You probably already know that coffee is one of the world’s most beloved drinks, but you might be surprised by how many different ways there are to prepare and serve it! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite international coffee recipes so that you can try them all. From unique add-ins to special pouring instructions, there is so much to learn about coffee from around the world! Whether you’re already a seasoned coffee aficionado or a curious caffeine newcomer, we’ve got something for you. And the best part? You don’t need to book a plane ticket to enjoy these international coffee recipes — in fact, you don’t even need to leave your kitchen! Read to explore coffee around the world?
#1 Vietnamese Coffee (Vietnam)
Looking for a new way to get your daily caffeine fix? We suggest trying Vietnamese coffee! What makes it truly unique is the use of sweetened condensed milk. The filtering is also traditionally done right in your cup! Ready to take your ordinary “cup of joe” to the next level?
#2 Turkish Coffee (Turkey)
Turkish coffee is brewed using a special pot called a cezve or ibrik and is generally made using extra finely ground coffee beans, which give it a strong, bold flavor. It’s highly aromatic and not filtered, which creates a unique sensory experience. If you’re a coffee lover, we highly recommend brewing up a pot of Turkish coffee at home!
#3 Moroccan Coffee (Morocco)
This Moroccan drink is one of our favorite coffees from around the world! Dark roast coffee is combined with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and star anise before being brewed. The drink is traditionally served warm with sugar cubes or honey as optional sweeteners. Ready to learn how to make a traditional Moroccan coffee at home?
#4 Yuanyang (Hong Kong/China)
Can’t choose between coffee and tea? Then this is the drink for you! Yuanyang combines the flavor of black milk tea with strong black coffee. Keep in mind that this does mean you’ll be ingesting a large amount of caffeine at once, so feel free to use decaf coffee to keep the caffeine level more manageable. It pairs well with shortbread cookies, tarts, and other baked goods and makes a great afternoon pick-me-up when you’re feeling tired. This recipe makes enough to share with friends and family. Want to learn how to make Yuanyang at home?
#5 Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Vietnam)
Strong, sweet, and chocolatey, Vietnamese iced coffee is the perfect refreshing pick-me-up! Robusta coffee beans give the drink its unique, chocolatey flavor, which is balanced out by the sugary taste of sweetened condensed milk. The whole thing is served over ice for a cooling, energizing drink that’s smooth and silky. Ready to learn how to make this beloved Vietnamese beverage at home?
#6 Kopi Tarik (Malaysia)
Rich and creamy, this Malaysian drink is perfect for those who like their coffee sweet! Made with coffee, condensed milk, and evaporated milk, this unique coffee is repeatedly poured (“pulled”) between two cups until everything is whipped and frothy — that's why it is sometimes referred to as Malaysian pulled coffee. Want to learn how to make this delicious Malaysian-style coffee in your home kitchen?
#7 Café de Olla (Mexico)
This traditional Mexican coffee is spiced with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise for maximum flavor. Sweetened with piloncillo (dark Mexican cane sugar) and made in a Mexican olla de barro (clay pot), it’s a truly unique drink. If you’re a coffee lover, we highly recommend trying this traditional Mexican version of the drink!
#8 Marocchino (Italy)
This delicious Italian coffee combines zippy, bitter espresso with frothy milk and cocoa powder. Nutella is spread inside of the glass mug it is traditionally served in, creating an impressive presentation and adding lots of delicious chocolate-hazelnut flavor. Want to learn how to make this northern Italian favorite in your own kitchen?
#9 Carajillo (Spain)
Made with espresso, brandy, and brown sugar, this coffee cocktail is a strong pick-me-up with a kick. It can be enjoyed hot or cold and is popular in Spain as well as Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico. Want to learn how to mix one up in your own kitchen?
#10 Irish Coffee (Ireland)
This is one of the most well-known international coffee recipes and it is a classic for a reason! Made with just a few easily sourced ingredients, the flavor is enhanced with Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream. It is an ideal after-dinner drink and also makes a great accompaniment to nearly any dessert course! And while it will affect the flavor of the drink, it’s easy to make your Irish coffee non-alcoholic by simply skipping the whisky. Want to learn how to whip up this beloved Irish drink in your own kitchen?
Enjoy!