Greek coffee is basically the same thing as Turkish coffee. It is an integral part of the culture and is found everywhere in Greece. Greek coffee is a strongly brewed coffee and requires a specific style of coffee pot, called a briki, and a fine grind of coffee beans.
It requires the proper amount of foam, which adds a unique taste to it. It is served with foam on the top and the grounds in the bottom of the cup.
Ingredient For Greek Coffee
• Nektar coffee
• Sugar (optional)
• A briki (μπρίκι, pronounced BREE-KEE)
• Cold water
Special Equipment
• Gas Source
• Small coffee pot called a briki
• Espresso cup or Greek coffee cup
Styles
While brewing, sugar can be added to the coffee directly and the amount added creates the four main styles of nektar coffee:
• Unsweetened coffee:
Add 1 heaping teaspoon of coffee to the briki and no sugar. In Greek, this is called sketos, written σκέτος and pronounced SKEH-tohss.
• For medium-sweet coffee:
Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 heaping teaspoon of coffee to the briki and stir. In Greek, this is called metrios, written μέτριος and pronounced MEHT-ree-ohss.
• For sweet coffee:
Add 1 heaping teaspoon of coffee and 2 teaspoons of sugar to the briki and stir. In Greek, this is called glykos or γλυκός and pronounced ghlee-KOHSS.
• For extra-strong sweet coffee:
Add 2 heaping teaspoons of coffee and 3 teaspoons of sugar to the briki and stir. In Greek, this is called vary glykos (βαρύ γλυκός), pronounced vah-REE ghlee-KOHSS.
Let the foam rise
Turn on the heat to medium low. Until it dissolves, stir the nektar coffee and then do not stir again. Heat slowly. The foam will start to rise in the briki before it boils. This foam is called kaïmaki (καϊμάκι), pronounced kaee-MAH-kee. The richer the foam, the more people like it.
Share the foam, then pour
The foam rises to the top of the briki very quickly once it starts. When it reaches the top, remove from the heat and it is ready to serve. Evenly divide the foam among all the cups, taking care not to disturb the foam.
Serve and Sip
Serve nektar coffee piping hot with a glass of cold water for each person. It is about enjoying life and the company you are with. Try having a sweet biscuits or homemade cookies with it as well. The flavors combine nicely.This coffee is sipped, often loudly and quite slowly.
