According to recent studies, drinking coffee, particularly two to three cups a day, is not only associated with a lower risk of heart disease and dangerous heart rhythms, but also with living longer!
So, who makes the best brew...and I’m not talking about Pumpkin Spice Lattes from you know who.
Let's take a trip around the world and explore something more than that average cup of Joe.
Vienna- Vienna's coffee culture is legendary. The atmosphere has a bit of elegance that cannot be found in any Starbucks. While there are several famous coffee houses where one can relax and read the latest news or catch up with friends, the Sacher Café, across from the Opera house, offers a slice of Vienna history. Their famous chocolate torte, that originated in 1832, can still be enjoyed today. As for the coffee, try the Weiner mélange, which essentially is an espresso topped with steamed milk and foam. If you really want to indulge, ask for a dollop off whipped cream and cinnamon on top.
Italy- To keep that pep in your step, I would swing by Sant Eustachio Il Caffe. This coffee shop is just around the corner from the Pantheon in Rome, and has been serving customers since 1938. Take it to go and explore the charming neighborhood and cobblestone streets for some shopping. Italians like a quick shot of espresso while standing at the bar, but you can also follow it with a bit of grappa to experience a caffè corretto. Feeling like dessert- try an affogato. This classic Italian combo involves pouring hot espresso over a generous scoop of gelato!
Greece- Frappe is made with iced instant coffee and plenty of foamed milk. You can order it three ways; sketo (no sugar), metrio (some sugar) or glyko (2–4 spoonfuls of sugar)- watch out diabetes. There is nothing better than an iced coffee on a blistering day and where better to enjoy this refreshing pick me up than on the Mediterranean shores of Greece.
Sweden- Famous for their Kaffeost which translates as “coffee cheese”. That's right- coffee poured over cubes of Leipäjuusto cheese. In Finland, the cheese is usually served as a side with your cuppa, but in Sweden they go all in- pun intended- and put the cubes directly in the coffee cup. This is definitely for the more adventurous coffee lover and typically found in Swedish Lapland the home to the Northern Lights!
Turkey- Turkish coffee is a style of coffee prepared in a cezve, a special copper pot, using very finely ground coffee beans without filtering.The sugar is added during the brewing process, so throw out your teaspoon and there’s no cream or milk. Don't be too quick to clean your cup- participate in the art of tasseography and let a fortune teller interpret messages found in the shapes and configurations of the remaining grounds. The bottom of the cup signifies the past, the midsection of the cup is present, and the area around the rim symbolizes the future.
Mexico- Carajillo combines espresso and Licor 43 served over ice. This popular coffee based after dinner digestif served with a sweet vanilla flavored Spanish liqueur, is found throughout Mexico City. Café de Olla is often found in rural areas with colder climates. Brewed in a clay pot, this variety’s unique flavor comes from piloncillo cones (unrefined cane sugar) and cinnamon. It’s usually served black, and sometimes it's accented with orange peel, cloves and allspice. My favorite however, is Flaming Mexican Coffee- an amazing one-man show with fire, booze and coffee of course! Burning tequila and flaming kahlua is prepared table side, served in a glass with sugar and cinnamon coated rim.
San Francisco- Head to Buena Vista Café for their famous Irish Coffee - 2 cubes of cane sugar, hot coffee, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, cream that is aged for 48 hrs and frothed to a precise consistency so it will float atop and is served in a 6 ounce, heat-treated, clear goblet. Definitely a family favorite and I promise you will be dreaming of Ireland!
Australia- A Flat White is stronger than a latte, creamier than a cappuccino, and smaller than an Americano, with a drier foam or "microfoam" as they say. Often served with two shots of espresso blended with steamed, slightly frothed milk. This popular drink originated in the mid 1980's and eventually made its way to the hip, posh cafes of London and NYC. Swing by Moors Espresso Bar in Sydney to see where this iconic drink got its name.
Vietnam: For anyone with a sweet tooth Ca Phe Da is the drink for you. This iced coffee is served very sweet and very strong, brewed through a French drip filter into a cup of ice mixed with condensed milk. Ca phe trung is another popular coffee drink discovered in the 1950s in Hanoi, when milk was scarce, so people started using chicken egg yolks as a replacement . Ca phe trung translates to "egg coffee". Giang Cafe & Nang Cafe are two popular shops in Hanoi where you can enjoy either of these distinct coffees.
Photo: Kisa Toyoshima
Japan- Forget the usual picture in the foam, stop by Reissue Cafe, located in the Shibuya area of Tokyo, where they are taking it to new heights with their unique latte 3D art. This isn't a quick caffeine stop, as your order might take some time. So sit back and relax, after all you want it to be Insta worthy!
No matter where you find yourself on your next trip, be adventurous when looking for a quick pick me up and say good bye to that average cup of Joe!
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