How To Make The Best Instant Coffee

Coffee Knowledge

How to make the best instant coffee?

Looking to make a creamy, delicious instant coffee at home? We'll show you how to prepare the perfect cup of NESCAFÉ instant coffee in a few simple steps.
how to make instant coffee

Find your perfect blend for the best coffee

The perfect cup of coffee starts with the right blend. Because everyone has their own taste and preferences, we created a diverse range of instant coffees, each with their own unique flavour. For those who like no fuss, quality coffee, our NESCAFÉ Original blend is a firm favourite. If you’d prefer coffee from a specific region, you can try our premium NESCAFÉ GOLD Origins range.
cup of instant coffee

Always use fresh water

Water makes a huge difference to your cup of coffee. Be sure to only boil as much water as you need. After all, the taste of water changes when it’s left in the kettle, and you can avoid wasting water and energy too!

Soft vs hard water
Interestingly, soft water tastes much better than hard water, so if you live in a hard water area you may want to filter the water first to remove excess minerals.

The perfect water temperature
Getting the water temperature just right helps make the perfect coffee. We recommend using water at 80ºC, not boiling. It’s better for bringing out the flavour.

fresh water for instant coffee

Choose your coffee cup carefully

When it comes to coffee, not all cups are equal. They come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, from the standard mug and wide cappuccino cup, to the tall latte glass and delicate bone china. Use your own mug to avoid using paper cups, and flasks are great when you’re at work or on the move. What do you prefer? The perfect cup can also make your coffee moment more meaningful, and we all know coffee just tastes better in our favourite mug! Choose the right cup for you, and for your brew.
various coffee cup

One teaspoon, or two?

How much coffee you use will depend on your personal taste. If you prefer your coffee a little less strong, use one teaspoon. If you really want to enjoy the full-bodied flavour of your brew, go for two. Bear in mind that teaspoons come in a variety of sizes, so the number may vary!
coffee teaspoon

Milk and sugar?

Adding milk or sugar to coffee is an age-old debate. Some claim that it ruins the flavour, others can’t drink coffee without it. There’s also the question of what milk to add; whole or skimmed milk, or plant-based alternatives such as oat, hazelnut, soya and even coconut? If you’ve got a sweet tooth you might add sweeteners like brown sugar, white sugar or maybe even syrup. Whatever your choice, it’s a matter of personal taste.

With millions of cups of coffee enjoyed every day around the world, it’s more important than ever that you can make your cup of coffee perfect for you.

instant coffee milk and sugar

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How To Make An Iced Coffee At Home

Coffee Knowledge

How to make an iced coffee at home?

Did you know it's actually super simple to make iced coffee at home? Check out our iced coffee recipe for an easy, yet deliciously refreshing drink.
how to make an iced coffee at home

What is the difference between an iced coffee and a cold brew?

A cold brew is made without any heat at all, which results in lower acidity in the drink and therefore creates a smoother and sweeter taste. An iced coffee, however, is brewed and then cooled, which creates the refreshing drink we love. Iced coffees are often served with a little milk.
iced coffee

Iced Coffee Recipe

Our iced coffee recipe is really straightforward. You most likely have all these ingredients at home already! Simply follow the steps below to enjoy a delicious iced coffee at home.
nescafé gold instant coffee

Ingredients for an Iced Coffee

  • 2 tsps of your favourite NESCAFÉ instant coffee (we like NESCAFÉ Azera Espresso or Azera Americano for making our iced coffee recipe as the fine powder allows it to blend perfectly)
  • 200ml hot water
  • 50ml milk or plant-based milk alternative*
  • Ice
  • Syrup or sugar (to taste)
    • *Check for allergens

      To serve

      • Tall latte glass
      • A long spoon to stir
nescafé instant coffee

Method to make an Iced Coffee

  1. Boil 200ml of water, once it is freshly boiled (not boiling) pour it into your cup.
  2. Add 2 tsps of your favourite NESCAFÉ instant coffee to the water.
  3. Add in sugar or syrup to the mix, depending on your personal taste.
  4. Let the coffee mixture cool, you can either do this by leaving it on the kitchen counter to cool to room temperature or you can pop it in the fridge for a few hours if you want your coffee extra cold.
  5. Once it’s room temperature – or cold depending on your preference, add in around 50ml milk or milk alternative, alternatively if you’d prefer your coffee black, skip this step.
  6. Fill the rest of the glass with ice.
  7. Sit back and enjoy!
method to make an iced coffee

If you want to enjoy your iced coffee at home first thing in the morning, we suggest making the coffee the night before and allowing it to chill in the fridge overnight. That way, come morning you’ll have a perfectly chilled iced coffee to start the day.

