In this guide, I will walk you through everything: what it is, the equipment you need, how to make it the traditional way, how to serve it properly, and even how to read your fortune. Consider this your complete guide to Turkish coffee, written by someone who grew up drinking it with a very traditional Turkish mother.
Where My Love for Turkish Coffee Begins
My love of coffee comes from my mother.
For her, having Turkish coffee was almost a daily ritual, done with friends and family. More than anything, it was a way to celebrate her friendships and show gratitude to the ones she loved.
Though she worked most of her life, on those rare days when she was home, she would invite her friends over for coffee in the morning.
Prior to their arrival, she would have me set up two trays: the first with Turkish coffee cups and the second with water glasses. We would always have something sweet to serve with the coffee.
Although Turkish delights (aka lokum) are more traditional, my mother loved serving hers with chocolate.
When her friends would arrive, it was my job to make and serve the coffee. After welcoming them, I would ask how they take their coffee and then immediately go to the kitchen to make it to their liking. It was such a proud moment for my mother when I would come out of the kitchen with the tray in my hand.
When I look back on it today, more than 12 years after her passing, I realize how important it was to her that I understood the tradition behind it. I was very fortunate to be allowed to drink coffee at a young age and to learn to enjoy it through family tradition.
Years of making Turkish coffee for our family and friends came in handy when I applied for my very first job at Swissotel Istanbul as a server at the lobby cafe at the age of 19. I was hired on the spot, and what followed was over six months of making and serving Turkish coffee to hundreds of our guests.
What Is Turkish Coffee?
When people hear “Turkish coffee,” they often assume it refers to coffee grown in Türkiye. It does not.
What makes it Turkish is the brewing method, not the bean itself. The coffee is ground to an extremely fine powder, almost like talcum powder, and brewed unfiltered in a small pot called a cezve (more on this below in the equipment section).
The origins of this brewing tradition date back to the 16th century, when coffee was introduced to Istanbul via the Ottoman Empire’s trade routes from Yemen.
The first coffeehouse in Istanbul opened in 1554, and the culture spread rapidly from there across the empire and eventually into Europe.
While Türkiye is most associated with this style of coffee, it is equally beloved across the Middle East and the Balkans, each with its own subtle variations.
Some regions add cardamom, others serve it with milk. Even in Türkiye today, you will find flavored versions at cafes.
I personally prefer the original, strong and unflavored, but if you are adventurous, it is worth exploring. That said, in this post, I wanted to stay true to the authentic way of making Turkish coffee, rather than the modern-day versions.
Did You Know? Turkish coffee culture and tradition were added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013, recognizing it not just as a drink but as a centuries-old social tradition built around hospitality, friendship, and community.
Turkish Coffee vs. Espresso: Key Differences
People who are new to Turkish coffee often compare it to Italian espresso for good reason, as both are strong coffees served in small cups. However, they are quite different. Below is a quick comparison guide:
- Brewing method: Turkish coffee is simmered slowly in a cezve with no pressure. Espresso is forced through grounds under high pressure in a machine.
- Filtering: When making Turkish coffee, we do not use a filter. It is made by simply mixing water with coffee (and optional sugar), and the coffee grounds settle at the bottom. Espresso is filtered, so there are no coffee grounds.
- Sugar and Serving: Turkish coffee can be served with or without sugar. If sugar is used, it is added during cooking, and no stirring is needed once it is poured. It is meant to be sipped slowly. Whereas with espresso, sugar is added when it is served. And it is typically drunk quickly.
- Caffeine: They are surprisingly similar in terms of levels of caffeine. A Turkish coffee cup contains roughly 50-65mg, and a single espresso shot is around 63mg.
Equipment You’ll Need to Make Turkish Coffee
To make Turkish coffee the traditional way, you only need a few things.
Cezve (pronounced “jez-vay“) is the small, wide-bottomed pot used to brew Turkish coffee. The wide bottom is what allows the signature foam (more on that later) to develop properly.
It is traditionally made from copper, which conducts heat beautifully, but stainless steel works just as well. I own both, and they both work well.
