How to Make Greek Coffee (Ellinikos Kafes)
How to Make Greek Coffee (Ellinikos Kafes)
Contents
Greek coffee is a strong, unfiltered brew made with finely ground coffee beans, boiled in a special pot called a briki, and served with its signature foam (kaimaki) and settled grounds. It’s traditionally enjoyed with sugar to taste and often paired with a sweet pastry.
What You’ll Need
- Briki (Greek coffee pot): Small, long-handled pot (2-4 oz size per serving)
- Finely ground Greek/Turkish coffee: Powder-like consistency (e.g., Bravo brand)
- Cold water: Fill your serving cup to measure
- Sugar (optional): Adjust to taste (common levels: sketos/unsweetened, metrios/medium, glykos/sweet)
- Demitasse cup: Small coffee cup for serving
Step-by-Step
- Measure ingredients: For 1 serving, add 1 heaping tsp (2 tsp for stronger) coffee and sugar (if using) to the briki.
- Add water: Fill your serving cup with cold water, then pour it into the briki.
- Stir initially: Mix well off heat until combined (never stir again after heating).
- Heat slowly: Place on medium heat. Watch for steam (increase heat slightly), then bubbles (increase again).
- Boil twice: When foam rises to the rim (first boil), remove briefly to settle. Return to heat for a second rise.
- Pour carefully: Tilt the briki to preserve foam, pouring slowly into the cup.
- Rest: Wait 1-2 minutes for grounds to settle before drinking.
Tips
- Use very fine coffee grounds (regular coffee won’t work).
- Never stir after heating starts—this prevents foam formation.
- Electric stoves: Adjust heat frequently to avoid burning/bitterness.
- For multiple servings, use a larger briki or brew individually.
Common Mistakes
- Overboiling: Causes bitter taste and flat foam.
- Stirring during heating: Disrupts the kaimaki (foam).
- Incorrect grind size: Too coarse prevents proper extraction.
- Skipping the rest time: Leads to drinking grounds.
Variations
- Sugar levels:
- Sketos (unsweetened)
- Metrios (1 tsp sugar per serving)
- Glykos (2+ tsp sugar per serving)
- Spiced: Add a pinch of cardamom before brewing.
FAQ
Can I use a regular pot instead of a briki?
No—a briki’s shape controls foam formation. Substitutes may not work as well.
Is Greek coffee the same as Turkish coffee?
Almost identical in preparation, but Greek coffee often uses lighter roasts.
Why is my coffee flat?
You likely stirred during heating or boiled too vigorously.
How much caffeine is in Greek coffee?
Similar to espresso (~65mg per 2oz), but varies by roast and brew time.
Related guides
- How to Brew Coffee with an AeroPress: A Complete Guide
- Coffee Grind Size: The Complete Guide for Every Brewing Method
- How to Make Café au Lait: A Simple French Coffee Drink
- How to Brew Coffee with a Chemex: Clean, Crisp, and Balanced