Now that you know how to make iced coffee at home, why not try your hand at making a latte next?

make an iced coffee

Frequently Asked Questions

Is iced coffee just cold coffee?
Yes, precisely! The only difference is that iced coffee is made directly with cold water, instead of boiling your kettle first. While the ingredients are the same as a normal cup of coffee (coffee granules and water), you can add ice cubes, chilled milk, or whipped cream to flavour it with your personal style. It’s not the same as making a hot cup of NESCAFÉ and letting it cool – it’s about getting instant ice-cold refreshment from your favourite NESCAFÉ.

How to make froth in the iced coffee?
There are many ways to make froth for coffee, iced or hot. Use a whisk, an electric mixer, a coffee plunger, or a frothing machine to get your milk frothy and velvety. Remember, cows’ milk froths better than plant-based alternatives.

Which flavours make the best iced coffee?
Coffee is a versatile drink that works well with lots of different flavours. A good place to start would be with hazelnut, chocolate, or toffee flavours. It's easy to find sugar-free flavoured syrups to add to your iced coffee.

Making your iced coffee at home with NESCAFÉ is bound to awaken the coffee connoisseur in you!

make froth in the iced coffee

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How To Make a Cappuccino At Home

Coffee Knowledge

How to make a cappuccino at home?

Lattes are one of the most popular coffee shop drinks, but did you know they are easy to make at home too? Find out how to make a latte with our guide.
how to make a cappuccino at home

Ingredients for a Cappuccino

  • Your favourite instant coffee (we recommend NESCAFÉ® GOLD Espresso)
  • Milk or plant-based milk alternative*
  • Sugar (to taste)
  • Water
  • Optional: cocoa powder as a topping

*Please check for allergens

Equipment:

  • Kettle
  • Saucepan
  • Thermometer
  • Cappuccino cup
  • Jar with lid or a milk frothing wand
nescafé gold instant coffee

Method to make a Cappuccino at home

  1. Boil a cup of water in your kettle, add 2 teaspoons of your chosen instant coffee to your cappuccino cup. If you have sugar in your coffee, add it to taste now.
  2. After the water has boiled, add to your cappuccino cup, so it is about 1/3 full.
  3. Measure out the milk so it is about 1/3 of the cup.
  4. Now, you need to steam the milk. Grab a saucepan and your thermometer, add the desired amount of milk and then heat it slowly on a medium heat, stirring from time to time to ensure it doesn’t boil. If you’re using dairy milk, it will need to reach 65°C, 60°C for soy or 54°C for almond.
  5. Pour the steamed milk over your coffee.
  6. Now you’ve steamed your milk, you’ll need to froth milk too! Again, measure out 1/3 of your cup for milk. Choose from the two options listed below to froth your milk.
  7. Then add the foamed milk to your cappuccino cup and sprinkle over your topping.
  8. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

make a cappuccino at home

How to froth milk with a milk frothing wand

STEP 1
Put the milk into a saucepan again, then place the frothing wand so it’s halfway into the milk.

STEP 2
Turn on your frothing wand and pull it toward the surface of the milk slowly, then lower it down to the middle again, continue this process for around 30 to 45 seconds, or until the milk’s nice and foamy.

froth milk with a milk frothing wand

It’s as simple as that, a delicious cappuccino to make your day.
delicious home made cappuccino

NESCAFÉ GOLD Frothy Coffee range


If you need something even more instant, why not try our NESCAFÉ GOLD Cappuccino? Simply add water to the sachet, stir and you’re good to go! We also have a decaf cappuccino and or an unsweetened taste* version.
*Low sugar when prepared, for unsweetened taste.

Now that you know how to make a cappuccino at home, learn how to make a mocha too!

Superior quality, velvety pleasure
Enjoy high quality coffee with the velvety froth and delicious taste of the NESCAFÉ GOLD Frothy Coffee range.
nescafé gold frothy coffee

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How To Make An Irish Coffee At Home

How to make an Irish coffee at home?

