12 Unique Coffee Drinks from Around the World

Have you ever considered just how many ways there are to enjoy a cup of coffee beyond the usual cream and sugar? In many countries around the world, coffee takes on various forms, mixed with everything from soda and lemon water to pepper, butter, and exotic spices. Variation is a reflection of the local culture of that specific nation.

We’ve put together 12 different ways coffee is enjoyed in these various places. Alongside the ingredients, we provide cultural notes where relevant. Our list is a flavorful tour for the curious and adventurous.

Who knows? Your new favorite cup might be one you’d never have imagined.

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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 refreshing brew is your go-to for hot-weather coffee cravings. One first prepares a lemonade, with lemons, water, and ice. Then coffee is added. In Sweden, this drink is known by the name of kaffeelemonad. They have been serving it at the café da Matteo since 2013. In some places in the United States, such as 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. The result 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, also known as bulletproof coffee, is a creamy-looking drink, made with coffee beans, butter, and coconut. A serving of this unusual drink contains two tablespoons of coconut oil and one or two of butter, and is high in calories. 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 drink becomes 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. 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. Yuanyang 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 café Koppi. 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. Lots of ice is usually added to a tonic water with a good degree of acidity, then the drink is garnished with a slice of lemon or lime.

10. Cheesy Coffee

Koffeeost, or Norwegian coffee with cheese, is made by adding goat or reindeer milk cheese, though cow’s milk cheese can also be used. 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-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. Coffee extracted in this way is considerably sweeter than regular coffee. We must not confuse cold-brewed coffee with iced coffee, which is prepared in the usual way (with hot water) and then cooled with ice. While it has only become popular for a few years, cold-brewed 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.