I recommend making no more than 2 Turkish coffee cups at a time to guarantee the best foam, especially if you are a beginner. Though this is not a set rule, once you get the hang of it and feel comfortable, you can use a larger one, which would be faster if you are making it for more than 2 people.
Where do I get cezve? If you are in the market for a cezve to make Turkish coffee, I own and recommend this brand you can buy online. It comes in different sizes, so you can choose the right one based on how many people you typically serve. I own the mid-size (8.3 ounces), and it works for me because I usually do not serve it for more than 2 people at a time.
Turkish coffee cups (kahve fincanı) are small cups designed specifically for serving Turkish coffee. They are narrower at the top to help preserve the foam and keep the coffee hot. In a pinch, espresso cups work too. Here is a set I recommend.
A stovetop works on both gas and electric. If you have an induction stove, check your cezve’s product description for compatibility.
Water glasses (optional) – If you want to serve Turkish coffee the traditional way, it must be served with water. Since it is much stronger than most coffees, a sip of water helps cleanse your palate. Any small glass you have works perfectly.
Tray (optional) – Since serving it is a part of the tradition, a small tray makes carrying everything easier. It is not required, but if you want to do it as we do, it is a nice touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need 3 ingredients to make Turkish coffee:
Turkish coffee: This is usually Arabica coffee beans, ground to an extremely fine powder, much finer than espresso.
Where do I buy it? You can grind it yourself, but I usually buy it pre-ground. It is widely available in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean specialty stores and easy to find online. My personal favorite, and the brand my mother always used, is Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi. It is one of the oldest Turkish coffee brands, with a legendary store in Istanbul worth a visit if your travels ever take you there.
Filtered water: Cold filtered water is all you need.
Granulated Sugar: The traditional recipe uses granulated sugar to sweeten the drink. I would not recommend using any other type of sugar for the most authentic taste.
Prefer a faster method? Nowadays, most people in Türkiye use an electric Turkish coffee maker, which brews it in less than 3 minutes. I did not think I could find one here in the US, but I was recently gifted this one from Beko, and it works perfectly. If you enjoy it daily as I do, I highly recommend investing in one.
How to Make Turkish Coffee
This Turkish coffee recipe requires only a handful of ingredients, but there are a few important nuances that separate a good cup from a great one, especially when it comes to the foam.
Follow the steps below, and you will get it right every time:
Step 1 – Confirm sugar preferences
In Türkiye, when you go to someone’s house, the first question is never whether you want Turkish coffee. Rather, it is how you would like it prepared.
By “how”, your host is asking about your sugar/sweetness preference. Here are the traditional options:
- Sade – no sugar
- Az şekerli – a little sugar
- Orta – medium sweet (1 to 2 teaspoons)
- Şekerli – very sweet (3 to 4 teaspoons)
As the person preparing the coffee, it is your job to note everyone’s preference before you start. You cannot add sugar after it is poured into the cup.
Step 2 – Measure your water
Use the coffee cup you will be serving in as your measuring tool – not a standard measuring cup. My rule of thumb is 1½ coffee cups of water per serving. Add the water to your cezve first.
Step 3 – Add coffee
For each cup, add 1 heaping tablespoon of ground Turkish coffee and sugar (based on the desired amount). Give everything a quick stir just to combine, then leave it alone. This is important, and we will explain why in the next step.
Step 4 – Bring to a boil and protect the foam
Before we talk about boiling, we need to talk about foam. In Turkish coffee culture, a thick layer of foam on top is not just aesthetic. It is also the sign of a well-made cup.
My mother used to say the secret to that magical foam is simple: do not stir.
Pro Tip: Once you have added your coffee, give everything a quick stir to combine, then put the spoon down. The most common mistake people make is stirring too much and then wondering where the foam went. Be patient and let the heat do the heavy lifting.
Place the cezve over medium heat, adjusting as needed since every stove runs a little differently. Keep a close eye on it as it warms.
