Whether it’s a flat white, a long black, or a classic latte, it’s safe to say that enjoying a good cuppa everyday is woven into our country’s social fabric.
Case in point: We’ve previously highlighted how Melbourne is home to some of the world’s best brews. But though there’s nothing wrong with brewing these kinds of coffee at home, why not switch things up by trying out coffee beverages from around the globe?
Just because traveling is put on pause at the moment doesn’t mean you can’t introduce your coffee palate to flavours from around the world. That said, here are some of the best global coffee trends you should try recreating at home.
Dalgona Coffee from South Korea
From their dazzling pop groups to their touching soap operas, South Korea has taken the world by storm. What’s more is that even when the world went into lockdown, many found themselves enticed by a creamy Korean cup of coffee that went viral called “Dalgona.” As explained by Vogue, it’s a toffee-like beverage that’s been whipped. Plus, it has a dreamy, cloudy texture that makes this drink essentially taste like a dessert.
Dalgona rose in popularity because of countless TikTok videos where users demonstrated making this drink. With this in mind, you can easily whip up your own cup by following these steps:
1. Add instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a medium bowl.
2. Whisk the ingredients until it achieves a silky, thick texture — this should take around 15 minutes.
3. Fill a glass with milk and ice.
4. Place a dollop of the coffee mixture over the milk.
5. Simply mix it all together before drinking.
Japanese-Style Iced Coffee
It goes without saying that Japan is a country known for its rich culture. Indeed, the list of fascinating things to do and see as enumerated by Expat Bets’ guide to Japan is a long one — from enchanting temples and graceful geishas, to relaxing onsens and picturesque bamboo forests. But one thing that most people don’t know about Japan is that it is among the world’s biggest importers of coffee, and along with this comes a rich coffee culture in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Although most would associate green tea as the Japanese caffeinated drink of choice, Culture Trip points out that “kissatens” (otherwise known as traditional coffee houses) have been around since the 1920s. Another famous coffee beverage is their Japanese-style iced coffee — and it’s quite simple to make a strong brew of this at home with an AeroPress.
1. Add coffee and let it bloom for 30 seconds.
2. Gently place the rest of the coffee over the next 45 seconds.
3. Wet your coffee filter and install it on the AeroPress.
4. Let it brew for another 45 seconds.
5. Flip it over and onto your cup.
6. Press for 45 seconds and enjoy.
Café Bombón from Spain
While the Spanish province of Valencia is praised for creating the savoury rice dish “paella,” it’s actually home to its own delightful cup of coffee as well. The Spanish speciality, named “Café Bombón,” is a coffee drink that marries the strong flavours of coffee with the sweetness of condensed milk. By following a 1:1 ratio with their espresso and milk, this simple drink is beloved for its decadent flavour. To make your own “Café Bombón,” here’s what you need to know:
1. Slowly pour 2 ounces of condensed milk in a small glass.
2. Then, pour 2 ounces of espressos into it.
3. Be sure the layers are shown when served.
4. Stir before drinking.
Frappe from Greece
1. Place the coffee, sugar, and 2 tablespoons cold water in a shaker, jar, blender, or drink mixer. Cover and shake well for about 30 seconds, or, if using a blender, drink mixer, or handheld frother, mix for 15 seconds until you have a thick foam.
2. Toss a few ice cubes in a tall glass. Slowly pour the foamy coffee mixture into the glass. Fill the glass with water, adding milk if desired. Serve the frappe immediately.
Espresso Coffee from Italy
1. First you will break down the moka pot into it’s 3 parts. Fill the bottom part with very cold water to the rim.
2. Fill the filter with the grinds to the top of the rim (do not pack it in).
3. Next float the filter with the grinds on top of the water.
4. Next screw the top part on tightly and put it on the stove with medium to low heat.
5. When it starts to percolate pour about 2 to 3 teaspoons of the espresso into the sugar and with a spoon stir fast to break it down. This will make sugar for about 3 cups of espresso.
6. Stir fast until you have a light caramel color.
7. Take a teaspoon of creama and add it to a separate espresso cup.
8. Pour the espresso into this cup and stir, you will see a caramel color surface to the top and now you have a beautiful coffee to drink!
