1. Ethiopia: The Birthplace of Coffee

Ethiopia, considered the birthplace of coffee, holds a deep spiritual and social connection to the beverage. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a time-honored tradition that reflects the community’s appreciation for coffee.

• Ceremonial approach: Coffee is brewed in a jebena, a traditional clay pot, after the beans are roasted and ground by hand. Served black in small cups, often with sugar, the ceremony involves three rounds, symbolizing community and blessings.

2. Middle East: Hospitality and Tradition

In the Middle East, coffee has been a symbol of hospitality for centuries, with traditions varying across the region.

• Their coffee tradition: In Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Arabic coffee (qahwa) is brewed with cardamom and saffron, served in small cups called finjan, often accompanied by dates. In Lebanon and Jordan, Turkish coffee—thick and unfiltered—is brewed in a cezve and served in small cups, with the grounds settling at the bottom.

3. Japan: Precision and Aesthetic

In Japan, coffee is treated as an art form, where brewing methods focus on precision and aesthetics.

• Their method: Siphon coffee is a popular choice, brewed in a vacuum pot for a clean and balanced flavor. In kissaten (traditional coffee houses), hand-drip coffee is served in elegant surroundings, emphasizing a slow, mindful experience.

4. Italy: Espresso Rituals

Italy is synonymous with espresso, where coffee is an essential part of daily life.

• A daily practice: Italians typically drink espresso in small, quick sips, often standing at a bar. In the morning, cappuccinos are enjoyed, but never after noon. After meals, Italians finish with a simple espresso.

5. France: Coffee and Croissants

In France, coffee is often paired with a flaky pastry or croissant, enjoyed in a relaxed, leisurely fashion.

• How they enjoy it: The French often start their day with café au lait, a mix of coffee and steamed milk, served in a large cup or bowl. Throughout the day, an espresso is a common choice, often sipped slowly in a café while engaging in conversation or people-watching.

6. Finland: Coffee as a Daily Ritual

Finland boasts one of the highest coffee consumption rates globally, with coffee integrated into daily life.

• How they enjoy it: Finns drink kahvi, often brewed using drip methods and typically taken black, though adding milk or sugar is common. Coffee is enjoyed throughout the day, especially during social gatherings or formal work breaks, often accompanied by a sweet cinnamon bun known as korvapuusti.

7. USA: From Fast Coffee to Specialty Brews

The United States has seen a shift from convenience coffee to a more sophisticated specialty coffee scene.

• The American approach: Traditional drip coffee remains popular, often served with cream and sugar. The rise of third-wave coffee has brought attention to brewing methods like Chemex and Aeropress, with a focus on single-origin beans. Espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos are widely enjoyed in cafes.

8. Brazil: Cafézinho and Social Connection

Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, embraces a casual yet deeply ingrained coffee culture centered around cafézinho.

• How they enjoy it: Brazilians drink cafézinho, a small, strong, sweet coffee served throughout the day. It’s a common social gesture to offer cafézinho to guests, often accompanied by pão de queijo (cheese bread). Coffee is consumed quickly but always with warmth and conversation.

A Global Coffee Movement

Today, with the rise of specialty coffee and independent cafes, coffee drinkers worldwide enjoy a variety of brewing methods, from pour-over and cold brew to espresso. This global movement allows coffee enthusiasts to explore different beans, processes, and flavors, making each cup a unique experience.

From Ethiopian ceremonies to quick espresso shots in Italy, the way people drink coffee reflects their traditions and lifestyles. As specialty coffee continues to expand, coffee remains a global connector that transcends borders, bringing cultures together through this beloved beverage.