With just four ingredients & no special equipment needed, you can learn how to make an Irish coffee, bringing the coffee shop experience home. Learn more.
how to make an irish coffee at home

Treat yourself

With only four main ingredients, you'd think it would be easy to make, but it’s trickier than it looks! The ingredients need to be of the highest quality, but if you pay close attention to the 9 easy steps below, you will get it just right, close to feeling just like Joe Sheridan himself (the creator of the Irish coffee).
irish coffee

Ingredients for an Irish coffee

  • Double cream
  • Black, strong coffee (our NESCAFÉ GOLD Espresso works particularly well)
  • Irish whiskey (we recommend Jameson whiskey)
  • Brown sugar
  • Grated nutmeg (optional)

Contains alcohol. Consume responsibly

Equipment

Find out more about coffee cups

nescafé gold coffee

Method to make an Irish coffee

  1. Measure out 2 tablespoons of double cream, then lightly whisk until it has slightly thickened but can still be poured.
  2. When the cream has thickened, set it aside for a moment.
  3. Add 150ml freshly boiled (not boiling) water to your heatproof coffee glass and let it sit for a minute.
method to make an irish coffee

  1. Then, add 2 teaspoons of your instant coffee to the water.
  2. Next, add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and pour 50ml of Irish whiskey.
  3. Stir until the sugar and coffee has dissolved.
  4. Get the cream again, and turn a spoon upside down and place the tip of the spoon inside the coffee glass just on top of the coffee, making sure that the edge of the spoon touches the glass.
irish coffee glass

Now, slowly pour the whipped cream over the spoon. It should flow over the top of the spoon and land gently on top of the coffee. Tip: pouring the cream slowly will help prevent it from sinking into the coffee.

Sprinkle some grated nutmeg on top of the cream and serve immediately.

irish coffee cream

They say practice makes perfect but with such simple steps and NESCAFÉ, we’re sure every Irish coffee you make will be delicious.
delicious irish coffee

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8 Essential Coffee Accessories

Coffee Knowledge

8 essential coffee accessories

There's a coffee gadget to make your life that little bit easier. We have listed some of the coolest coffee accessories that you just need. Learn more.
coffee accessories

1. The Mug

The first step in enjoying your favourite NESCAFÉ coffee is choosing the perfect coffee cup. There are insulated coffee glasses that keep the temperature of your coffee warmer for longer, self-stirring mugs to beat the morning slog, personalised mugs to express your personality, giant mugs to make your coffee last longer, the list goes on. For those who want to sip their coffee on the go there’s travel mugs too! If like us, you want to do your bit for the planet, there are glass keep cups and glass reusable coffee cups too, or if you need something sturdier, there are plenty of coffee flasks available as well. Some coffee flasks even have USB ports, allowing them to be charged in your car. For those who need their coffee fix when travelling, camping or maybe even at a festival, look no further than the pop-up coffee cup. Its compact design makes it easier to carry around with you.
coffee mug

2. The milk frother

Awaken the barista in you with a milk frother! From cappuccinos to lattes, you can indulge in the perfect cup of coffee and treat your guests by frothing milk and adding it to your favourite NESCAFÉ coffee.
milk frother

3. Stainless steel coffee stirrers

Stir your coffee in style. A reusable and stylish addition to your kitchen utensils, stainless steel coffee stirrers will make any occasion that little bit more indulgent.
stainless steel coffee stirrers

4. Measuring spoon

Perfectly measure out your NESCAFÉ coffee with handy measuring spoons. Whether you want a stronger coffee or a more diluted afternoon treat, a measuring spoon will ensure you put the right amount of coffee in your cup every time.
measuring coffee spoon

5. Condiment organiser

If you want to keep everything in its place, a condiment organiser is for you. Have everything ready on hand to make your perfect cup of coffee. Perfect for being ready for unexpected guests too!
condiment organiser

6. Mug warmer

Never waste a cup of coffee again with a mug warmer. Usually small and portable, they are hard to forget, wherever you are! Within minutes, it will feel and taste like a fresh cup again.
coffee mug warmer

7. Iced coffee maker

Turn your favourite NESCAFÉ instant coffee into a cool, summer treat with an iced coffee maker. Simply make your instant coffee as usual, add to an iced coffee maker and within minutes, your coffee will be icy cold. Iced coffee makers also stop your coffee from being over-diluted from simply pouring coffee over ice.
iced coffee maker

8. Portable coffee cup holder

There’s a coffee cup holder for just about anywhere these days! For the car, for your bike, there are even coffee cup holders for your suitcase. Wherever you go, whatever journey you’re on, your favourite NESCAFÉ cup of coffee can be with you.

We hope you’re as inspired as we are about how this list coffee accessories can make your coffee moments more enjoyable, more convenient and of course, more sustainable!

portable coffee cup holder

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Inside The Roastery

Coffee Knowledge

Inside the coffee roastery

A mug of coffee is full of fun, flavour, and culture and consumed by millions around the world, but what happens inside a coffee roastery and why? Learn more.
coffee roastery

What is a Coffee Roastery?

