13 Coffee Drinks Around the World Worth Sipping

Coffee is more than a beverage. It is a shared language that connects cultures and comforts people everywhere. Across continents, each country brews it differently, from the spiced and earthy pots of Africa to the smooth and creamy cups of Europe and the Americas. Every sip reveals something about local traditions and flavors. Whether you crave sweetness, strength, or subtlety, these 13 unique coffee drinks show just how rich and creative the world’s caffeine rituals can be.

1. Türk Kahvesi (Turkey)

Turkish coffee is one of the oldest coffee traditions in the world and remains a cultural centerpiece. Finely ground coffee is simmered with water and sugar in a small copper pot called a cezve, producing a thick and aromatic brew. It is poured directly into a cup, unfiltered, allowing the grounds to settle naturally. The foam on top signals good quality, and the drink is often paired with Turkish delight. After drinking, people sometimes read fortunes in the remaining grounds, turning a cup of coffee into a shared social experience.

2. Café au Lait (France)

The French morning is not complete without a comforting cup of café au lait. This warm, smooth drink mixes equal parts strong-brewed coffee and steamed milk for a balanced, velvety flavor. It is traditionally served in large cups or bowls, inviting people to dip croissants or toasted bread. Unlike the espresso-based latte, café au lait uses drip or French press coffee, creating a lighter and less intense profile. Simple, elegant, and satisfying, it represents the French philosophy of taking pleasure in small, everyday rituals.

3. Flat White (Australia)

The flat white was born in Australia and New Zealand and has since become a global favorite. It combines espresso with steamed milk that forms a fine microfoam, creating a smooth, silky texture. Less milky than a latte but creamier than a cappuccino, it allows the espresso’s strength to shine while remaining soft on the palate. The drink symbolizes modern coffee culture: precise, unpretentious, and crafted with care. For many, it strikes the perfect balance between intensity and comfort, making it a café staple around the world.

4. Café Cubano (Cuba)

Café Cubano delivers intense flavor in a tiny cup. This strong, sweet espresso is brewed with demerara sugar added during extraction, creating a thick caramel-like crema on top. Served in small cups called tacitas, it is meant to be shared, often passed around among friends or family. More than a caffeine fix, it is a social ritual and a symbol of Cuban warmth and connection. Its bold sweetness and rich aroma reflect the island’s passion for flavor and the importance of togetherness in everyday life.

5. Café de Olla (Mexico)

Café de Olla, or “coffee from the pot,” is a Mexican classic steeped in tradition. Brewed in a clay pot with ground coffee, cinnamon, and piloncillo, it offers a comforting blend of earthy, spicy, and sweet notes. The clay pot adds a subtle mineral flavor that enhances the warmth of the drink. It is often enjoyed during holidays, family gatherings, or cold evenings in the countryside. Each cup carries generations of history, offering not only caffeine but also a deep sense of community and heritage.

6. Espresso Romano (Italy)

Espresso Romano puts a zesty spin on Italy’s beloved espresso. The drink is served with a slice of lemon or lemon peel, which adds a hint of citrus aroma and softens the coffee’s bitterness. Some drinkers rub the peel along the rim of the cup to enhance flavor before sipping. Although not a traditional staple everywhere in Italy, it is popular among those who enjoy a refreshing contrast to the classic espresso. The combination of rich coffee and bright citrus perfectly reflects Italian flair for balance and beauty.

7. Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnam)

Cà Phê Sữa Đá, or Vietnamese iced coffee, is a perfect balance of boldness and sweetness. Made with dark roast Robusta beans, it is brewed through a small metal phin filter, dripping slowly over sweetened condensed milk before being poured over ice. The result is a smooth, creamy beverage that cools and energizes in equal measure. The contrast of sweet and bitter flavors has made it a national favorite, served everywhere from bustling street stalls to modern cafés. In Vietnam, it is more than coffee; it is a daily ritual of patience and pleasure.

8. Café Bombón (Spain)

Café Bombón is a Spanish coffee that proves simple ideas can be striking. It combines equal parts espresso and sweetened condensed milk, usually served in a clear glass that highlights its distinct two-layer appearance. Before drinking, it is stirred to blend into a rich, silky mixture that tastes as good as it looks. Sweet and satisfying, Café Bombón originated in Valencia and quickly gained popularity for its visual appeal and indulgent flavor. It is a favorite afternoon pick-me-up, offering dessert-like satisfaction in every sip.

9. Irish Coffee (Ireland)

Irish coffee is a cozy fusion of caffeine and warmth. Created in the 1940s at Foynes Airport in Ireland, it was first served to comfort cold travelers. The drink blends hot brewed coffee, Irish whiskey, and brown sugar, topped with lightly whipped cream that floats on the surface. Each sip passes through the cream, creating a layered experience of rich, warm flavors. Today, it remains a staple in Irish pubs and beyond, embodying hospitality, conversation, and the perfect mix of spirit and sweetness.

10. Yuanyang (Hong Kong)

Yuanyang is a creative Hong Kong beverage that blends the boldness of coffee with the smooth sweetness of milk tea. Typically made with one part black coffee and two parts Hong Kong-style milk tea, it can be served hot or cold. The result is a rich, creamy drink that balances intensity with comfort. Yuanyang captures the city’s cultural blend of East and West, offering a drink that is both familiar and new. It is especially popular in local cafés, where it energizes busy mornings and leisurely afternoons alike.

11. Café Touba (Senegal)

Café Touba is a spiced coffee that holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning in Senegal. It is brewed with roasted coffee beans mixed with djar, a type of Guinea pepper, and cloves, resulting in a fragrant, warming flavor. The drink originated with the Mouride Brotherhood and has since become a national staple sold by street vendors across the country. Its distinctive aroma fills markets and gatherings, symbolizing unity and faith. Café Touba is more than a beverage; it is a daily reminder of community, devotion, and tradition.

12. Kaffeost (Finland)

Kaffeost, which means “coffee cheese,” is a comforting tradition from Finland and northern Sweden. It is made by placing small cubes of mild cheese called juustoleipä into a cup, then pouring hot coffee over them. The cheese absorbs the liquid, softening and releasing a gentle creaminess into the brew. Once the coffee is finished, the softened cheese is eaten with a spoon. Kaffeost is especially popular in Lapland, where it has long been a symbol of hospitality and warmth during the long winter months.

13. Café Breve (United States)

Café Breve is an American favorite for those who love a richer, creamier take on the latte. It is made with espresso and steamed half-and-half instead of milk, creating a smooth, velvety texture and subtle sweetness. The drink feels indulgent yet balanced, providing the same caffeine kick with extra comfort. Popular in U.S. coffee shops, Café Breve reflects America’s flair for customization and love of creamy flavors. It is a go-to choice for coffee drinkers seeking a little luxury in their everyday routine.