Long before all the drive through coffee stands and the Grande caramel macchiato, there was elliniko kafe (Greek coffee). Made by boiling coffee grounds in a copper or brass briki (coffee pot) until the perfect kaimaki (foam) forms, Greek coffee is then poured into a white demitasse (small cup). It’s simple as that. The next step is to sip slowly, until you reach the bottom of the cup where the coffee grounds have settled. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your Greek coffee for hours on end at the nearest kafeneio (coffee house) with friends or in the comfort of your own home. Greek coffee is best served with a glass of cold water, and some sweet Greek cookies, such as koulourakia to dunk with.
What you need:
Demitasse
Water
Greek Coffee
Briki
Sugar (optional)
Directions:
1. To measure, fill your demitasse cup up with cold water and pour into the briki or small pot.
2. Add 1 heaping teaspoon of Greek coffee into the briki. Add the appropriate amount of sugar for the type of coffee you prefer:
-sketos is unsweetened (no sugar)
-metrios is medium sweet (1 teaspoon of sugar per 1 heaping teaspoon of coffee)
-glykos is extra sweet (2 teaspoons per 1 heaping teaspoon of coffee)
3. Place the briki on a gas stove on medium heat. Stir until the sugar and coffee dissolves, and then don’t stir again. Keep an eye on the coffee, as the foam will begin to rise quickly. Once the foam forms and the water begins to boil, take off the heat.
4. Pour into the demitasse cup and serve.
Note: you can typically find Greek coffee and a briki at Greek, Middle Eastern or Mediterranean markets. Popular Greek coffee brands include Bravo and Loumidis.
will you read my fortune with the coffee grinds after I drink it?
HAHA, unfortunately I can’t read coffee grinds but my guess is you have great fortunes with lots of phase 10 mixed in.
As always, love the story.❤️
Thanks so much Terri, I appreciate your love and support!
I like my Greek coffee sketos, and I love your page.
Thank you so much, I appreciate your sweet words! Ooh sketos, very nice. I have to go metrios.
Enjoy reading all your posts Eleni, keep them coming!
Thank you very much I appreciate you reading along. More to come for sure!
I absolutely love this post! It is so relatable to me and my Family in SO many ways! My Yiayia is always making Greek coffee in the afternoon, and it just isn’t the same without a koulouri, or other sweet to accompany it. I don’t drink it myself but I appreciate the history behind it.
Thank you so much! Yes, Greek coffee is the best with Koulourakia for sure. That’s ok if you don’t drink It, I appreciate you reading the post and wanting to understand the history with Greek food and drinks!