Authentic Greek Coffee Recipe – Ellinikos Kafes

Our authentic Greek coffee recipe will brighten your mornings and give you the perfect afternoon pickup.

It’s time to bring a slice of Greece into your daily routine, as you create this simple yet heartwarming Greek coffee recipe. Savor the essence of Greek hospitality as you prepare and relish a steaming cup of Greek coffee, infusing your daily routine with the warmth of tradition.

Transport yourself to the cozy cafes of Greece with this bold drink. The full flavor of Greek coffee is a delightful departure from the ordinary, offering a unique experience that mirrors the charm of Greek cafes.

What is Greek coffee? 

This Greek coffee recipe is a time-honored beverage cherished in Greece. Crafted with a fine powder of coffee grounds within the confines of a small pot called a briki, this traditional elixir intertwines the essence of rich history with the simplicity of its ingredients – coffee, water, and sugar. 

The result is a brew renowned for its robust and bold flavor, accompanied by an irresistible aroma that lingers in the air. 

Whether sipping a cup of coffee in the morning to kickstart your day or seeking an afternoon energizer alongside a delectable sweet pastry, Greek coffee stands as the ideal beverage, providing a delightful experience from the first sip to the very last drop. 

How do you make Greek coffee?

Greek coffee is boiled on a burner using a special pot with a long handle called a briki. This small coffee pot is an essential element in the art of crafting good Greek coffee, reflecting the rich traditions of Greek coffee culture. 

The method involves slowly boiling finely ground coffee beans with water and sugar to create a strong and flavorful concoction. Served in a demitassee cup (or espresso cup), this popular Greek delight invites you to savor each sip and embrace the comforting essence of this time-honored ritual.

There are a few different ways to make this Greek coffee recipe. Ultimately, it depends on how you sweet you like your coffee and the amount of sugar you use.

You can make it unsweetened (sketos), a little bit sweet (metreos), or very sweet (glykos).

After you are done preparing your Greek coffee, you will find coffee grounds settled at the bottom of your cup, and kaimaki, a thick foam that will be at the top of the coffee.

If you overcook your coffee, this will evaporate, so make sure to remove your briki from the burner once it starts to bubble over.

It is customary to savor your coffee slowly and enjoy it. This will also ensure you don’t drink the coffee grounds.

Is Greek coffee healthier than regular coffee?

Did you know that drinking Greek coffee could help you live a longer life? A study on elderly Ikarians found that those that drank boiled Greek coffee had better endothelial function than those who drank other types of coffee.

The study stated, “Indeed, the boiled Greek type of coffee, which is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants and contains only a moderate amount of caffeine, seems to gather benefits compared to other coffee beverages.”

Ikaria is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea which is known for its longevity. According to Dan Buettner’s book, “The Blue Zones Secrets for Living Longer: Lessons From the Healthiest Places on Earth,” Ikaria is a Blue Zone where 1 in 3 of its resdients live past the age of 90 and have low rates of dementia and chronic diesease.

What is unique about Greek coffee?

Traditional Greek coffee is made using an unique boiling process with an end result that is perfect to share at social gatherings alongside some sweet treats. 

Did you know that you can have your future read to you from the grinds of your Greek coffee cup? This is a tradition called Flitzani, and once you are done with your coffee, your fortune can be read from the images in the grinds that remain at the bottom of the cup. 

What you need to make this Greek Coffee recipe:

Demitasse cups – Amazon
Briki – Amazon
Greek coffee – We recommend Loumidis Papagalos Greek coffee which can be found on Amazon or your local Greek store.

Hope you enjoy this authentic Greek coffee recipe!