Coffee might be a daily ritual here in Syracuse, but around the world, it’s brewed, served, and enjoyed in fascinatingly different ways. Grab your passport (and maybe a mug) as we explore how different cultures put their own spin on coffee.
1. Italy - The Espresso Capital
In Italy, coffee is quick, strong, and social. Locals sip their espresso standing at the bar before heading off to work. Ordering a cappuccino after 11 a.m.? That’s a tourist giveaway.
Try It at Home: Brew a small but mighty shot and drink it in one or two sips, no lingering.
2. Turkey - Thick, Sweet, and Unfiltered
Turkish coffee is all about patience and flavor. Finely ground coffee is simmered (not boiled) in a small copper pot called a cezve, often with sugar and cardamom, creating a rich, sludgy cup.
Fun Fact: Fortune telling from the coffee grounds is a beloved tradition.
3. Japan - Precision and Pour-Overs
Japan has mastered the art of the slow pour-over. Attention to detail is everything, from the water temperature to the exact coffee-to-water ratio. The result? A delicate, aromatic cup that’s as much about the process as the taste.
Kubal Connection: Our baristas use similar precision when crafting our Chemex brews.
4. Ethiopia - Where Coffee Began
Legend says coffee was discovered here when a goat herder noticed his goats dancing after eating coffee berries. In Ethiopia, coffee is part of an elaborate ceremony, brewed in a clay pot called a jebena and often served with popcorn.
Taste It: Our Ethiopia Guji roast captures that bright, fruity complexity Ethiopia is famous for.
5. Mexico - Cinnamon and Piloncillo
Cafe de Olla is brewed with cinnamon sticks and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) in a clay pot, giving it a warm, spiced sweetness that’s perfect for cool mornings.
DIY Tip: Add a cinnamon stick to your French press for a subtle twist.
6. Vietnam - Strong Coffee with a Sweet Finish
Vietnamese coffee is made with robusta beans, resulting in a bold, strong brew. It’s often mixed with sweetened condensed milk for cà phê sữa đá, an iced coffee treat that’s rich, creamy, and highly caffeinated.
Pro Move: Try it hot in winter and iced in summer, it’s delicious either way.
Your Turn - How Do You Brew It?
Every culture has its own coffee traditions and we’d love to hear yours! Tell us how you brew at home and we might feature your story in our next blog post.