How To Make Greek Coffee

I thought I'd share something from my childhood with you today. If you haven't tried Greek (or Turkish) coffee before you're in for a treat. It's creamy, sweet, strong and even a little bitter and super yummy.

Here's what you'll need:

• a Briki {Greek coffee pot}
• Greek coffee
• sugar
• water
• one or more demitasse cups and saucers; to serve

Let's discuss the ingredients before we begin. First, the briki comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can find many varieties in Greek markets and online here, here and even here. Any one will due however you MUST use a briki because it's an important part of the process when it comes to making the foam. Also, keep in mind that they are tiny so make sure you buy the proper size for your needs {ie: 2, 4 or 6 demitasse cup pots}.

Now for the coffee. It's all about personal taste but I recommend Venizelos (which I'm using in this tutorial) or Loumidis. You can even get a decaffeinated version here!

Now, WE BREW!

Use a demitasse cup to measure the amount of water into the briki; 

1 demitasse pre-brew = 1 demitasse brewed.

Place the briki on the stove on low heat. 

When the water is warm, add a teaspoon of coffee and a teaspoon of sugar for every demitasse. note: you can use as little or as much sugar as you like but keep in mind that this coffee is strong and slightly bitter.

Heat until it begins to boil and foam (it will rise slightly too).

Remove from heat and pour into demitasse cups dividing the foam evenly. Enjoy!

WARNING: If you want to add sugar now... don't! Every second the coffee is settling at the bottom of your little cup.

So now you're sitting there enjoying yummy, Greek coffee and you're thinking "okay, that was cool but I wouldn't necessarily call it fun." We're not done yet.

Make sure not to drink all the way to the bottom of your cup or you'll get a mouth-full of sludge. 

Instead, when you come to the end of your cup, flip it over on its saucer and turn it 3 times. 

Wait a few minutes...

...

...

...

Now the fun part... flip your cup over and see the designs that the coffee sludge has created down its sides. 

Look carefully and see what images you come up with. This is your FORTUNE. 

I have such fond memories drinking Greek coffee with my mom and reading our fortunes together. I hope you enjoy making some for yourself and please do let me know how you like it.

xoxo