As the Christmas season arrives, there’s nothing quite like a warm cup of coffee to bring out the spirit of the season. This year, why not add a unique twist to your Christmas coffee routine with Turkish coffee? Known for its rich taste, fine grind, and traditional brewing method, Turkish coffee offers an experience beyond just a hot beverage—it’s a ritual of connection, warmth, and culture.
What is Turkish Coffee?
Turkish coffee is a unique and ancient brewing method that originated in the Middle East, known for its full-bodied flavour and velvety texture. What sets Turkish coffee apart is its finely ground coffee beans, almost powder-like in consistency, and its traditional preparation method.
If you didn’t already know, Turkish coffee is brewed in a small pot called a cezve or ibrik, where coffee grounds and water are combined (often with sugar, depending on personal taste) and slowly heated until frothy. The grounds settle at the bottom of the cup, so there’s no need for a filter.
Whilst we love the taste, we also love that drinking Turkish coffee is also a communal experience. Traditionally, it’s served in small, ornate cups, allowing each and every person to savour and connect over conversation. Turkish coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual that has brought people together for centuries – and that’s why it’s perfect for Christmas.
Adding Christmas Spice to Your Turkish Coffee
With the Christmas season, infusing Turkish coffee with festive spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or even a touch of clove can create a seasonal experience in each cup. These spices beautifully complement the deep, rich notes of Turkish coffee and give it a warm, Christmas-inspired twist.
Here’s a simple recipe to bring the taste of the Christmass to your Turkish coffee:
Christmas-Spiced Turkish Coffee Recipe
Ingredients:
- 70.80ml cup water
- 1 heaped teaspoon Turkish coffee
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
- A pinch of nutmeg and clove (optional)
- Sugar to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- In a cezve (or a small saucepan if you don’t have one), combine water, coffee, and spices.
- Stir well, then place over low heat and bring to a slow, gentle boil. You’ll want to see small bubbles forming around the edges as the coffee begins to froth.
- Remove from heat just before it boils over. We would recommend pouring the thick froth into the cups at this stage and then cook the rest further.
- Carefully pour into a small coffee cup, allowing the grounds to settle. Enjoy the warm, spiced aromas that bring the Christmas spirit to your coffee!
A Modern Twist: Filter Coffee
If you love the flavours of traditional Turkish coffee but prefer a more straightforward, quick-brew method, filter coffee is another one of our favourite options. Our filter coffee offers a strong, rich flavour profile similar to Turkish coffee but is made with a standard coffee filter rather than the traditional cezve. This method is perfect for busy mornings or when you want the essence of Turkish coffee with the ease of a quick brew. You can even add a festive twist with Christmas spices, making it a versatile choice for the holiday season.
How to Make Christmas-Spiced Filter Coffee:
- Mix your ground filter coffee with your favourite Christmas spices in a coffee filter (a dash of cinnamon and cardamom work beautifully).
- Brew as usual with hot water, allowing the spiced coffee blend to steep and infuse.
- Serve in a small cup, and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a cinnamon stick for extra festive flair.
Filter coffee is a fantastic option for holiday gatherings, providing the bold taste of Turkish coffee without the need for a cezve. Perfect for on-the-go moments or when you want to serve something unique and festive to guests!
Serve in Style: Handmade Coffee Cups
Presentation is a big part of the Turkish coffee experience. For the Christmass, consider serving your Turkish coffee in handmade coffee cups. These often feature intricate designs inspired by Middle Eastern art and Turkish motifs, adding an extra layer of elegance and authenticity to your Christmas coffee ritual. These cups can be found in ceramic, copper, or even porcelain, each adding a distinct aesthetic to your table. Plus, if you are gifting Turkish coffee this year, you can purchase handmade coffee cups as an additional present.
Why Turkish Coffee for Christmas?
There’s something special about Turkish coffee that resonates with the Christmas season. It’s warm, it’s strong, and it’s meant to be savoured slowly with loved ones—much like the spirit of Christmas. Whether you’re brewing it traditionally with a cezve, adding festive spices, or opting for the convenience of high-quality filter coffee this unique coffee ritual brings a beautiful, old-world charm to Christmas celebrations.
Happy Christmass, and may every sip be merry!