You will see a dark, thick foam begin to form on the surface. When the mixture is close to boiling, use a teaspoon to carefully spoon some of that foam into each cup. This is the traditional way and the secret to a properly made cup of Turkish coffee with a thick foam on top.
This takes about 2 to 3 minutes when making Turkish coffee for two people. Return the cezve to the stove.
Pro tip: If you prefer, you can also pour slowly and carefully directly into the cup, being gentle so the foam stays intact.
Foam disappeared? Unfortunately, once the foam is gone, it is very difficult to get it back. You can try adding about a teaspoon of fresh coffee, stirring once, and leaving it alone.
But fair warning: the result will not be the same. The coffee will also end up thicker and stronger than intended.
The honest answer is that this is one of those lessons you learn by doing. Serve it as is and enjoy it anyway; it will still taste good.
Next time, put the spoon down earlier.
Step 5 – The second rise: As the coffee comes to a boil, pour half of it into each cup, filling each to the halfway mark. Be gentle as you pour so you do not break the foam on top.
Return the cezve to the stove for an additional 10 to 15 seconds for the second rise, then fill each cup to the rim.
Making Turkish Coffee for a Group with Different Sugar Preferences
There will be times when you will be asked to make batches with different sugar preferences. Below is how to handle it without making two separate batches.
- Start with no sugar. Add your coffee to the water and proceed through Step 4 as normal.
- After the first rise, pour half of the coffee into both cups. We are not adding the sugar just yet.
- Bring the cezve to a boil a second time, then fill the no-sugar cup to the rim. That cup is done.
- Add sugar to the remaining coffee in the cezve, stir, and bring it back to a boil.
- Pour the sugared coffee into the second cup to the rim.
This is actually where the three-boil method comes from. You may have seen some recipes online recommending three boils. It is not a separate technique. It is simply what happens naturally when you are accommodating different sugar preferences. Both cups end up perfectly hot and exactly as requested.
How to Serve Turkish Coffee
Serving Turkish coffee is not just about pouring a cup. In Türkiye, the way you serve it says as much about you as the coffee itself.
Below is what you need to pay attention to when serving Turkish coffee to your guests:
Start with the eldest guest. This is not optional. It is a sign of deep respect. In Turkish culture, acknowledging your guests’ ages by serving them first is a gesture of honor. Skipping this can be considered a sign of disrespect.
Always serve it with water. A small glass of cold or room-temperature water should accompany every cup. The water is not an afterthought. It is meant to be sipped first to cleanse the palate, so the coffee’s full flavor comes through on that very first sip.
Let the grounds settle before you drink. Once the coffee is poured, wait about 30 seconds before taking the first sip. This gives the grounds time to sink to the bottom. Additionally, when you get closer to the end of the cup, stop. The thick sediment at the bottom is not meant to be drunk.
Add something sweet on the side. Turkish delights (lokum) are the most traditional pairing, but my mother always served hers with chocolate. Honestly, any candy you have would work. The sweetness helps balance the coffee’s intensity.
One cup is enough. I get this question often: Can I have more than one? Since Turkish coffee is much denser and more concentrated than filtered coffee, one cup is the traditional serving size. A second is rarely offered or expected.
A note on milk and cream: You may come across recipes that suggest adding milk or cream to Turkish coffee. In my experience growing up in Türkiye and working in Istanbul, I have never once seen this done.
Turkish coffee is always served black. I understand that versions served in other countries may use milk, but that is just not something we have done.
Reading the Cup: The Fortune-Telling Tradition Behind Turkish Coffee
You have probably heard about Turkish coffee and fortune-telling. Because Turkish coffee is so thick, you will end up with a sludge-like residue at the bottom of the cup after you finish drinking. That is completely normal, and you actually want that.
In Türkiye, we call this tradition kahve falı, which means coffee fortune reading. It has been part of Turkish coffee culture for centuries.
If you are lucky enough to be in a group with someone who knows how to read fortunes, turn your cup upside down onto the saucer and let it cool so they can read it later.
When you do this, the trick is to turn it slowly and away from yourself. You do not want to spill that thick coffee on your outfit. Believe me, I have been there.
