How to Make Authentic Turkish Coffee at Home: A Time-Honored Ritual in Every Sip

What Is Turkish Coffee?

Turkish coffee is a traditional unfiltered brewing method that uses ultra-fine ground coffee, simmered (not boiled) in a small long-handled pot called a cezve (or ibrik), producing a rich, foamy, intense cup. The drink is served with grounds, not filtered, and sipped slowly.

Turkish coffee falls under the “boiled extraction” category, though modern practitioners avoid full boiling to preserve flavor integrity.

Why Is Turkish Coffee Special?

• Fine grind = intense extraction
  

• No filter = full-bodied texture
  

• Slow heating = maximum foam
  

• Ritualistic serving = a mindful experience
  

Turkish coffee as a critical link in the historical lineage of coffee preparation methods, contributing to both cultural heritage and brewing science.

Turkish Coffee Recipe: What You Need

Ingredients:

• 1 heaping tsp (7-9g) of very finely ground Bazan Coffee per 60 ml water
  

• 60 ml cold, filtered water
  

• Sugar (optional):
  

• No sugar (sade)
  

• Little sugar (az şekerli – ½ tsp)
  

• Medium sugar (orta – 1 tsp)
  

• Sweet (şekerli – 2 tsp)
  

• Optional: pinch of ground cardamom
  

Equipment:

• Cezve (traditional Turkish pot)
  

• Heat source (gas or electric, low and stable)
  

• Small demitasse cups
  

• A Turkish coffee set (tray, sugar bowl, and glass of water) is traditional but optional.
  

How to Brew Turkish Coffee (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Measure and Combine

• Add cold water to the cezve.
  

• Add sugar (if using).
  

• Add finely ground Bazan Coffee, do not stir yet.
  

Tip: Use Special Vietnam Blend for a cocoa-toned Turkish brew, or Cau Dat Arabica for light, floral notes.

 

Step 2: Stir Before Heating

• Mix all ingredients gently until fully combined.
  

• Place cezve on low heat, never rush it!
  

Step 3: Foam Formation

• As the mixture heats, foam (köpük) will form on top.
  

• Just before it boils, remove from heat and spoon some foam into each cup.
  

Step 4: Repeat Heating (Optional)

• Return cezve to heat and allow foam to rise a second time.
  

• Remove again just before it overflows.
  

Step 5: Serve and Settle

• Gently pour the coffee into each cup, foam first.
  

• Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to allow grounds to settle.
  

How to Drink Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is not meant to be gulped. It’s about savoring slowly, preferably in thoughtful conversation.

Tips for Enjoyment:

• Serve with a glass of cold water, to cleanse the palate before sipping.
  

• Optional: enjoy with Turkish delight or a small sweet.
  

• Stop sipping before reaching the coffee grounds at the bottom. These are not meant to be drunk.
  

In traditional circles, the leftover grounds can even be used for fortune-telling (tasseography).

Turkish Coffee & Bazan: The Science Behind the Brew

Why Bazan Coffee works perfectly for Turkish coffee:

• Ultra-fine grind retains oils for deeper flavor
  

• Fresh roast means brighter aromatics and less bitterness
  

• Vietnamese beans offer a unique origin twist—from the Central Highlands to the Ottoman cup
  

Origin, roast level, and freshness dramatically impact perceived sweetness and bitterness in high-extraction brews like Turkish coffee.

FAQs About Turkish Coffee

How is Turkish coffee different from espresso?

• No pressure involved
  

• Not filtered, grounds remain in the cup
  

• Brewed slowly with water and sugar (espresso is fast and high pressure)
  

What does Turkish coffee taste like?

Bold, thick, and earthy, with notes of:

• Dark chocolate
  

• Dried fruit
  

• Roasted spices
  

• Sometimes smokiness (depending on bean and roast)
  

With Cau Dat Arabica, expect a floral-fruity finish. With Fine Robusta, expect bold bitterness and deep body.

How much caffeine is in Turkish coffee?

A typical 60 ml cup contains 65–85 mg of caffeine, depending on:

• Bean type
  

• Roast level
  

• Brew ratio
  

For higher caffeine, try Bazan’s Fine Robusta – Krong Năng, which naturally contains up to twice the caffeine of Arabica.

What grind size is used?

Extremely fine even finer than espresso. Think powdered sugar consistency.

Can I use any pot?

Only use a cezve or ibrik. The shape is essential for foam formation and even heat distribution.

Pairing Suggestions

 

Conclusion: Turkish Coffee, Timeless and Transformative

Turkish coffee is not just a method. It’s a moment.

A way to slow down. A connection to heritage. A space where flavor meets philosophy.

Whether you're brewing it traditionally or exploring with modern Vietnamese beans from Bazan Coffee, every cup tells a story.

Honor Tradition. Elevate Flavor. Choose Bazan Coffee.

Begin your Turkish coffee journey with Bazan’s curated selections:

• Special Vietnam Blend – Balanced and chocolatey
  

• Cau Dat Arabica – Light and complex
  

• Fine Robusta – Krong Năng – Bold and powerful
  

Brew it slow. Sip it deep. Discover it with Bazan.