How to make turkish coffee without an ibrik

Whether you’ve had it before or are just itching to try some for the first time, learning the traditional Turkish coffee recipe is an easy process.

But, while relatively straightforward to make, what this world-renowned coffee style represents is anything but simple. Turkish coffee is a deeply ingrained part of Turkish culture, with a unique brewing method that is rich in tradition and steeped with meaning.

Print

What is Turkish Coffee? A Little History…

Turkish coffee is one of the most popular international coffees (see this list for more of them). Why is it so popular?

In the Middle East, coffee isn’t just a pick-me-up — it’s a part of life. Coffee is an exceedingly social event that serves to brings people together. It’s a time to bond with friends and family.

One of the most significant Middle Eastern nations to create their own distinct “coffee culture” was, and still is, Turkey. Sometimes called Arabic coffee, countries throughout the eastern Mediterranean have their own variations on the basic recipe. You can also find essentially the same preparation in Ethiopia, which is after all the birthplace of coffee.

The Turkish word for breakfast is Kahvaltı, which literally means “before coffee” (1). Hell, the first coffee house on record even opened up in Constantinople in the mid-16th century!

By 1565, Turkish coffee was brought to the island of Malta. Within a hundred years, coffee spread throughout Europe; the oldest cafe in Paris, Le Procope, was founded in 1686 and served luminaries such as Voltaire, Robespierre, and even Napoleon Bonaparte. Not your typical coffee shop by modern standards!

In Turkey, coffee is king. And while Turkish cuisine varies from region to region, from fresh seafood on the Bosphorus and the Black Sea to the richly seasoned meat stews from central Anatolia, coffee remains a vital and vibrant part (2) of Turkish culture to this day.

Just don’t call a Turkish coffee Greek coffee in front of a Turk. They won’t be happy.

For an easy-to-follow video recipe for Turkish coffee, check out this video with Steven from Home Grounds:

How to Serve Turkish Coffee

The traditions that surround Turkish coffee rely heavily on the equipment, the process used to make it, and the way that it’s served.

The Ibrik Coffee Pot

The coffee maker used to brew Turkish coffee is perhaps the most unique part of the process. The Turkish coffee pot is called either an ibrik or a cezve. It is small, wide-bottomed, and has a long handle coming off of the side, often at an upward angle. In Greece, where they drink very similar coffee, this pot is called a briki.

Ibriks come in different sizes, from single-serving brewers that hold just a few ounces, all the way up to 12 oz. or more.

One Lump or Two?

Okay, lumps of sugar might seem more appropriate for a post on tea in England, but Turkish coffee can also be consumed with sugar (and often is). To be a good host, you will want to ask how much sugar each drinker wants (3) (cubes, not tablespoons of sugar) with the standard choices being as follows:

• “Sade”: No sugar
• “Az sekerli”: minimal sugar, less than a teaspoon
• “Orta sekerli”: a modest amount, 1-2 teaspoons of sugar
• “Sekerli”: very sweet, 3-4 teaspoons of sugar

Turkish Coffee Cups

Standard Turkish coffee cups are small cups made of thin porcelain in order to keep the brew warm for as long as possible. This is also why some cups come with a copper cup holder and a lid. Turkish cups are an integral part of enjoying turkish brewed coffee.

How to Serve the Coffee

Apart from the actual coffee, traditionally you will want to have a glass of room temperature water with each cup. This allows the person to cleanse their palate before drinking the coffee. In addition to the coffee and the water, you may also want to include a sweet treat, like a pastry, cookie, candy… or you can even stay on theme and get some Turkish delight!

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, by now you’ve realized that the cup of coffee in your hand, while sweet and simple to make, is more than just a typical cup of joe.

Apart from its strong, unique tasting notes, Turkish coffee represents an entire world that is infused with tradition and purpose, which makes it an experience that you’ll want to slow down and truly enjoy. If you’ve tried the recipe yourself, leave your thoughts and comments.

If you’re interested in another type of coffee from another country, why not try Cuban coffee? Here’s our guide on how to make Cuban coffee.

Top 20 how to make turkish coffee without an ibrik