Once it is fully cooled, the fortune teller reads the patterns of the dried coffee grounds on the walls inside the cup. This is usually 5 to 10 minutes of storytelling based on whatever shapes and symbols they see.
Pro Tip: To help the cup cool faster, place a small metal coin or a ring on top of the upside-down cup. Just be aware that some fortune tellers believe they should be gifted whatever you place on top. So maybe leave your grandmother’s family heirloom gold ring in the jewelry box for this one.
Growing up, my mother was one of those people, and it was so much fun to listen to her read everyone’s cup. Later in my adult years, I had someone read my cup, and what she said was so accurate that it genuinely freaked me out a little. So, keep in mind that you might hear something you might not like.
All in all, the whole fortune-telling experience can be so much fun and quite a memorable experience if you are in the right setting with close friends and family around.
FAQs
Technically, yes, a very small saucepan will work in a pinch. However, the wide bottom of the cezve is specifically designed to help the foam develop properly. Without it, getting that signature thick layer of foam is very difficult.
Some Western recipes use cezve and ibrik interchangeably, but they are technically two different tools. A cezve has a wide bottom ideal for brewing Turkish coffee. An ibrik has a narrower bottom with a long, lean neck and is mostly used for serving in Arab countries.
They are essentially the same drink. Both use the same brewing method, the same finely ground coffee, and the same wide-bottomed pot. Though it is called cezve in Turkish and briki in Greek. The name changed in Greece following political tensions between the two countries in the 1970s.
Turkish coffee is always made fresh to order. That is part of the tradition. Storing it defeats the purpose, and the quality drops significantly once it sits.
It is not recommended. Reheating destroys the foam and changes the texture.
I borrowed those cups from a friend for this photoshoot. He purchased them from Pasabahce over 20 years ago. I do not think that it is still available.
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Turkish Coffee Recipe (How to Make It at Home)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Turkish coffee cup-sized cups of cold filtered water, 1 1/2 tablespoons per cup
- 2 tablespoons Turkish Coffee, ground
- Granulated sugar *, Optional (depending on preference)
Instructions
- Place water, Turkish coffee, and sugar* (if desired) in cezve (Turkish coffee pot).
- Using a small spoon, stir briefly until just combined and place pot on stovetop.
- Slowly bring coffee mixture to a boil over medium heat. This will take 3-4 minutes, so keep a close watch.
- As the coffee warms, you will see a dark foam building up. Closer to it coming to a boil, using a teaspoon, transfer some of the foam into each of your two Turkish coffee cups. Return coffee pot to stovetop.
- As coffee comes to a boil, pour half of the coffee into the cups, over the foam.
- Return coffee pot to stovetop and boil the remaining coffee for an additional 15-20 seconds and pour the rest in to the coffee cups to the rim.
- Serve with water and Turkish delight (or chocolate) on the side.
Video
Notes
- Yields: This recipe makes 2 servings. To serve more, simply multiply the ingredients (one heaping tablespoon of coffee and 1.5 cups of water per person).
- Sugar preference: In Türkiye, we order Turkish coffee by sweetness level: sade (no sugar), az şeker (a little sugar, about 1 teaspoon), orta (medium, 1-2 teaspoons), or şekerli (sweet, 3-4 teaspoons). Ask your guests which they prefer before you start brewing.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
So the coffee grounds flow into the cup when the coffee is poured from the pot? And then people are careful when the drink from the cup so they don’t accidently get grounds in their mouth? Or do you pour so only the coffee goes into the cup and the grounds stay in the pot? Sorry — this is all new to me, but I’m very interested in trying it. Thanks for your great post and your family stories — lovely. Chris
Gun aydin! Thank you for your great post! As a Romanian neighbor 🙂 living in Köstence area at the Black Sea, I am totally coffee addicted! Turkish coffee, of course! We prepare it almost the same way you do and enjoy sipping and talking and planning things around these little cups; also, coffee = mom for me too! I am so glad I’ve discovered your website!