A coffee roastery is at the heart of our delicate, smooth and simply irresistible coffee blends. Our specially hand-picked and carefully sourced beans are sent around the world to the roastery where coffee beans are roasted before being crushed down to make coffee.

Coffee roasters have to source the coffee through warehouse and catalogue sales or through direct trade, which is the most popular way to find the best coffee. Coffee roasting is an art that requires a high degree of knowledge and experience to produce level roast profiles. Coffee must be closely monitored during the roasting process and scientific principles of heat transfer, thermodynamics and coffee chemistry must be applied to ensure the highest standard of quality and flavour come through in the final product — the roasted bean.

coffee beans

The History of the Coffee Roastery

Coffee, as we all know has a long, rich history, and the preparation of roasting coffee beans to make a drink, is much the same today as it was hundreds of years ago. The first known roasting tools were tin, perforated pans that were used over an open flame. The roaster would then use spoons to circulate the beans around to ensure even roasting. Only a small amount could be roasted at one time, and the stirring meant that the roaster had to pay great attention throughout the whole process. This prompted coffee lovers to start experimenting with new methods, as the old ways proved to be messy and inconsistent.
coffee roastery history

The Cylindrical Coffee Roaster

The Cylindrical coffee roaster is said to originate in Grand Cairo in the 17th century. These devices enclosed the coffee beans, allowing the heat to develop inside its inner chamber. The chamber featured a hand crank to move the beans around consistently whilst the beans were held over an open fire. The design spread through Europe and the Americas as the coffee industry grew with colonialism.
cylindrical coffee roaster

The Industrial Coffee Roaster

Coffee roasting was not left behind in the industrial revolution. Many early industrial roasters used large cylinders placed over a heat source. Until the introduction of gas supplies throughout urban centres, wood or coal would be used. This resulted in coffee having a smoky flavour, so when natural gas became available, it’s no surprise that it quickly became the roaster’s preferred heat source.

Fluid-Bed Roasters
Drum roasters based on 19th century ideas are still the roaster design choice today. However, in the 1970’s, fluid-bed or hot-air roasters entered the coffee bean roasting scene. The fluid-bed roaster forces air through a screen under the coffee beans with enough strength to lift the beans. Heat is then transferred to the beans as they tumble around. Roasters have largely dismissed fluid-bed roasters, as they do not provide the same quality of roast.

industrial coffee roaster

What happens inside the coffee roastery?

Once the coffee beans have arrived at the NESCAFÉ Roastery, in the green bean reception, the process has started. The coffee beans are filtered, cleaned and then sent to the next stages of its roasting journey. The beans move easily around the factory using compressed air, which literally blows them from one stage to the next! 175,000 jars of roasted coffee are produced in the factory, enough to supply the city of Manchester for a whole month. Beans are taken from different silos to create the infamous 5-bean blend.

Once in the factory, coffee beans are each given a grade depending on their quality. Great care that goes into making the perfect coffee to the highest standard. Beans that are burnt can have detrimental effect on the overall flavour of the roastery coffee, and are therefore pre-heated before being roasted. Once roasted, the beans are dropped into a cooler to stop the roasting process. The beans don’t continue to roast before being sent to be ground down.

inside the coffee roastery

Overall, the coffee bean undergoes total transformation on every level. One of the immediate obvious changes is the colour of the bean itself, their brown-green colour becomes a dark-yellow as they heat up and then changes to dark brown, when the sugars and amino acids in the bean combine under the heat to produce what is called melanoidins. The longer the roast, the darker the bean becomes and the stronger the flavour, which is why coffee roast types are often referred to as being a light, medium or dark roast.

With modern coffee roasting being better informed by the understanding of coffee chemistry and the changes that occur during the roasting process, it’s no wonder we have such extraordinary flavours and combinations available today. Roasters are better equipped to measure variables and analyse why a roast was successful or not. With technologies such as temperature readings and modern software, they can be more efficient and consistent than ever before.

