Turkish coffee is a strong and flavorful coffee that is popular in many parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East and Europe. Traditionally, Turkish coffee is brewed in a small pot called an ibrik, which can be difficult to find or use for some coffee lovers.
Fortunately, there are alternative ways to make Turkish coffee without an ibrik, using simple kitchen tools like a small pan and some high-quality coffee grounds.
In this article, we will explore how to brew Turkish coffee easily without an ibrik and give some tips for getting the best flavor and texture from your coffee.
What is Turkish Coffee?
Turkish coffee is a popular beverage in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. It is a strong and thick coffee made from finely ground coffee beans, and it is typically served unfiltered. Turkish coffee is usually brewed in a special pot called an ibrik or cezve, which is a small, long-handled pot made of copper, brass, or stainless steel.
The traditional brewing method of Turkish coffee involves adding finely ground coffee and water to the ibrik and heating it over a low flame until it begins to foam. This foam, called the “kaimak,” is an essential component of Turkish coffee and adds to its unique flavor and texture.
Benefits of Making Turkish Coffee at Home
- Sense of Adventure: Making Turkish coffee at home can be a fun and adventurous experience. Trying new recipes and techniques can be exciting and add variety to your coffee-drinking routine.
- Creativity: Making Turkish coffee at home allows you to express your creativity and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. You can add spices or flavors to your coffee and create a unique and personalized drink.
- Cultural Experience: Making Turkish coffee at home allows you to experience Turkey’s rich culture and history. It’s a great way to learn about Turkish coffee traditions.
Why Traditional Turkish Coffee Requires A Turkish Coffee Pot?
The ibrik is an essential tool for making traditional Turkish coffee because it is designed to handle the high heat and create the necessary foam for the coffee. The narrow shape of the ibrik helps to create a strong and rich flavor, and the long handle allows for easy pouring.
Additionally, the copper or brass material of the ibrik conducts heat efficiently, helping to ensure that the coffee is brewed evenly and at a consistent temperature. The traditional method of making Turkish coffee in an ibrik is considered an art form, and many people have spent years perfecting their technique.
However, if you don’t have access to an ibrik or prefer not to use one, there are other ways to make Turkish coffee that can still result in a delicious cup. You can still make Turkish Coffee without an Ibrik.
How to Make Turkish Coffee Without an Ibrik
If you’re a coffee lover, you owe it to yourself to try Turkish coffee. With its strong and rich flavor, thick texture, and unique brewing method, Turkish coffee is a sensory experience unlike any other.
It’s been enjoyed for centuries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, and has become increasingly popular in other parts of the world in recent years.
While it may take some practice to perfect the traditional brewing method using an ibrik, there are simpler ways to make Turkish coffee that still deliver the same intense flavor and aroma. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee drinker or just curious to try something new, Turkish coffee is definitely worth a taste.
High-Quality, Finely Ground Coffee
To make Turkish coffee without an ibrik, the first step is to start with high-quality, finely ground coffee. The coffee should be ground to a very fine consistency, similar to the texture of flour. This is important because the coffee needs to be able to dissolve in water completely to create the desired flavor and texture.
Where I typically run my grinder on level 4 to make an espresso, level 6 for a coarse grind to make traditional coffee, I bump it as low as 1 to make Turkish coffee. This results in a very fine powder grind that almost completely dissolves in water.
When selecting your coffee, look for a brand that is specifically labeled as Turkish coffee, or use an espresso blend if you cannot find Turkish coffee. Be sure to use fresh coffee beans to ensure that the coffee is of its best quality.
To find out if expensive coffee grinders make a difference, please check out our comparison.
Using a Pan to Make Turkish Coffee
To brew Turkish coffee without an ibrik, you will need a small, deep pan with a lid. A non-stick pan is preferred because it will help prevent the coffee from sticking to the bottom and burning.
Add the desired amount of water to the pan and bring it to a boil over low to medium heat. For each cup of water, use approximately 1-2 tablespoons of coffee grounds.
Boil Three Times
Once the water comes to a boil, add the coffee grounds to the pan and stir gently. Allow the coffee to boil for about 30 seconds, then remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
After the coffee has rested, return the pan to the heat and allow it to come to a boil again. Repeat this process three times, allowing the coffee to boil for about 30 seconds each time.
By boiling the coffee three times, you are allowing the flavors to develop and intensify, similar to the way that the foam is created in an ibrik.
After the third boil, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the coffee grounds to settle to the bottom of the pan. Once the grounds have settled, carefully pour the coffee into a cup, leaving the grounds in the pan.
