Greek coffee is a traditional brewing method with timeless appeal. The resulting rich, dark, and strong brew is not just a drink but a cultural and social experience. Even with the modern preference for crisp filter coffees and light roasts, Greek coffee remains a favorite among coffee enthusiasts worldwide – myself included.
Making Greek Coffee: The Basics
Traditional Greek coffee is a strong black coffee topped with a rich layer of foam. It’s unfiltered, meaning the grounds remain in the cup, similar to Turkish coffee or cowboy coffee. Greek coffee is made using a steeping method where very finely ground coffee beans are boiled in a special pot called a briki.
Sipping a bold and sweet Greek coffee is a unique experience and an integral part of Greek culture. Mastering the simple brewing technique is well worth it to enjoy this distinctive coffee at home.
Greek Coffee Ingredients
– 2 teaspoons finely ground coffee
– 1-2 teaspoons sugar (to taste)
– 3 ounces cold water
– Briki coffee pot
– 3-ounce demitasse cup
At a Glance
– Time: 5 minutes
– Yield: One coffee (3 ounces)
The Briki: Essential for Greek Coffee
Greek coffee is traditionally made in a briki, a tall, thin pot with a long handle that angles upward from the rim. This same device is used to make Turkish coffee, where it’s known as a cezve or ibrik.
Brikis usually come in 2, 4, or 6-cup sizes. A general rule of thumb is to make as many cups as your briki can hold minus one cup. This leaves just enough room to manipulate the foam, as too much extra room can ruin the foaming process.
Can You Make Greek Coffee Without a Briki?
You don’t necessarily need a briki to make Greek coffee. Any small saucepan will work, provided it’s the right size for the number of cups you want to make. A pouring spout is helpful but not mandatory.
Ratio of Coffee to Water
The ratio of coffee to water for Greek coffee is roughly 1:13 by weight. This equates to 7 grams of coffee brewed in 90 grams of water. Adjust this ratio to suit your taste.
What Size Cup to Use?
Greek coffee is served in a demitasse cup, also known as an espresso cup, as it is a very strong coffee best enjoyed in small doses. These tiny cups hold between 2 and 3 ounces of coffee.
The Best Greek Coffee Recipe
This recipe may seem simple, but there are a few critical details to master. Let’s walk through making a perfect cup of Greek coffee step by step. Greek coffee is as much a technique as it is a recipe, so feel free to adjust the amount of coffee and sugar to your preference.
Step 1: Add Water
Add the required amount of water to your briki – approximately 3 ounces per serving. The best way to measure this is by using your demitasse cups.
Step 2: Add Coffee and Sugar
Add 2 teaspoons of coffee per cup to the water in the briki. If you prefer your coffee sweetened, add the sugar at this stage. Unlike typical North American coffee preparations, the sweetener is added before brewing rather than after.
**Pro Tip:** Greek coffee requires a very fine grind, even finer than espresso – often labeled as Turkish grind. If you’re grinding your own beans, you’ll likely need a special Turkish coffee grinder.
Step 3: Place Over Heat
Place the briki on the stove over medium heat and stir the coffee until it’s thoroughly mixed with the water and sugar. Then, stop stirring and let the coffee heat gradually, watching as the foam starts to form.
Step 4: Let the Kaïmaki Rise
Allow the coffee to sit on the heat. As it approaches a boil, a foam will begin to rise – known as the Kaïmaki (ka-ee-MAH-kee). When enough foam forms to reach the lip of the briki, quickly remove it from the heat before it spills over. With a small briki, this can happen quickly, so watch carefully.
Step 5: Serve the Drink
To serve Greek coffee, use a spoon to evenly distribute the foam among the cups first. Then carefully pour the coffee into each demitasse, taking care to leave the grounds in the briki.
How to Drink Greek Coffee
Drinking Greek coffee the right way is an essential part of the experience. The main thing to remember is to take it slow. Let the coffee settle to the bottom to avoid getting grounds in your mouth. Greek coffee is best enjoyed with good company. Take your time, sip slowly, and savor the conversation. In Greece, coffee breaks often last upwards of an hour and a half!
Greek Coffee Variations
Greek coffee is not traditionally served with milk or cream but is often sweetened with sugar. If you order Greek coffee in a coffee shop in Greece, it can be prepared in several ways:
– Sketos: Black coffee without sugar.
– Metrios: Semi-sweetened black coffee (1 tsp of sugar per serving).
– Glykos: Moderately sweet coffee (2 tsp of sugar per serving).
– Vary Glykos: Very sweet coffee (3-4 tsp of sugar per serving).
How To Perfect Greek Coffee: Final Thoughts
Next time you’re craving a strong coffee in the morning, try making traditional Greek coffee at home. It’s a bold and flavorful way to kickstart your day! For true authenticity, serve it with a tall glass of water and some cookies, baked goods, or other sweets. And remember, the most important part is to sip slowly and enjoy the moment and the company.
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