So, now that you’ve had a small insight into the coffee roastery and what goes on behind the scenes, you may just enjoy your specially created blend that little bit more. Next, discover 8 of the best coffee beans in the world, or learn about the rich history of coffee.

coffee roaster

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8 Of The Best Coffee Beans In The World

Coffee Knowledge

8 of the best coffee beans in the world

If you're a coffee connoisseur, you're likely on the hunt for the perfect cup. Check out our list of the 8 best coffee beans in the world here.
world best coffee

1. Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee

Surprisingly, Jamaica has a relatively small coffee output and the beans grown in the Blue Mountain region are some of the rarest beans to come out of the area. Due to cooler temperatures, there’s less harvests each year and growing them here is more labour intensive as the steep slopes mean that all plants have to be carefully picked by hand. This means the beans are in limited supply and a whopping 80% of the crop goes to Japan each year! So, it’s rather expensive and notoriously difficult to get hold of coffee beans from this region. If you manage to get your hands on some, you’ll appreciate why it’s said to be one of the best coffees in the world as it’s incredibly smooth with a bright and vibrant acidity.
jamaica blue mountain coffee

2. Sumatran coffee

Sumatra offers some of the best growing conditions for coffee thanks to its fertile volcanic soil, close proximity to the equator and high altitudes where the beans are grown. The region also has its own unique processing method known as ‘Gisling Basah’, which involves only partly drying the beans after they are fermented which reduces the acidity in the blend, while also bringing out a fuller body and earthy, woody notes. Coffee experts suggest trying darkly roasted Sumatran coffee beans as this helps to bring out earthier and more herby flavours.
sumatran coffee

3. Rwandan coffee

One of the things that makes Rwandan coffee so special is that it’s all grown by small-scale farmers, as there are no large estates in the country. The region’s high elevation coupled with rich volcanic soil is ideal for growing Arabica coffee beans. Interestingly, once the beans are picked, they’re taken to communal washing stations where the beans are sorted and processed with rainwater. Coffees coming from Rwanda are said to taste like raspberry and cherry with a creamy mouthfeel.
rwandan coffee

4. Kona coffee

Kona is one of the largest islands in Hawaii and is consistently praised for producing some of the best coffee beans in the world. Coffee is grown at around 2,000ft above sea level on the steep slopes of the Mauna Loae and Hualalai volcanoes. The area boasts a micro-climate that makes for perfect growing conditions. Light and delicate in flavour, Kona coffee is said to be well-balanced, buttery, spicy and with a subtle, almost wine-like flavour.
kona coffee

5. Tanzanian coffee

Tanzania produces some of the rarest and best coffees in the world and interestingly, the coffee beans are quite unique. Known as ‘Peaberry coffee’, the beans used to produce this blend are found the traditional way within a coffee cherry but they’re rounder and much denser, which means they roast more evenly. However, only 5% of coffee beans in a crop turn out to be Peaberries, so they need to be painstakingly sorted by hand in order to find them. Peaberry coffee is said to possess a medium body and fruity flavour with hints of blackcurrant and a sweet finish.
tanzanian coffee

6. Geisha coffee

Despite the name, Geisha coffee doesn’t hail from Japan. It actually comes from Gesha in Ethiopia where it was first produced in the 1960s. Now Geisha coffee is grown in other regions too with the best types coming from Panama and Costa Rica. It’s quite rare because it’s hard to grow and has to be picked by hand, but connoisseurs consider it one of the best coffees in the world. You’ll most likely encounter subtle notes of floral and citrus when drinking it. Almost tea-like in flavour, it’s only served black as it’s so light and delicate.
geisha coffee

7. Peruvian Coffee

Peru is a country prized for its organic and fair-trade coffee production, so it should come as no surprise that they produce some of the best coffee beans in the world. Very well balanced and smooth in flavour with a low acidity, Peruvian coffee is loved far and wide for its wonderful taste. The flavours you can expect from beans grown in this region vary from floral to chocolatey to slightly nutty.
peruvian coffee

8. Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Coffee

Grown at 5,800 – 6,600ft above sea level, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee has a fragrant, yet spicy flavour that’s partly due to the way it’s grown, but what happens after it’s picked makes all the difference. Similar to Rwandan coffee, once it’s picked it’s taken to communal washing stations where farmers combine crops to be processed and sorted according to size and quality. The coffee beans are then sun-dried for around 9 – 12 days which brings out a clean and floral flavour that’s reminiscent of apricot and lemon. Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee is often considered one of the best coffees in the world for those who enjoy a light to medium bodied blend.

