to understanding both the texture and the ritual of drinking Greek coffee.

Greek Coffee Grind Size and Brewing Process

To make Greek coffee, coffee is ground to a very fine consistency, similar to powdered sugar or Turkish coffee grind. The grounds are placed directly into the briki along with water and, optionally, sugar. The mixture is then heated on a stove until it reaches a boil. Once it starts boiling, the heat is turned off, and the coffee is poured immediately into cups. This boiling method extracts intense flavor and leaves behind characteristic fine grounds in the bottom of the cup.

Three Levels of Sweetness in Greek Coffee

Greek coffee is categorized by its sugar level into three types: skaito (bitter, no sugar added), metrio (medium, with a small amount of sugar), and gligi (sweet, with more sugar). The amount of sugar is adjusted to taste during the brewing process, so the flavor profile changes significantly with each version. This personalization is a key part of the Greek coffee experience.

Why You Drink It with a Glass of Water

A common but often overlooked aspect of drinking Greek coffee is the custom of having a glass of cold water alongside it. You’re supposed to drink the water first—to cleanse your palate—so you can better taste the subtle acidity and bitterness of the coffee. This small ritual enhances the overall sensory experience and is highly recommended when trying Greek coffee for the first time.

Why the Coffee Grounds Settle in Your Cup

Because the coffee is ground extremely fine and boiled rather than filtered, the grounds don’t dissolve. Instead, they settle naturally at the bottom of the cup as the coffee cools. This is entirely normal and part of the experience—though you shouldn’t drink the last few sips where the grounds accumulate. It’s also why Greek coffee is always sipped slowly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three types of Greek coffee?

The three main types are espresso (a plain, strong black coffee), cappuccino (espresso with steamed milk, served hot), and fredo (an iced coffee made with milk). These reflect common local preparations and differ slightly in presentation from their international counterparts.

How is Greek coffee brewed?

Greek coffee is brewed by boiling very finely ground coffee in a metal pot called a briki. Water and optional sugar are added to the briki, then heated until boiling. The heat is turned off, and the coffee is poured directly into cups without filtering, leaving the grounds at the bottom.

What is a briki and why is it used?

A briki is a small stainless steel pot with a long handle, specially designed for boiling coffee. It’s used to heat water and coffee grounds together over a flame until boiling, which is central to the traditional Greek coffee brewing method. There is no filter involved.

Does Greek coffee have caffeine?

Yes, Greek coffee contains caffeine, similar to other espresso-based or boiled coffees. Because it is unfiltered and made with finely ground coffee, it may have a more concentrated flavor and caffeine presence, though serving sizes are typically small.

What are the three sweetness levels in Greek coffee?

Greek coffee comes in three sweetness versions: skaito (no sugar, bitter), metrio (some sugar, mildly sweet), and gligi (more sugar, sweet). The sugar is added during brewing, so the taste varies accordingly.

Do you drink the grounds in Greek coffee?

No, you don’t drink the coffee grounds that settle at the bottom of the cup. They are a natural result of the boiling method and fine grind, and while they remain in the cup, you stop drinking before reaching that layer.

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