You have probably tried the most popular way to enjoy coffee espresso, Americano, cappuccino, latte, etc. But have you ever considered including pepper or eggs in this drink? It seems strange, right?
Beyond the familiar realms of espresso and lattes lies a world of unexpected delights. Have you ever pondered the fusion of pepper or eggs with your coffee? Or the sweetly delectable delight of Coca-Cola added to your cup java? From the aged coffee of Indonesia to the spiced brews of Yemen and India, the world of coffee culture is an exquisite tapestry. We aim to inspire your coffee journey with our list, offering unique ideas to elevate your next coffee experience beyond the ordinary. Here are 12 unusual ways coffee is cherished across the globe☕️🌎:
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Photo/Dan Zohar
1. Aged Coffee
This type of coffee is made from beans that have aged for months (or even years) in barrels previously used to age wine or whiskey. This allows its flavor to soften. For this process to work, the humidity and temperature must be accurate. In addition, the coffee beans should have an intense flavor profile, as this will allow them to withstand the intense flavors present in the barrels. When Indonesia was a Dutch colony, this drink was stored for years. Its price was very high and only the rich could access it.
2. Coffee with Black Pepper
Spices have long been part of coffee culture. In Yemen, this drink is made with hawaij, a mixture of of black pepper, turmeric, cardamom, and cumin. In India it is common to start the day with a cup of black coffee with ground pepper. In Senegal, Touba coffee incorporates a mixture of spices called djar. The djar has a flavor similar to that of a mixture of pepper and cardamom.
3. Coffee Lemonade
This way of drinking coffee is ideal for the summer. One first prepares a lemonade, with lemons, water, and ice. Then coffee is added. In some places they add a little tonic water to give it a bubbly touch. In Sweden this drink is known by the name of kaffeelemonad. They have been serving it at Café Da Matteo since 2013. In some places in the United States, like Jugala in Raleigh, North Carolina, they add a light jet of tonic water, which gives it more boost.
4. Coca-Cola Coffee
Coca-Cola coffee is an intriguing and unconventional beverage that combines the familiar taste of Coca-Cola with the bold flavor of coffee. It is similar to American coffee, but instead of diluting the espresso with water, it is diluted with Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola coffee is an intriguing and unconventional beverage that combines the familiar taste of Coca-Cola with the bold flavor of coffee. This invigorating brew is enjoyed as a chilled, ready-to-drink beverage, offering a convenient and flavorful option for those who appreciate the harmonious blend of cola and coffee flavors.
5. Mushroom Coffee
Mushroom coffee is a blend of ground coffee beans with certain special powdered mushrooms called “functional” mushrooms. The most commonly used mushroom varieties are cordyceps, chaga, and lion’s mane. Fans of this drink claim that it reduces stress and that, thanks to its probiotic content, it is good for digestion. These benefits are in addition to those already known from regular coffee, an increase in energy and a significant supply of antioxidants.
6. Coffee with Butter and Coconut Oil
This coffee is popularly known as bulletproof. It is a creamy-looking drink, made with coffee beans, butter, and coconut, and is high in calories. A serving of this unusual drink contains two tablespoons of coconut oil and one or two of butter. Something curious about this preparation is that it is usually taken as a substitute for breakfast, with the intention of helping people lose weight. It is especially popular in low carb, paleo, or ketogenic diets.
7. Vietnamese Coffee With Egg
Vietnamese egg coffee, also known as ca phe trung, is a unique and delicious beverage that originated in Hanoi, Vietnam. The drink is made by whisking egg yolks with condensed milk and a touch of sugar until it forms a creamy, frothy texture. Once the egg mixture is ready, it is poured over a cup of robust Vietnamese coffee, creating a delightful combination of flavors. The resulting drink is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet, with a velvety texture that sets it apart from traditional coffees. Vietnamese egg coffee has gained popularity both in Vietnam and internationally, offering coffee lovers a distinctive and indulgent alternative to their usual brew.
8. Coffee with Tea and Condensed Milk
Yuenyeung is a very popular drink in Hong Kong. In this case, the coffee is served with black tea and milk. The proportions are three parts of coffee and seven of black tea with milk. The tea is made with water, black tea leaves and sweetened condensed milk. It is drunk hot or cold. Yuan yang means mandarin ducks. In China, ducks symbolize the attraction between opposites and love in marriage. In the case of this drink, the opposites that get along are represented by tea and coffee.
9. Espresso Tonic
To make this drink you will have to pour a double shot of espresso in tonic water with ice cubes. It was invented in Sweden in 2007 at the Koppi Roaster café. It was called Kaffe & Tonic and it became the establishment’s flagship drink until its closure in 2017. It is still popular in Scandinavia and some parts of the United States. When preparing it, make sure to use a lot of ice and choose a tonic water with a good degree of acidity. We recommend you decorate it with a slice of lemon or lime.
10. Cheesy Coffee
Koffeeost or Norwegian coffee with cheese is a coffee to which goat or reindeer milk cheese is added, although cow’s milk cheese can also be added. The small cheese cubes are typically made from squeaky Finnish cheese called juustoleipä, into a cup and pouring hot coffee over them. As the cheese melts, it infuses the coffee with a distinct creamy and savory flavor. The resulting beverage offers a surprising combination of the rich bitterness of coffee and the creamy, slightly salty notes from the cheese. Kaffeost has become a beloved traditional drink in Finland, providing coffee enthusiasts with an unconventional and delightful taste experience.
11. Coffee With Charcoal
Coffee culture has deep roots in Indonesia. Kopi joss or charcoal coffee is native to this Asian country. It is prepared with boiling water, ground coffee, and plenty of sugar. In Indonesia it is common to see people enjoying this coffee on the side of the street, sitting on a bench or on a rug. What makes this coffee special is the red-hot chunk of charcoal that is added to it before serving.
12. Cold-Brewed Coffee
To prepare cold brew or cold-brewed coffee, ground coffee beans must be left to rest for twenty-four hours at room temperature. Before serving it is diluted with water and ice. We must not confuse this drink with iced coffee, which is prepared in the usual way (with hot water) and then cooled with ice. Coffee extracted in this way is considerably sweeter than regular coffee. It is a type of refreshing drink that is ideal for hot days. While it has only become popular for a few years, cold brew coffee has been around for centuries. The Dutch brought it to Japan from Indonesia in the 17th century. In Japan it was known as Kyoto coffee.