If this list of the best coffee beans in the world has awakened your curiosity, we invite you to discover the origins of coffee, or take a trip inside the roastery.

ethiopian yirgacheffe coffee

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Coffee culture around the world

Coffee Lifestyle

Coffee culture around the world

At Nescafé, we think coffee makes the world go round, so it's only natural that coffee and travel make such a great pairing. Get inspired today!
coffee around the world

Discover coffee’s origins

Enjoying coffee where it’s grown is a wonderful way to experience other coffee cultures. Savour the original taste and aroma of Ethiopian coffee in the country’s lush highlands, known for many wild coffee varieties. Or enjoy the intense and pleasant flavour of single origin Brazilian coffee while breathing the fresh air of the country’s lush rain forests.
coffee world culture

Explore the legend of coffee

Coffee is legendary, with a rich history of exotic tales and fascinating characters. Beginning with the legend of how coffee was first discovered in 800AD by Kaldi, a local goat herder in Ethiopia (or was it a Sufi mystic in Yemen?) to how coffee was rationed for troops in World War II, there’s an astonishing history to explore that touches every continent, with countless local experiences waiting to be discovered.
coffee world legends

A sense of community

Coffee brings people together around the world, often an integral part of local culture and everyday life. No one appreciates this more than the Ethiopians, who have elevated the coffee experience to a ritual where a traditional cup of Buna can take up to an hour to prepare and even longer to drink, especially during times of celebration! Or the people of Cuba who congregate with neighbours at their local ‘ventanillas’, or window cafes, run out of private homes. Seeking out local coffee experiences might just be the best way to immerse yourself in other cultures!
world coffee communities

Coffee hotspots in Europe

Be inspired by our guides to coffee hotspots around the world, and discover what to expect from each.

Coffee culture in Italy
Italian coffee is renowned for its superior taste, but how does the culture differ from the rest of the world?

world coffee hotspots

Coffee culture in Austria

A land of palaces and some of the oldest, most ornate coffee houses.
Coffee culture in Austria

Coffee culture in France

Discover the most popular types of French coffee and where the infamous French café culture originated.
Coffee culture in France

Coffee culture in Spain

Spain is known for its intense brews, but are you familiar with the different types of Spanish coffee?
Coffee culture in Spain

Coffee culture in Germany

German coffee has a rich history bursting with fascinating facts. Discover this inspiring coffee culture and unique coffee types.
Coffee culture in Germany

Coffee culture in Greece

The people of Greece adore their coffee, find out how it has found its way into many aspects of their daily lives.
Coffee culture in Greece

Coffee culture in Turkey

Turkish coffee has been an integral part of the country's culture for centuries, and it’s as vibrant as ever.
Coffee culture in Turkey

Coffee culture in Sweden

One of the top 3 coffee consuming countries in the world, but their history with the beverage isn't all roses.
Coffee culture in Sweden

Coffee culture in Portugal

Famous for its seafood dishes, beaches & architecture, Portugal is home to the Portuguese Robusta coffee.
Coffee culture in Portugal

Coffee hotspots in the Americas

Coffee culture in Cuba
Unlike anywhere else in the world, a place where coffee commonly known as a vehicle for socialisation.

Coffee hotspots in the Americas

Coffee culture in Brazil

Brazil is widely known for their huge influence on the coffee world.
Coffee culture in Brazil

Coffee culture in Mexico

Mexico is a land of diverse landscapes perfect for growing coffee beans.
Coffee culture in Mexico

Coffee culture in Peru

As the 10th largest coffee producer in the world, Peru’s coffee blends are famed for their smooth flavour.
Coffee culture in Peru

Coffee culture in Guatemala

Home to some of the best coffee growing conditions, thanks to its rich volcanic soil and high rainfall.
Coffee culture in Guatemala

Coffee culture in Costa Rica

World renowned when it comes to coffee growing, its climate is perfect for Arabica varietals.
Coffee culture in Costa Rica

Coffee culture in Jamaica

Jamaica produces some of the most notable speciality coffee in the world.
Coffee culture in Jamaica

Coffee culture in Colombia

Famous for its rich heritage and diverse landscapes, Colombia is home to some of the world’s best specialty coffee.
Coffee culture in Colombia

Coffee culture in New Orleans

World-renowned for distinctive music, Creole cuisine, unique dialects, annual festivals and a rich coffee heritage.
Coffee culture in New Orleans

American Coffee and Culture

Respected for its rich history of film, music and natural beauty, America is also home to a unique coffee culture.
American Coffee and Culture

Coffee hotspots in Asia

Coffee culture in Vietnam
Renowned for its beautiful scenery and cultural heritage, as well as its bitterly sharp and strong flavoured coffee.

