October 1st is International Coffee Day and we want you to get lost in the wonderful world of coffee. This global celebration is all about your favourite brew and the unique brewing traditions that come with it. As you dive into the world of coffee you’ll find each country has its signature way of brewing that takes the coffee experience to the next level.
From the intricate rituals of a Japanese pour-over to the bold flavours of an Italian espresso, every brewing method tells a story of heritage, innovation and passion. From Turkish coffee, thick and rich in a traditional cezve to Vietnamese drip coffee with the perfect balance of sweet and bitter. With every sip you are not just drinking a drink, you are connecting with the traditions, values and artistry behind coffee making.
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So whether you are a casual coffee drinker or a coffee aficionado, this International Coffee Day is the perfect excuse to broaden your horizons and get to know the brewing customs from around the world. Get ready to go on a flavour journey that celebrates the art and cultural significance of coffee globally!
What Is Coffee Brewing?
Brewing coffee is the process of extracting flavours and aromas from coffee grounds to make a lovely cup. It’s made up of a few key elements: the coffee beans, the grind, the brewing method and the water temperature. It starts with choosing high-quality coffee beans which can vary greatly in origin, flavour profile and roast level.
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Once the beans are ground the brewing method, espresso, French press, pour or cold brew, determines how the water interacts with the coffee grounds. Each method has its characteristics that affect the extraction time and overall flavour. The water temperature also plays a big part; too hot and you will scorch the grounds, too cold and you will under-extract. Brewing coffee is both an art and a science as it requires precision and experimentation to get the perfect cup to your taste.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is known as the birthplace of coffee and its coffee tradition is steeped in culture. The traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony is an ancient ritual where green coffee beans are roasted in a pan over an open flame. Once roasted the beans are ground in a mortar and brewed in a special pot called a “jebena”. The coffee is served with sugar and sometimes with spices like cardamom. It is not just about making coffee, it is a social event where friends and family gather, to bond and to celebrate hospitality. Ethiopians see coffee as part of their cultural identity, each step of the process has meaning.
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Italy
Italy is famous for its espresso culture and it is part of daily life. Italians drink coffee at the bar and espresso is the favourite. The brewing process is to force hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure and you get a concentrated and flavourful shot of coffee. Various coffee drinks like cappuccino, macchiato and latte originated from Italy, each with specific ratio of espresso, milk and foam. Italian coffee culture is about quality and simplicity, it is a ritual that combines the pleasure of coffee with social interaction, often with a light pastry.
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Turkey
Turkish coffee is a unique brewing method recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is finely ground coffee mixed with water and sugar (if desired) in a special pot called a “cezve” or “ibrik”. The mixture is slowly brought to a boil over low heat, the coffee froths and then poured into small cups, grounds included. Turkish coffee is served with a glass of water and sometimes with sweets. The preparation and serving of Turkish coffee is a social event, it is about hospitality and tradition and the method of brewing is passed down through generations.
Sweden
In Sweden, coffee is not just a drink but part of the “fika” culture which means to take a break and enjoy coffee and pastries. Swedes brew coffee using the “kokkaffe” method where coarsely ground coffee is boiled in water and then filtered. Or many prefer to brew coffee with drip coffee makers. Coffee is served strong and black with delicious baked goods like cinnamon buns or cardamom cakes. Fika moments are an integral part of daily life, to relax and socialise, at home or at the workplace.
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Brazil
As the biggest coffee producer in the world, Brazil has a coffee culture all about enjoying strong coffee. Brazilian coffee is often made with the method called “café coado” where coffee grounds are placed in a filter and hot water is poured over them and you get a smooth brew. In the countryside, coffee is sometimes made with a “cafezinho”, a small sweet coffee served after meals. Coffee is a part of every Brazilian household and the culture puts emphasis on the quality of the beans, often preferring local ones. Coffee is shared in social gatherings so it is a big part of hospitality.
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Japan
Japanese coffee culture is all about precision and art. Especially with the pour-over methods. One of the most popular is the “Kyoto-style cold brew” where coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for several hours using a slow drip system and you get a smooth and aromatic coffee. The Japanese “siphon” method is also a vacuum brewing system that produces visually stunning results. Coffee shops focus on quality and craftsmanship, baristas take their time to perfect each cup. Japanese coffee culture blends traditional and modern, it is a unique and sophisticated coffee experience.
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Vietnam
Vietnamese coffee is strong, sweet and often with condensed milk. The traditional method is a drip filter called “phin” where hot water is poured over coarse ground coffee and it drips into a glass with sweetened condensed milk.
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You get a sweet coffee called “cà phê sữa đá” when served iced. The street coffee culture is vibrant and social, vendors serve coffee on the sidewalk and in busy cafes. Coffee is a daily ritual for many Vietnamese, it is about the balance of strong flavours and sweetness of the milk.