Brian Nagele
For many people, myself included, coffee is more than just a beverage. It’s part of a daily ritual and gets me into gear for being as productive as possible.
I look forward to it, and most of the time, I’ll reach for my favorite flavors. But every once in a while, I like to branch out and try unfamiliar coffee.
Coffee is adored all over the globe, and there are classic coffee drinks that are common in most coffee shops.
Indulging in a famous treat from somewhere you’ve never been is the opportunity to engage with that culture and learn something new right from your own home.
If you’re interested in trying something new, below you’ll find 13 unusual coffee drinks to try.
Learn about different ways to make and drink coffee that are different from your usual cream and sugar!
Ca Phe Trung
The ca phe trung is a Vietnamese beverage, also known as egg coffee.
Although it may sound strange initially, this coffee is a creamy surprise. It’s perfect for people that can’t get enough foam in their coffee to be satisfied.
The dense topping is made of egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk, then beaten or whipped until it forms a soft, silky foam.
Although some find it distinctly eggy, I found the flavor to be much richer and more satiating than milk foam.
With a nice strong espresso underneath, this drink is a luxurious treat that I think I’ll be enjoying more often.
Eiskaffee
One of the great things about coffee is that it can be indulgent, strictly functional, or somewhere in between.
An eiskaffee is the perfect drink if you need a sweet treat to brighten your day.
Eiskaffee is the German version of iced coffee, but rather than pouring the coffee over ice and milk, you add a scoop of ice cream – typically the classic vanilla ice cream.
Many recipes also call for some whipped cream to top it off. There’s no denying this is an exceptional dessert option.
I found the slowly melting ice cream to be more palatable than overly-sweet syrups. This is a great go-to for summer afternoons.
Yuanyang
For lovers of both coffee and tea, yuanyang is the drink for you.
Although I was skeptical of this combination initially, I can now confirm that it’s not what you imagine.
Rather than the watery tea that came to mind when I first anticipated this drink, you make it with milk tea.
Milk tea is the beverage used for pearl tea or boba tea. It’s lightly sweet and makes an excellent addition to your coffee, thanks to its subtle flavor.
Plus, it has a fascinating history. This selection goes great with an afternoon treat like pastries and finger sandwiches.
Cortado (La Marzocco)
Many popular coffee chains throughout the United States have started featuring the cortado, so you may have tried this one before.
If not, I highly recommend it. The recipe is Spanish and about as simple as they come, which is why the drink is so popular, even prepared at home.
La Marzocco has all of the equipment you need to make this drink.
All you need is one part espresso, and one part steamed milk. The trick to this drink is getting the consistency of the milk perfect for a smooth, creamy texture.
It’s rich and flavorful without being overly sweet. This is the recipe for those who love an uncomplicated coffee drink with their breakfast.
Mazagran
A mazagran is one of the best choices for a sunny afternoon. Iced coffee with a hint of lemon may sound unusual at first, but it’s a surprisingly refreshing beverage.
The zingy lemon perfectly complements the rich espresso, and you can add as much sweetener as you typically prefer. Personally, I find honey to be the best option for this drink.
If iced coffee is your go-to, you should try this selection. It’s hard to find something to dislike in this refreshing combination.
It’s especially great if you prefer coffee drinks without milk or lactose.
Wiener Melange
There is some debate among coffee lovers as to how exactly you structure this drink.
But most agree that the result should look like something between a cappuccino and a latte. The coffee is usually milder than your typical espresso.
These subtle differences can be confusing if you’re not well-versed in the world of coffee. Fortunately, coffee is forgiving and easy to make to your preferences.
The wiener melange doesn’t typically come with whipped cream, but if you’re in a cafe that serves it that way, it’s still worth a try. Pair it with a sweet pastry for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Café Bombon
The cafe bombon is a delightful treat. I wanted to taste it as soon as I saw it, but it’s also a shame to destroy something so enchanting.
This drink should be served in a clear mug for the best visual effect.
This layered drink looks more like an enticing dessert than coffee. A layer of sweet, condensed milk sits at the bottom of the glass, topped with espresso.
Some prefer to include a layer of foam, and I can’t pass up that fluffy coffee cap. I absolutely love serving this when company comes over because it’s a huge hit as soon as they reach the table.
Kopi Jahe (Ginger Coffee)
I am always amazed at how versatile the flavor of coffee is. Its rich profile would usually make you assume that it should stand alone, but this is hardly the case.
It pairs with sweet flavors, salty, and, as it turns out, spicy. A kopi jahe is an exciting blend of coffee and ginger that might make your head spin.
Ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom are just a few of the flavors that make up the incredible profile of this drink.
It’s ideal for that morning kick and is best served hot. It’s even said to be a great way to soothe a cold.
I can’t get enough of this unique combination and intend to add it to my list of winter favorites.
Mocha Cola
The first time I heard this recipe, the idea of having anything carbonated near my coffee was highly off-putting.
Fortunately, I put my doubts aside to try this beverage and was not disappointed.
Rather than the super sweet explosion I was expecting, this tasted like cola with an elegant spin. It’s the most unusual coffee drink I’ve tried.
The bright cola flavor was the first thing I detected when drinking this. But beneath that was rich, smooth chocolate and the bitter acid of the coffee.
I instantly thought of a float with milk instead of ice cream. It’s the perfect treat for a hot day.
Caife Gaelach
It turns out coffee isn’t just for mornings. It’s also a great way to end the night.
A caife gaelach is an ideal way to unwind and relax. It’s more commonly known here in the US as an Irish coffee!
This unique cocktail combines the superb flavor of coffee with all the fun of happy hour. This is one of my favorite cocktails to enjoy during the holiday season.
Making this cocktail isn’t hard. All you need is coffee, sugar, cream, and Irish whiskey. For an extra sweet touch, you can garnish the cream with chocolate shavings or nutmeg.
You can also enjoy this beverage in the morning. Just add a little less whiskey and a little more coffee. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
Café Con Miel
This beverage is another Spanish selection. The café con miel is a simple recipe that is easy to make and pairs excellently with a pastry or light breakfast.
Café con miel translates literally to “coffee with honey,” so it’s not hard to imagine what exactly goes into this drink. Of course, these familiar ingredients are what make the drink so popular.
One of the great things about honey is that it is better for you than refined sugar. And honey has already been digested, which means that it will not affect blood sugar as intensely.
The best way to enjoy this drink is with a few spices like cinnamon or nutmeg sprinkled on top to give the drink some added flavor.
Es Alpukat Kopi
Perhaps one of the most surprising beverages of all is the es alpukat kopi, an Indonesian coffee drink made with avocado.
Although avocados tend to divide a room, this is the perfect combination if you are anything like me and appreciate a nutritious, fresh avocado coffee smoothie.
If you haven’t had an es alpukat kopi, give it a try. You might be surprised that the flavor is mild and easy to add to nearly any beverage.
The avocado creates a thick, creamy base for this drink. This drink is as good as any dessert, combined with ice, condensed milk, and some chocolate syrup.
Drip Coffee
Sometimes nothing beats a simple cup of coffee. Drip coffee can create a cup brewed to perfection thanks to the simple method.
This is an incredibly popular way to make coffee and possibly how you enjoy it most days at home.
You can make drip coffee a few different ways, such as French press and pour over. The trick is getting high-quality beans.
Whether you prefer coffee or espresso, making the ideal cup isn’t hard. Once your coffee is brewed, you can flavor it to your preference with milk, cream, or sugar.
This is what I drink nearly every day, so it’s clear coffee needs very few bells and whistles to be delectable.
