Turkish coffee is a type of coffee dating back to the Ottoman Empire, made by grinding coffee beans very finely and brewing them in a cezve, a small copper or brass pot. It’s unique in comparison to other types of coffee as it’s served unfiltered, with the grounds left to settle at the bottom of the cup.
The unique method of brewing Turkish coffee produces a rich, full-bodied, and highly concentrated coffee that's gained popularity over centuries across the world.
How does Turkish Coffee Work?
In order to make a good cup of Turkish coffee, using the right beans is essential. Generally, it’s made with high-quality Arabica beans that have been medium to dark-roasted for that bold flavour and perfect aroma.
Next, the beans should be ground into a very fine, powder-like consistency so that it dissolves completely into the hot water to create a thick, creamy texture.
What Equipment Is Needed For Turkish Coffee?
To make Turkish coffee, you'll need a cezve, which is a small copper or brass pot with a long handle. If you don’t have one, a small saucepan should work too, though it’s harder to control the heat and the foam on the surface of the coffee. You’ll also need a stove or hot plate to heat it.
What Ingredients Are In Turkish Coffee?
Coffee (of course), water, and sugar - simple as that. The general rule of thumb is to use a 1:9 ratio of coffee to water, and add sugar according to personal preference (remember to add it before you start brewing!).
How To Brew Turkish Coffee?
First, fill your cezve with cold water. Add the sugar, and place it on a low heat until the water starts to simmer. Then, add the coffee to the cezve and stir gently, taking care not to disrupt the foam forming on the surface of the coffee. Once the coffee reaches a boil, take off the heat and allow it to settle for a few moments before returning it back to the heat until it reaches a boil again.
Be careful not to stir too vigorously, or you'll disrupt the foam on the surface of the coffee. Allow the coffee to come to a boil slowly, and once it does, remove it from the heat again. Allow the coffee to settle for a few moments, and then return it to the heat until it reaches a boil again. Repeat this process three times, and serve immediately.
How To Serve Turkish Coffee?
The traditional way to serve Turkish coffee is to slowly pour it into small cups (similar to espresso cups), allowing the grounds to settle at the bottom. In Turkish culture, the grounds are often used for fortune-telling, so it's important to take care when pouring.
Typically, each cup is served with a small glass of water to cleanse the palate between sips.
How To Drink Turkish Coffee?
Simply sip it slowly and enjoy the richness and boldness of the Turkish coffee’s flavour. And, if you’re feeling curious, you can learn how to read the grounds at the bottom of your cup once you’re done!
Turkish coffee is a beverage that’s been enjoyed through generations and helps to share a piece of Turkish culture and tradition with the world. While making Turkish coffee it takes a bit more effort than some other brewing methods, the unique flavour and experience makes it a popular choice amongst coffee-lovers. So, if you’re looking to try something new, grab a cezve and some high-quality Arabica beans and give Turkish coffee a try!
