10 Traditional Ways to Drink Coffee Around the World

Ever wonder how people drink coffee in other parts of the world? From tiny cups of bold espresso to spiced black brews shared over conversation, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a ritual. Every country has its own take on brewing, serving, and even interpreting what’s left in the cup. Here’s how 10 cultures make coffee their own.

There are at least 10 distinct ways people around the world prepare and enjoy coffee, including espresso in Italy, ibrik-brewed coffee in Turkey, and French-style filtered coffee with chicory.

Italy: Quick and Strong Espresso

Italy gave the world espresso—a thick, intense shot served in a small cup. Made quickly and meant to be drunk just as fast, it’s not for beginners. The heavy body and bold flavor develop only after regular exposure to well-extracted coffee. Italians sip it standing at the bar, often as a quick jolt rather than a long sit-down drink.

France: Mild Filter Coffee with Chicory

The French prefer a lighter, gentler coffee typically made by soaking medium-roast, coarsely ground beans. This method produces a smoother cup, often enjoyed with added chicory root for a slightly nutty, earthy depth. It’s a more relaxed, often social drink compared to Italy’s espresso blast.

England: Boiled Coffee in a Pot

In England, a traditional method involves bundling coffee grounds in a cloth bag, placing it in a saucepan, and boiling the mixture on a stove. Once boiled, the coffee is poured straight into cups. The result is a strong, hearty brew—less refined than modern filtered methods, but full of old-world charm.

Netherlands: Coffee with Cream and Sugar

Dutch coffee is bold and unapologetically rich, made with plenty of coffee, sugar, and cream. The heavy dose of each ingredient can become overly sweet and fatty, often requiring a glass of water to cut through the richness by the end of the cup. It’s a dessert-like approach to coffee drinking.

Sudan: Spiced Black Coffee

In Sudan, coffee is often brewed with added spices like cloves. The spices infuse the black coffee with warmth and complexity, creating a fragrant and flavorful cup. This method highlights how local ingredients can transform a basic brew into something uniquely regional.

Turkey: Ibrik-Brewed Coffee with Fortune-Telling

Turkey’s traditional coffee is made in a special pot called an ibrik. Finely ground coffee, sugar, and water are brought to a boil together. The tiny cups leave a layer of thick grounds at the bottom—which many believe can be used to tell fortunes. It’s as much about the ritual and mystique as it is about the caffeine.

United States: Electric Drip Convenience

In the U.S., electric drip coffee machines dominate homes and offices. Designed for speed and ease, these machines brew coffee by slowly dripping hot water through a filter. The method aligns with the fast-paced American lifestyle, delivering a clean, consistent cup without much fuss.

Greece: Slow-Boiled Coffee with Sediment

Greek coffee is brewed slowly on a small gas burner. The grounds aren’t filtered out, resulting in a cup full of fine coffee sediment. It’s thick, strong, and meant to be sipped in just a few small servings. Drinking more than a few sips can be overwhelming due to the high concentration of grounds.

Ethiopia: Coffee with Snacks and Ceremony

In Ethiopia, coffee is more than a drink—it’s an event. Hosts wear traditional clothes and serve coffee in small handleless cups alongside roasted barley grains and local snacks. The preparation is part of a ceremonial process, reflecting the country’s status as the birthplace of coffee.

Russia: Black Coffee with Lemon and Sugar

Russians often drink black coffee with a twist—adding a slice of lemon along with sugar. The citrus brightens the deep, bold flavor of the coffee, creating a balanced yet intense profile. It’s a straightforward yet distinctive way to enjoy a strong brew.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Italy, the most common and iconic way to drink coffee is as a quick espresso served in a small cup. It’s brewed rapidly under pressure and meant to be consumed immediately, often standing at a café bar. The flavor is strong and bold, typically appreciated by those accustomed to intense coffee profiles.

Why do Turks read coffee grounds?

Turks read coffee grounds from the fine sediment left at the bottom of the cup after drinking ibrik-brewed coffee. This practice, known as tasseography, is a traditional form of fortune-telling based on the patterns left by the grounds. It adds a cultural and spiritual dimension to the coffee experience.

How is French coffee different from Italian espresso?

French coffee is typically a milder, filtered brew made from medium-roast, coarsely ground beans often soaked rather than pressured. It’s usually lighter in body and may include chicory for flavor. Italian espresso, by contrast, is a thick, strong shot brewed under high pressure and served in small portions.

What makes Ethiopian coffee unique?

Ethiopian coffee is unique because it’s deeply tied to cultural tradition and ceremony. It’s often served in small, handleless cups alongside roasted barley and snacks, with the host wearing traditional dress. The entire process, from roasting to pouring, is done in front of guests as a sign of respect and hospitality.

Do people in the Netherlands really add cream and sugar to coffee?

Yes, in the Netherlands, it’s common to add generous amounts of both cream and sugar to coffee, resulting in a very rich and sweet drink. The heavy use of these ingredients can make the coffee almost dessert-like, and many Dutch drinkers follow up with water to balance the richness.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Global Brewing Styles

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for floral and citrus notes, perfect for exploring light, Ethiopian-style brews. Their Colombia Narino offers balanced acidity and caramel sweetness, ideal for French-style filtered coffee or Dutch-style cream and sugar blends. For espresso lovers, their Brazil Mogiana provides a chocolatey, full-bodied base similar to Italy’s classic espresso. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.