9 Unique Specialty Coffee Drinks from Around the World

Ever walked into a coffee shop and spotted a drink called 'Viennese' or 'Irish Coffee' and wondered what made it different? Or heard about Turkish coffee being used for fortune-telling? Specialty coffee lovers often crave variety beyond espresso and pour-over—and these nine global coffee drinks deliver just that, each with unique ingredients, cultural roots, and preparation methods.

In total, we’re covering nine iconic international coffee styles: Royal, Irish, Viennese, Turkish, Neapolitan, Russian, Swiss Chocolate, White, and even Suspended Coffee—all with distinct traits and preparation steps worth knowing.

Royal Coffee (Coffee with Brandy Flame)

This bold drink was reportedly a favorite of French Emperor Napoleon. After brewing your coffee, place a wide spoon across the cup’s rim, add sugar to the spoon, then pour brandy over it. The dramatic finale? Light the brandy on fire, let it flame briefly, then carefully drop the spoon into the coffee. The resulting blue flame adds flair—but more importantly, infuses the coffee with a warm brandy sweetness.

Irish Coffee

A cocktail-like coffee combining hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with thick cream. Served in a heat-resistant glass resembling a beer or highball mug, this drink originated from a bartender’s romance with an air hostess. It’s a warming mix of caffeine and whiskey—definitely not your standard cup of joe.

Viennese Coffee

Often compared to a mocha, Viennese coffee is made by pouring hot coffee into a cup, then drizzling chocolate syrup on top. This is followed by a generous layer of whipped cream and a sprinkle of colorful candy sprinkles—making it visually playful and appealing even to kids. It’s a sweet, dessert-like coffee experience.

Turkish Coffee

Recognized as the ancestor of European coffee, Turkish coffee is deeply traditional. It is brewed unfiltered—meaning grounds remain in the cup—and always includes sugar added during the boil. No milk or creamers are used. An unusual feature? The leftover coffee grounds are sometimes used for fortune-telling. It’s a strong, ceremonial brew with deep cultural roots.

Neapolitan-Style Coffee (Caffè Napoletano)

This intense, dark-roasted coffee is served extremely hot and topped with a slice of lemon. The sourness of the lemon cuts through the bitterness, creating a jolting yet refreshing effect. Commonly referred to as 'dawn coffee' in the U.S., it’s often consumed in the dark for a bold wake-up experience—try drinking it in a dim room for full effect.

Russian Coffee (Hot Mocha Java)

Also called 'hot Mocha Java', this peculiar drink involves cooking egg yolk, chocolate, a touch of milk, and a shot of vodka in a pan. The mixture is combined with half a cup of brewed coffee, then garnished. Yes, it actually contains raw egg and alcohol—it’s more like a warm dessert than traditional coffee.

Swiss Chocolate Coffee

A rich treat where chocolate and coffee are blended into a sweet, warming drink popular among skiers in Switzerland. The chocolate enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness, making it a comforting choice in cold mountain weather. It’s less about caffeine and more about a cozy, indulgent flavor pairing.

White Coffee

Originating from Malaysia, white coffee isn’t actually white—it’s a light milk gold color. It’s made from beans roasted at lower temperatures and often with caffeine reduced through special processing. The result is a smoother, less bitter cup with a gentler flavor profile. In Malay, it’s called 'Kopi Coffee'.

Suspended Coffee (Pending Coffee)

This social coffee tradition lets you buy an extra cup of coffee while ordering your own—earmarked for someone in need who may come in later. When a struggling person enters the café, they can claim the prepaid coffee. Popular across Europe, it’s a small act that adds warmth to the coffee experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Royal Coffee and how do you make it?

Royal Coffee is a dramatic drink made by igniting brandy poured over sugar in a spoon, then dropping it into hot coffee. After lighting the brandy, you place the flaming spoon into the cup to flambe the coffee—a showy technique associated with French emperor Napoleon.

How is Turkish coffee different from regular coffee?

Turkish coffee is unfiltered, brewed with fine grounds that remain in the cup, and always includes sugar added during boiling. It is never mixed with milk and is sometimes used to tell fortunes from the leftover grounds.

What is in an Irish Coffee?

Irish Coffee blends hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and is topped with thick cream. It’s traditionally served in a sturdy glass mug and is more of a warm alcoholic beverage than standard coffee.

What makes Viennese coffee unique?

Viennese coffee is prepared by layering hot coffee with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and colorful sprinkles. The presentation is playful, often appealing to children, and resembles a dessert more than a traditional coffee.

What is white coffee and where does it come from?

White coffee originates in Malaysia and refers to lightly roasted beans that produce a smoother, less bitter cup. Despite the name, it’s not white but has a mild, golden milk color and is known locally as 'Kopi Coffee'.

What is Suspended Coffee?

Suspended Coffee is a social practice where you purchase an extra coffee for someone in need. When a disadvantaged person visits the café, they can be served a coffee you’ve already paid for in advance.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Unique Coffee Drinks

For exploring global-style coffee drinks, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for fruity brightness that works in milk-based or flavored drinks, their PWN Golden Mandheling for a smooth, low-acidity base ideal in Viennese-style or white coffee recipes, and the Classic Blend for a balanced profile that holds up well in spicy or boozy drinks like Irish Coffee or Royal Coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.