Turkish coffee is more than just a drink-it’s a centuries-old ritual filled with rich flavors, cultural significance, and a unique way of enjoying coffee. If you’ve ever wondered how do you drink Turkish coffee, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the delightful experience of drinking Turkish coffee, from the first sip to the last, with simple tips to help you appreciate every moment.
What Makes Turkish Coffee Special?
Turkish coffee stands out because of its unique preparation and serving style. The coffee is ground to a very fine powder, almost like powdered sugar, and brewed slowly in a special pot called a cezve. Unlike filtered coffee, Turkish coffee is unfiltered, so the grounds remain in the cup, creating a thick, rich brew topped with a layer of foam called kaymak.
This method results in a strong, aromatic coffee with a distinctive texture and flavor that’s quite different from what you might be used to.
How to Drink Turkish Coffee: Step-by-Step
1. Let the Coffee Settle
When your Turkish coffee is served, it will come in a small cup called a fincan, holding about 65 ml-just a bit more than a double espresso. Before you take your first sip, wait a few minutes to allow the fine coffee grounds to settle at the bottom of the cup. This step is crucial to avoid drinking the gritty sediment right away.
2. Sip Slowly and Savor
Turkish coffee is strong and intense, so it’s best enjoyed slowly. Take small sips, allowing the flavors to unfold on your palate. The coffee is traditionally served with a glass of cold water, which you can sip between coffee sips to cleanse your palate and refresh your taste buds.
3. Avoid the Sediment
Because the coffee grounds remain in the cup, you should stop drinking before you reach the bottom where the thick sediment lies. Drinking this last bit can be unpleasant, so it’s best to leave it behind. Some people gently swirl the coffee to remix the grounds with the liquid, but traditionally, you just sip carefully without disturbing the sediment too much.
4. Enjoy It With a Sweet Treat
In Turkey, it’s common to enjoy Turkish coffee alongside something sweet like lokum (Turkish delight) or baklava. The sweetness complements the bold coffee flavor perfectly and adds to the overall experience.
Tips for Ordering Turkish Coffee
If you’re ordering Turkish coffee at a café or restaurant, you’ll find it comes in different sweetness levels:
– Sade kahve – no sugar (unsweetened)
– Az şekerli – a little sugar (about half a teaspoon)
– Orta şekerli – medium sugar (one teaspoon)
– Çok şekerli – sweet (two teaspoons or more)
If you’re new to Turkish coffee, ask for az şekerli to start with a mild sweetness.
The Cultural Ritual Behind Drinking Turkish Coffee
Drinking Turkish coffee is a slow, mindful ritual that encourages conversation and connection. It’s not about gulping down caffeine but about enjoying the moment, the company, and the rich tradition behind the cup.
The coffee is often brewed carefully over low heat, never brought to a full boil, to develop a thick foam on top, which is highly prized. The foam is sometimes portioned out first before pouring the rest of the coffee into the cups.
Brewing Your Own Turkish Coffee at Home
If you want to try making Turkish coffee yourself, here’s a quick overview:
– Use finely ground Turkish coffee and cold water measured by the size of your fincan.
– Add sugar if desired before brewing.
– Mix coffee, water, and sugar in a cezve and heat slowly over low heat.
– Let the foam rise but don’t stir once it starts brewing.
– Pour the foam into cups first, then fill with the rest of the coffee.
– Serve with water and enjoy slowly.
Final Thoughts
Drinking Turkish coffee is a delightful experience that invites you to slow down and savor both the coffee and the moment. Remember to sip slowly, enjoy the foam, and leave the grounds behind. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends or on your own, Turkish coffee offers a unique taste of tradition and culture.
Enjoy your cup!