Drinking Turkish coffee is an experience steeped in tradition, focusing not just on the beverage itself but also on the ritual surrounding it. Unlike filtered coffee, Turkish coffee is made by boiling finely ground beans directly in water, leaving the grounds at the bottom of the cup.
Serving Style & Preparation
Turkish coffee is typically served in small cups. The reference highlights key accompanying items:
- A small sweet morsel, such as a piece of lokum (Turkish delight).
- A glass of water on the side.
These accompaniments are integral to the traditional way of enjoying the coffee.
The Role of Water and Sweet
The glass of water served alongside the coffee serves a specific purpose. According to the reference:
- You should sip the water to cleanse your palate before or while preparing to drink the coffee. This allows you to fully appreciate the coffee's unique flavor.
- The sweet treat, like lokum, is enjoyed with the coffee, balancing its strong taste.
The Waiting Period
Before you begin sipping the coffee, it's crucial to wait briefly. This waiting period allows two things to happen:
- The coffee cools slightly to a drinkable temperature.
- Perhaps most importantly, the fine grounds settle to the bottom of the cup.
How to Sip
Once the grounds have settled, you can start drinking. Here's the simple method:
- Slowly sip the coffee from the top of the cup.
- Drink until you reach the layer of grounds at the bottom.
- Do not drink the grounds. Leave them in the cup.
This process ensures you enjoy the smooth liquid coffee without the gritty texture of the sediment.
Summary of Steps
Here's a quick rundown:
- Accept the coffee served with water and a sweet (like lokum).
- Sip the water to cleanse your palate.
- Wait a few minutes for the coffee to cool and grounds to settle.
- Slowly sip the liquid coffee from the top.
- Stop drinking when you reach the grounds at the bottom.
- Enjoy the accompanying sweet.
Following these steps allows you to properly experience Turkish coffee as it is traditionally enjoyed.