That’s it; This is how to make Turkish Coffee without an Ibrik!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easily Making Turkish Coffee
Now that you have a general idea of what it takes to make Turkish coffee, here are the quick step-by-step instructions:
- Grind beans into a fine powder or measure out 1 to 2 tablespoons of pre-ground Turkish coffee.
- Add the finely ground coffee into a small pot.
- Add filtered water consistent with the coffee-to-water ratio (aprox. 1 cup of water per 2 tablespoons of coffee).
- Stir coffee grounds and water together (about 15-20 stirs).
- Place the pot over low-medium heat.
- Allow the coffee to brew for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Lower the heat or remove the pot from the heat completely…letting it cool off a bit.
- Allow the coffee to brew for another minute until foam forms on the top of the coffee.
- Remove the pot from heat and turn off the burner.
- Let the coffee cool and the grounds settle for a couple of minutes, then pour into your favorite mug.
- Enjoy!
No matter how precisely you follow our instructions, making great Turkish coffee takes practice. But below, we provide a few additional tips to make an aromatic full-bodied cup!
3 Tips for the Perfect Turkish Coffee
While the process of making Turkish coffee may seem straightforward, it has a few unique qualities that can make it better. These tips are highly recommended, with one being optional.
- Use Turkish Coffee: this is a coffee with a long tradition and deserves to be made with a degree of authenticity. While you may not have an Ibrik handy it’s important to grind the coffee to the finest level.
- Use Cold Filtered Water: cold water is key to helping the foam form. It allows time for the coffee to slowly warm up and more time for the foam to form. Oh, and filtered water is always best for any type of coffee drink.
- Add Sugar During Cooking: optionally you can sweeten your Turkish coffee with some sugar. If you choose to add sugar I recommend doing it towards the end of cooking. The slow boil of the coffee will help naturally mix and melt the sugar into the drink without burning it.
What to Add to Your Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is typically served black, without any additional flavorings or sweeteners. However, you can customize your coffee to your liking by adding sugar or other flavors.
If you prefer your coffee sweet, you can add sugar to the pan before pulling it off the heat. Add the desired amount of sugar to the pan and slowly stir a few times.
I typically add half a tablespoon of sugar for every cup. I also like to add this during the last boiling cycle so that the sugar doesn’t burn.
Get the most out of your coffee with our article, Unique Ways to Make Your Coffee More Flavorful!
Top Turkish Coffee Brands
| Brand | Description |
| Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi | A century-old Turkish coffee brand, uses Arabica beans to produce a medium to full-bodied coffee with a unique flavor profile. One of its notable features is its natural sweetness and mild acidity, which is attributed to the use of Arabica beans. However, its strength may not satisfy those who prefer their coffee strong. Nonetheless, it offers hints of spices and chocolate that make for an enjoyable drinking experience. |
| Elite Turkish Coffee | Elite Turkish coffee is a medium-dark roast that is finely ground for the traditional Turkish coffee brewing method. Its powder consistency is ideal for this brewing style and produces a strong and aromatic coffee. While its strong flavor is a notable feature, it may be slightly bitter, particularly when prepared traditionally due to its darker roast profile. |
| Café Najjar | Café Najjar Turkish coffee features Brazilian Arabica beans, finely ground for an authentic Turkish coffee experience. It boasts a rich aroma and flavor profile that comes from using 100% Arabica beans. A small amount of cardamom is added to the blend, which gives it an herbal flavor reminiscent of nutmeg, cumin, and coriander seeds. While the cardamom flavor is subtle, it may be a good choice for those who want to explore this unique spice in their coffee. However, due to its dark roast, the coffee may be slightly bitter for some drinkers. |
| Al Ameed Gourmet | Al Ameed Turkish Coffee comes in multiple roast levels, from light to dark. I prefer the medium for making traditional Turkish coffee. This one does include cardamom, and some say it’s a bit strong. But if you like a nutmeg flavor, you should like this coffee. |
An Aromatic Cup of Coffee Awaits!
Brewing Turkish coffee is a great way to make a flavorful and aromatic cup of coffee. It is a great alternative to espresso and a fun way to learn a new coffee brewing method.
With or without an Ibrik, you can have a proper Turkish coffee. In a few simple steps, anyone can brew a delicious cup of Turkish coffee without an ibrik or any other special equipment.
If you’re still looking for something new, then check out our article on What Types of Coffee Drinks Are There: 15 (and counting) new drinks to try!