Coffee hotspots in Asia

Coffee culture in Indonesia

One of the top five coffee bean producers and exporters in the world.
Coffee culture in Indonesia

Coffee culture in Malaysia

A country of bustling cities and ancient rainforests, it’s also home to some truly strong-tasting coffee!
Coffee culture in Malaysia

Coffee culture in Japan

Known for its delicate teas, Japan is also one of the world's hidden coffee gems.
Coffee culture in Japan

Coffee culture in Korea

Steeped in rich Buddhist culture, South Korea is home to K-pop, kimchi and the famous Dalgona Coffee.
Coffee culture in Korea

Coffee culture in India

Known for the Taj Mahal, its diverse culture and Bollywood, India is also home to the world-famous Monsoon Malabar coffee.
Coffee culture in India

Coffee culture in China

Famous for its rich history and culture, China is also home to the delicious YuanYang coffee drink.
Coffee culture in China

Coffee culture in Yemen

Yemen is often overlooked when it comes to the interesting and lengthy history of coffee.
Coffee culture in Yemen

Coffee hotspots in Oceania

Coffee culture in Australia
With a strong coffee culture, Australia is home to some of the greatest coffee in the world.

Coffee hotspots in Oceania

Coffee culture in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is responsible for only 1% of the world's coffee, but the blends it produces are truly something to behold.
Coffee culture in Papua New Guinea

Coffee hotspots in Africa

Coffee culture in Ethiopia
A land of diverse landscape, history and world-renowned coffee, Ethiopia is where the coffee bean originated.

Coffee hotspots in Africa

Coffee culture in Arabia

Across Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa, coffee has played a key role in nearly every aspect of the region’s culture.

The incredible diversity of ways to enjoy coffee around the world is truly inspiring, just waiting to be discovered to make your world that little bit more enriching. Which coffee destinations will you be adding to your bucket list?

Coffee culture in Arabia

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Coffee culture in Arabia

Coffee Lifestyle

Coffee culture in Arabia

In Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa coffee has played a key role in nearly every aspect of the region’s culture. Find out more about Arabian coffee here.
arabian coffee culture

Coffee as inspiration

In the Middle East, Arabia and North Africa, coffee (Qahwa) has been widely used to settle marriages, contracts, and blood feuds, sometimes even seen as an offering of peace to end mutiny. In certain parts of the Middle East, Arabian coffee is used to greet visitors. It is said that if someone refuses an offering of coffee when entering one’s home, then they are about to ask you for something very close to their heart, such as forgiveness or permission. If this is accepted, then Qahwa coffee is enjoyed in celebration.

In many Arabic cultures, drinking coffee is a reason to get together and discuss news and mutual interests. In most traditional homes, the head of the household will take the first sip of Qahwa coffee to make sure that it is satisfactory for the rest of the family to drink too. There is a term used for Qahwa that does not taste satisfactory, and therefore may tarnish the reputation of the head of the family, if served to others. This is known as “Finjan al hail”. To this day, Arabic coffee continues to inspire the people of Arabia, the Middle East, and North Africa to create music, poetry and art.

The history of Arabian Coffee
Coffee was, according to apocryphal legend, discovered in Yemen a thousand years ago. The story begins with a goat herder named Ali, who thought that after his goats ate the fruit of a certain shrub, their energy levels increased. He took the shrub to a monastery and used the berries to keep himself awake during the long hours of meditation. The other monks considered the shrub to be a sedative and thus threw the shrub into the fire to burn. VERYIFY ALI.

arabian coffee history

Is Arabian coffee made of Arabica beans?

Usually, Arabian coffee is made primarily with Arabica beans. The reason for this is mainly geographical as well as due to market supply. There are large amounts of market grade Arabian coffee or Turkish coffee that are of unknown origin. However, some Arabian coffee blends contain a combination of both Arabica and Robusta coffee beans.

Arabian Coffee Brewing Methods
There are various brewing methods around the world, but most Arab countries use one of two methods. Most Arabian coffee may be served with a hint of cardamom or served plain. The coffee beans are either heavily or lightly roasted before the cardamom is added. The coffee is traditionally roasted at home and then ground, brewed and served to guests. The coffee is served with dried fruits, nuts, or candied fruit to soften its bitter taste. A pot called a “Dallah” is used to serve the freshly brewed Arabian coffee, which is poured into small cups without handles. The amount of coffee usually just about covers the bottom of the cup.

arabian coffee made of arabica beans

How to make Qahwa coffee

As mentioned, Qahwa coffee is the most popular throughout Arabic coffee culture, made from green coffee beans and cardamom. Qahwa coffee is so important in traditional values across Arabic countries that it is also the preferred hot drink at weddings and other celebrations. It is also consumed for breaking the fast-during Ramadan.
qahwa coffee

Ingredients for Qahwa coffee

  • Green coffee beans, lightly roasted and coarsely ground
  • Crushed cardamom
  • Water
  • Saffron strands
ingredients for qahwa coffee