Awww Roxana.. Thank you for this note. It made my day. I am so SO glad that you found me. 🙂
I have never been to Romania, but I hear it is very similar to Turkey. One day I hope to visit.
Thanks for coming by and leaving me such a nice note.
Sending you the warmest hugs from the green mountains of Vermont.
My husband loves Turkish coffee. I was able to surprise him with Turkish coffee at home as a gift, thanks to your recipe. The instructions were perfect and easy to follow – I even got the foam! I also enjoyed being able to share your anecdotes about the traditions associated with serving Turkish coffee with him. Thank you so much for this beautiful post! xx
Liz.. Your note makes me so happy. Thank you.
So glad to hear that you’ve got the foam as well. 🙂
Cheers!
Merhaba Aysegul! thanks for the story and the recipe! I have a little question, maybe you can know. Is there a reason why the way of adding sugar is before serving the coffee and not after? Is because of tradition? I mean, it has the same taste an “orta” coffee compared to a “sade” coffee (but with 1-2 spoons of sugar added later to the fincan)?
I know it may be a silly question, but I was wondering.
Thank you!
Hi Sebastian,
It is not a stupid question at all. There are a few reasons that I can think of:
1. Turkish coffee is served in a very small (espresso-like) cup. If you add the sugar later it would be difficult to mix it.
2. Since Turkish coffee is thicker than other types of coffees, you would want the sugar to fully melt and flavor/sweeten the coffee at the time of serving. If you add it later, it might not fully melt.
With that being said, technically you could add the sugar afterwards. But I guess, like you said, it is the tradition to serve it to the preference of your guests as it is a way to show your appreciation towards them.
I hope I answered your question. Please let me know if I can help you further.
Thank you for the information. You instruct 1 1/2 cups of water where a cup is the size of the serving cup. However, you always use a big teaspoon of coffee grounds, regardless of the serving cup size. If your serving cup is very big, it results in a diluted coffee. If it’s too small, it would be a strong coffee. What is the normal cup size that is the right size for a teaspoon of coffee grounds?
Hi Collin,
A very good question. And you are right, if you use a lot of water it would make a diluted coffee and visa versa.
I just measured it. The measurement for 1 “Turkish Coffee Cup” is 100 ml of water. To get to this number I filled a Turkish coffee cup with water and then poured it into a measuring cup. The recipe suggests 1 1/2 cup because during the cooking process some of the water evaporates. Technically, you will be left with some coffee, but I find that the consistency/texture that the ratio listed in the delivers is ideal. Or at least, it is the taste that I grew up enjoying as Turkish coffee.
With that being said, you can change it up to your liking. However, please know that Turkish coffee is supposed to be thick and strong.
I hope I answered your question. Please do not hesitate to let me know if I can answer any other questions.
Best,
Aysegul
I googled ‘how to make Turkish coffee’ and ended up wiping tears with this warm story! What a wonderful world.
Thank you, for the recipe yes, and also for the glimpse into this lovely tradition of your family.
Thank you Jenny. You are so kind to leave such a sweet note.
Hi there. Thank you so much for this. I dated a Turkish man for several years until he unfortunately passed away in an accident. He use to make this for us in the morning and I loved it! I’m trying to make it myself, but I never get the foam! Just a rich dark coffee. And it never foams as high in the cezve as in your picture. What could I be doing wrong?
Hi there,
It breaks my heart to hear that he passed on in an accident. I am so sorry for your loss. My mother passed on as well. My hope is that they are in a better place and watching over us.
I just updated the post with a few tips and tricks to get the foam right. Feel free to give it a read.
In a nutshell, for that thick foam everyone loves, the secret is to not mix too much. Just let the small pot and heat do most of the work.
I hope this helps.
Best.
Thank You for this recipe. I wanted to compare it to my Grandmother. I, too have fond memories of her serving the coffee. Her special gift was looking at each empty cup and telling you something about yourself.
Your MOM…is PROUD. I know!
But…what kind of coffee did she prefer?
I read that it is traditionally Brazilian coffee….??