From an iconic espresso shot in a packed Italian cafe to a cinnamon-infused cup of cafe de olla in Mexico, coffee is the universal drink that fuels society.
But depending on where you go, that cup of joe may look a little different.
As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be?
Cassandra Clare
The coffee bean – it fuels the world but is prepared in various ways. Across all seven continents are different coffee cultures – each with their own traditional recipes and brewing techniques. We’ve asked some of our Eatwith hosts to share how they enjoy a cup of coffee in their country.
1. Irish Coffee – Host Ann in Dublin, Ireland
Ann’s go-to coffee saying: “Only Irish Coffee provides all main essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat!” – Alex Levine
Q: How do you traditionally prepare coffee in your country? What is it called?
A: We are a nation of tea drinkers but do love our traditional Irish Coffee. Using an Irish Whiskey (my favorite is Jameson!). We serve it with freshly brewed coffee and brown sugar in a heated glass. You top it off with fresh lightly whipped cream and a pinch of nutmeg. The key to a great Irish coffee is the ritual of making it, the love that is added, and the whiskey of course!
Drinking an Irish coffee is really popular with visitors who grab a cup at a traditional Irish pub. We Irish love to have it on occasions like St. Patrick’s Day.
Q: On the go, what are you having?
A: A swift cup of espresso to get my energy levels back after a hard day’s work.
2. Espresso – Host Luca in Venice, Italy
Luca’s go-to coffee saying: Coffee is my lifestyle.
Q: How do you traditionally prepare coffee in your country? What is it called?
A: Espresso is one of the best-known ways of preparing coffee in Italy and the most traditional way is to have a shot at the cafe bar. The majority of the population also appreciates Cappuccino.
Q: On the go, what are you having?
A: Black coffee!
3. Cafe de olla – Host Alejandra in Mexico City, Mexico
Alejandra’s go-to coffee saying: Buenos días Cafecito!
Q: How do you traditionally prepare coffee in your country? What is it called?
A: Cafe de olla – I remember it, and it’s distinct smell very well in my grandmother’s kitchen. Its main ingredients are cinnamon and piloncillo (natural sugar, made from the sugarcane juice). Cafe de olla is common in many pueblos here in Mexico, especially in the wintertime.
To prepare it, boil the piloncillo in hot water, then add the cinnamon, and perhaps some anise. Make sure you have whole coffee beans. If you have ground coffee, try to have it be more course. Add the coffee beans to the boiling mixture and let it steep for several minutes. Pour the mixture through a strainer and then serve!
Q: On the go, what are you having?
A: I must admit, espresso gets me going. It’s small and strong!
4. Kahve – Host Esra in Istanbul, Turkey
Esra’s go-to coffee saying: “If you make someone a Turkish coffee, that person will think of you for 40 years.” (Turkish saying)
Q: How do you traditionally prepare coffee in your country? What is it called?
A: To make kahve, you typically use a copper pot with water. You can boil it slowly over hot sand, coal or a regular stove, adding sugar if you’d like. You’ll know it’s ready when the pot starts to bubble. Usually, we serve this coffee with a Turkish Delight. Everyone drinks Kahve, after meals, or during morning and afternoon “coffee times.”
Q: On the go, what are you having?
A: I enjoy black, drip coffee.
5. Czech Coffee – Host Adela in Pague, Czech Republic
Adela’s go-to coffee saying: “Coffee makes me stop and chill for a moment…”
Q: Tell us about the coffee scene in Prague?
A: In Prague, there isn’t just one cup that steals the show. We drink all kinds of coffee (I even incorporate it into my baking!). The coffee scene is vast and delicious. You’re never too far away from a good cup.
Q: On the go, what are you having?
A: Like my country, I enjoy my coffee in many ways. I love a cappuccino or flat white; a filter coffee when it’s a batch brew or with a Chemex. And of course, I always enjoy cold filter coffee in the summer! Regardless of what I take, I make sure to use my Keepcup (zero waste!)
