Are you wondering how to brew Turkish coffee? This is a great way to spice up your morning, so take a look at our detailed guide below!
If you are someone who views drinking coffee as a cultural experience, then you are just like me. There is something special about waking up and smelling a delicious cup of coffee brewing in the morning! At the same time, there is also something exciting about smelling a scent that is just a bit different. That is exactly what Turkish coffee presents.
Turkish coffee is delicious because of the unique spices that often go into it. Some of the most common examples include allspice, cinnamon, and cardamom. If you are wondering how to brew Turkish coffee, take a look at our step-by-step guide below!
What Do You Need to Brew Turkish Coffee?
If you are someone who is looking to brew Turkish coffee the right way, then you will require:
- A Turkish coffee pot, which is commonly referred to as a Cezve
- Whole bean coffee
- A coffee grinder
- Turkish coffee cups, (to do this right)
- Unrefined cane sugar
- Filtered water
- A digital scale
Of course, you also want to make sure that you have plenty of Turkish spices, such as the ones mentioned above. That way, you can try different spices in each Turkish coffee cup, so you can figure out what you like.
Step 1. Prepare the Coffee
First, you need to prepare the coffee the right way. You will need approximately 1 rounded tablespoon of whole bean coffee for every 4 oz of fluid water.
On the other hand, if you are someone who prefers to calculate your ratios using weight instead of volume, use your digital scale to make sure you get this right. If you are weighing your coffee, you should use 30 grams per 8 oz. cup of coffee.
If you are using whole-bean coffee, a digital scale is better because it can be difficult to measure an exact tablespoon of whole-bean coffee. A digital scale is more accurate than tablespoons when it comes to measuring beans of coffee.
After this, you should grind your coffee finely. When you are finished, your coffee should look like espresso powder.
Step 2. Heat the Water
Next, it is time to heat the water. You can heat the water using whatever method you like. If you are using the traditional method, take your Turkish coffee pot and set it on the stove. Turn the stove up to medium heat. Wait until the water begins to sizzle.
You do not want the water to boil. If the water starts to boil, you are simply going to burn the coffee instead of making a delicious, Turkish liquid.
Step 3. Add the Coffee to the Coffee Pot
After this, add your ground coffee to the coffee pot. If you want to do this properly, use a Turkish coffee pot, called a Cezve. Try to add the coffee to the coffee pot gradually.
As you do so, stir the cup continuously to help the coffee mix evenly. Make sure no clumps form in the water. If clumps are forming, your coffee may cook unevenly.
Step 4. Add Unrefined Cane Sugar
Once you are finished adding your coffee, add unrefined cane sugar. Of course, you can add sugar to taste; however, a good place to start is one tablespoon of cane sugar per serving. If you are making three servings of coffee, add three tablespoons of cane sugar.
Similar to coffee, you want to do this gradually. That way, you give the sugar time to dissolve in the water before you add more.
Step 5. Add Your Spices
After you are done adding sugar, it is time to add your spices. Gradually, add spices to the Cezve. Stir the liquid gently and watch the spices dissolve. For each serving, you should add one pinch of spices.
Step 6. Heat And Serve
Finally, it is time to heat your brew to the proper temperature. As you are heating your coffee, watch the sides of the coffee pot. They will begin to simmer first.
When they start to simmer, stir the coffee slightly. You want to prevent clots from forming in your coffee mixture. Importantly, do not let the coffee come to a boil, as you will burn it.
Once you are happy with the temperature and the sugar and spices have dissolved, it is time to serve the brew.
The Final Word on How to Brew Turkish Coffee
Instead of using a traditional coffee maker, Turkish coffee uses a traditional coffee pot heated over an open flame. This is not something that you should do quickly. Instead, you should take your time and savor the process. That way, you will end up with the best cup of coffee possible.
Make sure that your sugar and spices dissolve appropriately. Furthermore, do not let your coffee come to a rolling boil, as you will simply burn the coffee instead. The more finely ground your coffee is, the better your cup of coffee is going to taste.
FAQs About How to Brew Turkish Coffee
Why shouldn’t I let my coffee come to a boil?
You do not want your coffee to come to a boil because you will burn it. If your coffee boils for a few seconds, it is probably going to be okay.
On the other hand, if your coffee comes to a boil and you walk away, there is a good chance that you are simply going to end up with a charred mixture instead of a delicious cup of Turkish coffee.
What spices should I add to my Turkish coffee?
There are plenty of spices you can add to your Turkish coffee. The traditional options are cinnamon, cardamom, and allspice.
You should try playing around with the ratio of these spices until you figure out what you like. You may also want to play with the amount of sugar you add as well.