Brewing process for Qahwa coffee

To make the most authentic Qahwa coffee, the water will need to be brought to the boil in a saucepan. Add the coffee once the water is boiling. After around 10 minutes of boiling, add the crushed Cardamom, then stir for around 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover the pan to allow the coffee grounds to settle. This should be left for about a minute, remember not to stir. This is when the Saffron should be added. Strain and pour the now steaming coffee into your chosen mug, or teapot. Now, your very own Qahwa coffee is ready to be served.
brewing process for qahwa coffee

How to order an Arabian coffee

If you’re planning on heading to the Middle East, you will want to know how to order your perfect Qahwa coffee. Here are a few ways to order your coffee:

  • Qahwa Sada - Black coffee with no sugar
  • Qahwa Ariha - Lightly sweetened coffee
  • Ahwa Mazboot - Medium amount of sugar in coffee
  • Qahwaziyada - Very sweet coffee

Arabian coffee is much more than just a drink in Arabic culture, it is a way of life that brings people together. The Arab world’s great respect for their traditional brewing and drinking methods is inspiring. Make your next trip that much more enriching by immersing yourself in the rich traditional values, brewing methods and delicious Arabian coffee. Next, discover coffee culture in Malaysia.

order an arabian coffee

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Coffee culture in America

Coffee Lifestyle

Coffee culture in America

Respected for its rich history, film, music industry and collection of unique & historic monuments, America is also home to unique coffee culture. Discover more.
american coffee culture

The history of American coffee

Coffee was first brought to America in 1733 by what was known as the Boston Party in 1773. The revolt against King George II generated a noticeable switch from tea to coffee amongst the colonists, resulting in the expansion of American coffee.

By the early 18th century, coffee had become one of the world’s largest profitable commodities. The consumption of American coffee grew to become especially prevalent during the Civil War, ultimately attracting the interest of savvy businessmen who understood coffee’s potential.

Among some of the most famous American coffee sellers are the Pittsburgh-born brothers known as John and Charles Arbuckle. The brothers began selling pre-roasted American coffee to cowboys in the west. Another American coffee seller at the time was James Folger, selling American coffee to gold miners in California. Other large coffee house brands such as Maxwell House and Hills Brothers were also among America’s early successful coffee sellers. The success of coffee during the post-Civil War era was the advance America needed to introduce coffee crops and coffee culture that has been sustained for centuries.

Today, American coffee culture is still going strong. A popular movement with independently owned coffee shops turning coffee into something of an art form. These small local coffee shops use specially selected and locally roasted beans. American coffee culture is just as much about the flavour of the coffee, as it is about how it’s grown, where it’s roasted and how it’s brewed.

american coffee history

American coffee culture

The coffee culture associated with American coffee is one of speed and quantity, in comparison to other coffee cultures such as Italy, where coffee is about relaxation and enjoyment. It’s estimated that Americans drink an average three cups of American coffee a day.

The rise of remote working has transformed the coffee culture of American society. Cafés are now seen as places to work efficiently with high-speed internet and refreshments on hand. There are many who spend hours in coffee shops, getting their work done, hosting important meetings, and indulging in the efficiency and convenience of ready-to-drink coffee. Unlike the sound of conversation amongst friends which is present in most coffee shops around the world, American coffee shops are generally more quiet.

american coffee and work

What is American coffee?

The majority of American coffee is made with Arabica beans, usually a medium roast. However, a darker roast is often used for iced coffees. Many Americans prefer their coffee black, or ‘cream only’. There are also those who take their coffee with milk and sugar. Added flavours in the form of syrups such as caramel and the chocolatey flavour of mocha are very popular with American coffee drinkers. Although many associate American coffees with a watered-down espresso, the coffee has very little to do with the water-to-coffee ratio, and more to do with the way that it is brewed. During the Second World War, American soldiers stationed in Italy didn’t care much for the taste of the local coffee, thinking it was too strong. They added more water to dilute it, which is where the stereotype of the ‘watered-down’ coffee comes from.
american coffee made with arabica beans

American coffee aka drip coffee

The drip-brewed method is the most commonly used across America. This method requires a filter and hot water that is poured over the ground coffee beans. This method works perfectly with the medium roast coffee commonly used in America, which is why drip coffee makers are seen in many coffee shops and homes across the country. As in many countries, coffee is a cultural phenomenon, but it’s especially prevalent in American society, with a million Americans drinking coffee every day, whenever they want. No matter where the coffee is made, the most important aspect of American coffee is how it’s brewed.

Are you inspired to make your next travel destination somewhere in America? Next, discover coffee culture in New Orleans.

american drip coffee

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