How to Make Turkish Coffee - A Timeless Tradition

Introduction to Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee isn’t just a way to brew coffee; it’s a centuries-old tradition that combines rich flavours with a deep cultural heritage. Known for its bold taste, velvety texture, and unmistakable aroma, Turkish coffee is enjoyed across Turkey, the Middle East, and beyond.

This method of brewing involves finely ground coffee, slow heating, and serving in small cups, making it a distinctive coffee experience. The process may seem intricate at first, but it’s incredibly rewarding, turning each cup into a moment of indulgence.

What You’ll Need

To brew Turkish coffee, you’ll need a few specific tools and ingredients:

• A cezve (or ibrik): A small pot with a long handle, traditionally made of copper or brass.
• Finely ground coffee: The grind should be powdery and smooth—Turkish coffee requires an ultra-fine texture. RISE Coffee’s speciality blends, ground to your preference, work wonderfully for this.
• Cold water: Helps extract the flavours evenly during the slow brewing process.
• Sugar (optional): Sweeten the coffee during brewing if you prefer.
• Demitasse cups: These small cups enhance the traditional experience of drinking Turkish coffee.

With just these few essentials, you’re ready to brew a cup of Turkish coffee that’s rich in flavour and history.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Turkish Coffee

Step 1 – Measure and Mix

Begin by measuring one heaped teaspoon of finely ground coffee per cup you’re making. Add this to the cezve along with the corresponding amount of cold water (about 70ml per cup).

If you prefer your coffee sweetened, now’s the time to add sugar. The traditional measurements are:

• No sugar: “Sade”
• Medium sweet: One teaspoon of sugar per cup
• Sweet: Two teaspoons of sugar per cup

Stir the mixture well before placing the cezve on your stove. This step ensures the coffee and sugar are evenly combined for a smooth brew.

Step 2 – Slow Brewing on Low Heat

Set your stove to low heat and place the cezve on it. The secret to great Turkish coffee is patience—let it heat slowly so the flavours develop fully.

As the coffee heats, you’ll notice a foam forming on top. This foam, or “kaimak,” is an essential part of Turkish coffee and adds to its creamy texture. Avoid boiling the coffee; once it starts to rise towards the edge of the cezve, remove it from the heat.

Step 3 – Pouring and Serving

Once the coffee has heated and the foam has formed, it’s time to pour. Pour slowly and carefully into your demitasse cups, dividing the foam evenly between them. Turkish coffee is served unfiltered, so don’t worry about the grounds—they’ll settle naturally at the bottom of the cup.

Traditionally, Turkish coffee is served with a glass of water and a small sweet treat, such as Turkish delight or a piece of chocolate. The water cleanses your palate, allowing you to fully enjoy the coffee’s rich, bold flavours.

Tips for the Best Turkish Coffee

To truly master Turkish coffee, keep these tips in mind:

• Use fresh, finely ground coffee: Turkish coffee’s unique texture and taste rely on an ultra-fine grind. Specialty coffee from RISE, ground to a powder-like consistency, is perfect for this method.
• Clean your cezve after each use: Residual coffee oils can impact the flavour of future brews, so a quick rinse after each use is a must.
• Experiment with spice: Add a pinch of cardamom, cinnamon, or even a touch of rose water to the coffee grounds for a fragrant twist on tradition.
• Never rush the process: The slow brewing method is what makes Turkish coffee special. Let it heat gently for the best flavour extraction.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned coffee lovers can make mistakes when brewing Turkish coffee. Here are some common pitfalls and how to sidestep them:

• Boiling the coffee: This destroys the delicate foam and results in a burnt taste. Keep the heat low and remove the cezve as the coffee rises.
• Skipping the foam: The foam isn’t just aesthetic—it’s a key part of Turkish coffee’s texture. Stir gently before heating to ensure the foam develops.
• Not letting the grounds settle: Turkish coffee is unfiltered, so give it a moment to rest in the cup before drinking to allow the grounds to sink to the bottom.
• Using the wrong grind size: Anything less than powder-fine won’t work for Turkish coffee. Make sure your coffee is ground properly for the best results.

By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll elevate your Turkish coffee game and enjoy a consistently excellent cup.

Turkish Coffee’s Place in Coffee Culture

Turkish coffee is more than a brewing method—it’s a UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage that has brought people together for centuries. In Turkey and throughout the Middle East, it’s a symbol of hospitality and connection. Coffee is often shared with guests, and the ritual of brewing and serving it reflects a sense of care and tradition.

A fascinating aspect of Turkish coffee culture is fortune-telling, or “tasseography.” After finishing your cup, the coffee grounds left at the bottom are swirled and then read to predict your future. Whether you believe in it or not, it’s a fun and unique way to add some magic to your coffee ritual.

Pairing Turkish Coffee with RISE Specialty Blends

RISE Coffee subscription boxes are a perfect match for Turkish coffee brewing. Our speciality blends are curated from independent roasters, ensuring high-quality beans that bring out the full-bodied richness Turkish coffee is known for. Order your box with our espresso ground option to suit this brewing method. 

The finely ground consistency required for Turkish coffee is easy to achieve with fresh RISE coffee. Pair it with the unique treats included in each subscription box for a luxurious coffee experience—think artisanal chocolates, biscuits, or even a recipe for something new to try.

Conclusion

Making Turkish coffee is an opportunity to slow down and savour the process, blending tradition with rich, bold flavours. It’s a brewing method steeped in culture and perfect for highlighting the quality of speciality coffee like RISE’s curated blends.

So why not give it a try? Take your coffee ritual to new heights and discover the joy of Turkish coffee. With RISE Coffee’s subscription boxes, you’ll have the perfect coffee to brew a cup worth sharing—whether it’s with friends, family, or simply for yourself.