HOW TO MAKE TURKISH COFFEE 

We know you like to try new things, we want to show you an interesting brewing method ‘Turkish coffee’. Would you like to know more about Turkish coffee, and how to make it? It's such a unique brewing method. You can make Turkish coffee at home with this handy guide. There are a couple of things you need to do correctly, your preparation, using coffee roasted specifically for Turkish coffee, and the right technique. We’ll walk you through everything from start to finish. 

So, what is Turkish coffee? 

Turkish coffee is a method of coffee preparation, it originated in the Middle Eastern and European countries- Iran, Turkey, and Greece. It is made by combining Arabica finely ground coffee beans with water, sometimes with sugar that brings out liquid to a frothy foaming stage, just below boiling. This coffee is traditionally brewed in a pot called ‘cezve or ibrik’- if you want to make it at home, a small pot will do. It is then simmered over the lowest heat or traditionally on hot sand. When it reaches the desired stage, the brew, including the coffee grounds is distributed to cups. 

Do you want to know what happens next? The coffee grounds sink to the bottom of the cup and the remaining liquid is consumed. If you brew this coffee correctly, it will have a strong aroma. 

As you can see, the method of preparing Turkish coffee is unique and takes much effort from you either as a barista or if you are making it from home. Whatever the case, it's worth the trouble.  

Where did the story of Turkish coffee start?

The story of Turkish coffee began in 1555 when two Syrian traders first brought coffee to Istanbul. It then became an important part of the Ottaman's court extensive ceremonies. The coffee makers served this drink properly, and this ritual played out in their marriage ceremonies. In the ceremony, women in the harem were purposely trained to make Turkish coffee. Then the suitor would judge the woman based on her skills in preparing the drink.

This coffee wasn't just used for the ceremonies, when coffee houses in Tahtakle neigborhood in Eminonu opened, it became the central point of social life for Turkish men. The coffee houses were also the primary place for distribution of oral culture in the Ottaman Empire. Also, it became a place for comedians, artists, and other show people to perform for the crowd. 

The coffee houses are still in existence. It is still a place where people gather to socialize, talk politics and play backgammon over cups of coffee.

Which coffee beans are best for Turkish coffee? 

It's left for you to decide the best beans for Turkish coffee. However, if you are looking to keep the tradition and get quality taste and flavor, it is best to go for the traditional Arabica beans. Whatever beans you are using, make sure the appropriate ground level of the beans is fixed. Also, make sure you grind to be as fine as possible- like powder or dust. Attaining this ground level brings out the best taste from the final cup you sip. 

BUY SPECIALTY COFFEE ROASTED SPECIFICALLY FOR TURKISH COFFEE  

How to drink Turkish coffee? 

Turkish coffee is simply an art. There is a unique process on how you should serve Turkish coffee. The serving process may sound simple but that's what makes it special. To serve this coffee correctly, it has to be taken alongside water. The water has its purpose, it affords the drinker a whole coffee experience. When you take sips of water, it clears your palate before you take the coffee. You have to repeat the water and coffee sips alternatively till you are done drinking. If you follow this ritual, you’ll get the best coffee experience ever. You can add a thin slice of apple or rose petal to your water to give it a subtle aroma. 

A common question is ‘how strong is Turkish coffee?’. The answer is, Turkish coffee has special characteristics- strong taste and very rich. Turkish coffee has about 65 mg of caffeine in one cup. 

Tips to get good quality beans for Turkish coffee 

• You can buy Arabica coffee beans for the brew but it has to be fresh. These are some tips to know the beans you want to use are fresh and of good quality.  Good beans should have the smell of coffee. You know that strong smell of coffee, that makes your day, that smells like heaven. Yea, that's it. If the beans are not good, you won't find that irresistible aroma which will result in a tasteless cup when made. 
• Another way to know if the beans are fresh is to look at it, if it's looking matte and dull, it's stale. Feel the coffee beans in your hands to see if it resolves in your hand. If the oils are present, then it's not stale. You wouldn't have to worry about any of these, if you buy our Turkish delight, they are freshly roasted and made from high altitude superior quality beans.

How to make Turkish coffee 

It's not difficult to make Turkish coffee with this simple recipe. 

Supplies you need: 

• Water 
• Fresh coffee beans 
• Sugar (optional) 

Making Turkish coffee using in a cezve or ibrik 

• Measure and grind the coffee you want to use (very fine grounds). 
• Mix the coffee and water. Use a teaspoon, mix the finely ground coffee with cold water in a coffee pot until well combined. The ratio for the desired consistency is 2 tablespoons of ground coffee and one cup of cold water. 
• Add sugar, if you want your coffee to be sweet or you are sharing this wonderful cup of coffee with family or friends, you always need to ask them how sweet they’ll like the coffee to be. If you want it a little sweet, add ½ cube of sugar. If you want it a bit sweeter, add one cube of sugar. For something super sweet, add 2 cubes of sugar. (The measurement given is for one cup of coffee). 
• Place the coffee pot on low heat and let it boil for a while. Stir it gently 2 to 3 times. When it's about to boil and foams rise, remove them from the heat. 
• Use a teaspoon to share the foams into each coffee cup, return the pot to heat and remove it when it boils. 
• Pour the coffee into the cups and enjoy! This is the standard way of making Turkish coffee. However, you can achieve the same results without an ibrik. 

First, What is an ibrik? 

An ibrik is a container that has a spout used for pouring and storing liquid. It is traditionally made of stainless steel or ceramic. Over time, it has been used for coffee.  

How to make Turkish coffee without an ibrik 

You don't have to worry if you don't have an ibrik or a traditional cezve. A small saucepan works fine. The smaller the saucepan, the better. If you are using a large saucepan to make two people, you won’t get that foam but if you are making 5-7 cups, you’ll manage to get the foam. Just repeat the same process as described above. If you are looking for an easier way out, you can invest in a Turkish coffee machine. 

Can Turkish coffee be made with milk? 

Traditionally, Turkish coffee is known to have a strong aroma so it was never made with milk. But people add milk to it. If you want to add milk, only do so to give it a mild taste but you should expect it to be frothy. 

Tips on how to make the best Turkish coffee 

• Use filtered cold water to avoid dust or other contaminants from getting into your coffee. Never try to use warm or hot water. 
• Use freshly ground coffee: If you use coffee that is not fresh or one that has been in your cupboard for months, be rest assured that it won't foam. To keep your coffee beans fresh after opening, store them in an airtight container and consume within 2-4 weeks, 

READ MORE: BEST WAY TO STORE COFFEE BEANS

• Always mix the coffee, water, and sugar in the pot gently. 
• Don't mix it fast. To get the best results, cook your coffee on the lowest heat, stir two to three times before it starts to rise. When you reheat the coffee, pour it slowly into the cups so that the bubbles will remain safe. 

If you've not tasted this coffee before, this is the best time to do so. You now know how to make Turkish coffee, why not get our Turkish delight to get started on your brew!.