Extreme Coffee: Unusual Brewing Methods Around the World

If you think your morning pour-over is impressive, wait until you discover how coffee lovers around the world brew their cup of joe. Coffee culture is wildly diverse, creative, and sometimes downright surprising. From eggs to cheese to hot sand, these extreme brewing methods show just how far people will go for the perfect sip.

Let’s start with one of the most talked-about drinks in the global coffee scene: Vietnamese egg coffee. Imagine a rich espresso topped with a silky, whipped blend of egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk. It’s almost like dessert disguised as coffee, and it was originally created during a milk shortage in the 1940s. Today, it’s a must-try if you want a cup that’s luxurious, sweet, and completely unforgettable.

Moving north, Sweden and Finland offer up something far more rustic: kaffeost, or “cheese coffee.” Yes, cheese. Cubes of a mild, squeaky cheese called leipäjuusto are placed at the bottom of a wooden cup, and hot coffee is poured right over them. The result is a warm, comforting drink with chewy bites waiting at the bottom. It’s the ultimate cozy beverage for long Scandinavian winters.

Then there’s Turkish sand coffee, a brewing technique that looks like something straight out of a cooking competition show. Instead of using a stovetop, the coffee is brewed in a tiny pot called a cezve, which is nestled into a bed of hot sand. The sand’s even heat creates an exceptionally smooth and strong cup, and watching it being made is half the fun.

If you’re really feeling bold, you can seek out kopi joss from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This brew is known for its dramatic preparation: a flaming hot lump of charcoal is dropped directly into the cup. Created by street vendors decades ago, this “charcoal coffee” tastes surprisingly mellow, with the charcoal believed to reduce acidity and add a smoky note.

These unusual brewing styles remind us that coffee is more than a drink—it’s a cultural adventure.

And speaking of adventure, if you’re in Olympia and want something bold, bright, and full of personality, stop by Madres Espresso. Known locally for its creative drinks and genuine neighborhood vibe, Madres serves up the kind of coffee that keeps you coming back—not because it’s extreme, but because it’s simply exceptional.