Coffee Rituals

Greeks love their coffee, it’s a fact. Coffee plays an integral part of daily life, both for nourishment and socialization. Regardless of what time it is, you can always find Greeks drinking coffee. Most consider their morning coffee to be a necessity, like brushing their teeth. Traditional coffee shops, known as a kafenio, exist in even the smallest of villages throughout Greece; and more recently, modern coffee shops have opened up throughout cities.

For people in Greece, it’s not just about the coffee. It is a time to downshift, catch up with friends, and enjoy a warm drink. It provides a time for socialization and relaxation.

There are many different ways that Greeks drink coffee, but traditional Greek coffee is known as elliniko cafe. It is similar to Turkish coffee and was adopted by the Greeks during the 400 years that they were occupied by the Ottomans. The finely ground coffee is heated and served from a briki, which is a small copper pot. Traditionally, the briki is heated using hot sand; however, for most people it is made over a gas flame. It’s served in small cups with a side of loukoumi (also known as turkish delight.)

The art of making Greek coffee is a lesson in patience. Patience while making it so that it doesn’t boil over and burn. But also, you have to be patient when drinking it so as not to burn your mouth — or end up with a mouth full of coffee grounds.

Since the pandemic has started and I’ve been spending more time at home, I started an afternoon coffee ritual where every afternoon around 3 pm I make a cup of Greek coffee, with a side of loukoumi. It’s been such a wonderful addition to my day. I am usually reaching a bit of an afternoon slump at that point, and often need something to rejuvenate myself. Of course, the caffeine definitely helps! But it also allows me to take a brief respite from the chaos of the day, enjoy a warm cup of coffee, and recharge.

Here is what I do:

1. Fill a coffee cup full of water (note - Greek coffee cups are generally smaller than other coffee cups and are ~2 oz). Pour the water into the briki.

2. Add coffee and sugar (if using). Depending on how strong you want your coffee, use 1-3 spoonfuls of coffee.

3. Place over medium heat and watch it carefully! Once it starts to foam, take the briki off the heat.

4. Once the foam has settled, place the coffee back on the heat. Once it starts to foam again, take it off of the heat once more.

5. Pour into coffee cup and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve immediately with a side of loukoumi.

Have you started a Greek coffee ritual? If so, comment below! I would love to hear more about it.