Coffee lovers, get ready for a wild ride! If you thought coffee was just about milk, sugar, or the occasional caramel drizzle, think again.
Around the world, people have come up with some of the most unusual yet delicious coffee recipes, blending unexpected ingredients like cheese, butter, onions, and even citrus to create drinks that defy the norm.
These eight crazy coffee recipes will make you rethink your daily cup—trust me, they taste amazing!
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Kaffeost – Cheese Coffee (Finland & Sweden)
Egg Coffee – Cà Phê Trứng (Vietnam)
Spiced Butter Coffee – Buna (Ethiopia)
Orange Espresso – Café Laranja (Brazil)
Coffee Lemonade – Mazagran (Portugal & Algeria)
Coffee with Onion – Onion Coffee (Japan & South Korea)
Coffee with Salt – Kaffe med Salt (Scandinavia & Turkey)
Pepper Coffee – Café au Poivre (Morocco)
Kaffeost – Cheese Coffee (Finland & Sweden)
In Finland and Sweden, coffee isn't just a drink—it's an experience. And sometimes, that experience includes dipping cheese into coffee. Sounds strange? Wait until you taste it.
How It Works
- Cut Leipäjuusto, a mild and slightly sweet Finnish cheese, into cubes.
- Drop the cheese cubes into a hot cup of coffee.
- Let them soak up the coffee and turn soft and gooey.
- Traditionally served in a wooden cup (Kuksa), this is a Nordic ritual you must try at least once!
Why It's Surprisingly Good
The cheese absorbs the coffee's rich flavors, creating a creamy texture. It feels like sipping coffee-dipped cheesecake—smooth, milky, and indulgent.
Egg Coffee – Cà Phê Trứng (Vietnam)
Think raw egg in coffee is strange? Think again! Vietnamese Egg Coffee is a creamy, luxurious drink that tastes like liquid tiramisu.
How It Works
- Whisk a raw egg yolk with sweetened condensed milk until thick and frothy.
- Pour it over strong Vietnamese coffee brewed with a Phin filter.
The Catch?
- The egg yolk creates a rich, custard-like foam that balances out the bold coffee flavor.
- It tastes like coffee tiramisu in a cup.
- It's the perfect treat if you love creamy, indulgent coffee drinks!
Spiced Butter Coffee – Buna (Ethiopia)
You might have heard of Bulletproof Coffee, a trendy drink made with butter, MCT oil, or coconut oil in coffee, but Ethiopia has been making it for centuries with its twist!
How It Works
- Coffee is brewed in a traditional clay pot (jebena) and mixed with butter and warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
- The butter adds a smooth, creamy texture, while the spices bring a deep, aromatic flavor.
- Ethiopians serve this coffee during ceremonies and enjoy it with popcorn or roasted grains.
Why It Tastes Good
The butter enhances the coffee's richness and depth, making it smooth and satisfying. The spices add warmth and complexity, perfect for cozy mornings.
Orange Espresso – Café Laranja (Brazil)
Coffee and oranges might sound like an odd combo, but in Brazil, Café Laranja is a game-changer!
How It Works
- Mix a shot of strong espresso with freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Some variations include honey, cinnamon, or tonic water for extra fizz.
- You can serve it over ice.
Why It's Surprisingly Good
The natural sweetness and acidity of the orange perfectly balance the bitterness of the coffee. This drink is refreshing, tangy, and tropical—ideal for summer!
Coffee with Onion – Onion Coffee (Japan & South Korea)
Onions in coffee? Yes, some people put onions in coffee. It sounds unbelievable, but the caramelized sweetness of onions works. This coffee trend has gained attention in Japan and South Korea.
How It Works
- Caramelize onions slowly to bring out their sweetness.
- Then mix onion juice or puree with hot brewed coffee.
- Some variations include a dash of honey for extra depth.
Why It Tastes Good
The onions add a natural sweetness that balances the coffee's bitterness. It creates a deep, umami-rich flavor—something you must taste to believe!
Coffee Lemonade – Mazagran (Portugal & Algeria)
If you love iced coffee and lemonade, why not mix them? Mazagran is a bold, tangy coffee drink that originated in Algeria and became popular in Portugal.
How It Works
- Brew a strong black coffee or espresso.
- Mix it with fresh lemon juice, sugar, and ice.
- Some versions include sparkling water or even a splash of rum for an extra kick!
Why It's Surprisingly Good
The citrus enhances the coffee's natural brightness, making it refreshing. It's a lighter, tangy alternative to traditional iced coffee.
Pepper Coffee – Café au Poivre (Morocco)
If you like a little spice in your coffee, Moroccan Pepper Coffee is a bold and flavorful choice.
How It Works
- Brew coffee and infuse it with black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add a splash of rose water or orange blossom for extra aroma.
- The result is an intensely spiced, fragrant coffee, unlike anything you've ever tasted.
Why It Tastes Good
The pepper adds a warm, tingly spice that pairs beautifully with the coffee's boldness. The floral and spice notes make it an exotic, aromatic experience.
Check out our coffee pairing guide.
Final Thoughts
Who knew coffee could be this adventurous? From creamy egg coffee in Vietnam to cheese-dipped coffee in Finland and even onion-infused coffee in Japan, the world is full of unexpected coffee creations. Whether you like your coffee sweet, creamy, salty, or spicy, there's something here for everyone.
Sign up now and let us know which one you're most excited to try, featuring our premium Kenyan coffee today!
8 Crazy Coffee Recipes from Around the World That Surprisingly Taste Good