If you want to break the routine and dream of a coffee that is different from the usual espresso, you’ll love to find out how to brew Greek coffee to perfection. This is a popular drink in Greece, to the point that it has become part of the local way of life. It is somewhat reminiscent of American coffee, but its flavor is much more intense and aromatic.
This ancient specialty fully reflects Hellenic culture and tradition, but to enjoy it you do not need to travel to the beautiful Mediterranean country: today we will learn how to make a few cups from the comfort of your own home.
How to make a perfect Greek coffee
Like Turkish coffee, this particular method of preparation brings coffee powder to a boil in the traditional pot (called briki) in order to promote the extraction of a high number of nutrients.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of ground coffee for each cup you wish to prepare.
- One cup of water for each individual serving.
- Sugar.
- Spices such as cinnamon or cardamom, if desired.
Preparation
- Pour the water into the briki.
- Pour the mince into the water, stirring with a teaspoon.
- Add sugar, if desired.
- Over low heat, bring to a boil.
- When a thick, dark foam forms, you can turn off the flame.
- Pour the Greek coffee into the cups and let it sit for a minute or two to allow the remaining powder to settle to the bottom.
Ways of tasting
Depending on personal taste, it is suggested to taste (slowly) Greek coffee in different ways:
- Sketos: no sugar, particularly intense variant.
- Metrios: with a teaspoon of sugar.
- Glykys or glykos: with two or three teaspoons of sugar.
- Vrastos glykys: sweetened, but boiled several times.
How to make an iced Greek coffee
In addition to the traditional version of Greek coffee, there is also a more “modern” variant. It is, in essence, a revised and corrected iced coffee.
The preparation is completely identical to that of the canonical version. The difference lies in chilling it, adding a teaspoon of condensed milk, and adding a few ice cubes. Then it is shaken, and the iced Greek coffee is ready to be enjoyed.