A Nice Cuppa

One of the most common questions asked when serving up coffee is..

“How do you take yours?”

“With cream and sugar.” is the response of many Americans, but do you ever wonder how coffee drinkers in other countries drink theirs? Well, let’s take a little virtual trip around the globe.

Austria
In 1685, the very first known coffee house was opened in Vienna. Even today the coffee house remains a hallowed institution. In those popular Viennese coffee houses you’ll find them serving up coffee drinks in small demitasse cups. One popular recipe is strong brewed coffee and melted chocolate served in a demitasse and topped off with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

France
The french aren’t just into drinking their wine. In Paris you’ll likely find many of their cafes filled with patrons sipping bowls filled to the brim with Cafe au Laits. A Cafe au Lait is one-part strong coffee and one-part hot milk.

Ireland
Irish Coffee traces its roots back to the 1940’s in a busy airport in County Limerick where a barkeeper created the famous concoction of coffee and Irish Whisky in a very successful attempt to warm travellers on chilly Irish nights. Since then the recipe has travelled the world and become a very popular dessert drink. To make your own Irish Coffee serve strong brewed coffee with a touch of Irish whisky and sugar to taste. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream.

Italy
The saying goes, “When in Rome do as the Romans do.” , it should also be “When in Rome try the coffee.” Italy is well known for serving up espresso - small cups of very strong coffee. The Italians are also known for serving up Cappuccino which is infused with steamed and frothy milk.

Mexico
Mexico has deep and long established roots when it comes to coffee history. The first known coffee plant took root in 18th century Mexico. You’ll find popular Mexican coffee is a combination of strong coffee brewed with a cinnamon stick, and a bit of cocoa or chopped chocolate and brown sugar is added to the brewed mixture. Last but definitely not least, the cup is topped off with whipped cream.

Thailand
Thai food is very much known for its blending of flavors - salty and sweet to hot and sour. So of course, Thai coffee is much the same. Traditionally Thai coffee is brewed with ground cardamom and coriander. The coriander gives the drink an earthy flavor while the cardamom adds a sweet and citrusy taste. Sweetened condensed milk is then stirred into the coffee and the mixture is served either hot or over ice.