Exploring the World of International Coffee Drinks

Coffee, a beverage cherished worldwide, has transcended its origins to become a canvas for cultural expressions through various preparations. Here, we delve into four unique coffee drinks from different corners of the globe: Ca Phe Sua Da from Vietnam, Shakerato from Italy, Cafe Cubano from Cuba, and Yuenyeung from Hong Kong. Each drink not only tells a story of its cultural heritage but also offers a unique taste experience.

Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)

History: The history of Ca Phe Sua Da, or more correctly Cà phê sữa đá, is intertwined with Vietnam's colonial past. Introduced by French colonists in the late 19th century, coffee in Vietnam initially catered to the elite. However, the drink truly became a part of Vietnamese culture post-World War II, especially with the influence of condensed milk, which was more available than fresh milk due to the tropical climate. The combination of robusta coffee, which thrives in Vietnam's climate, and condensed milk, thus, created this iconic drink.

How to Make:

• Ingredients:2 tablespoons of Vietnamese coffee powder (preferably robusta)1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk1 cup of hot waterIce
• Method:Prepare: Place the condensed milk at the bottom of a glass or cup. Brew: Use a Vietnamese phin filter. Add the coffee to the filter, screw on the top, and place it over your cup. Pour hot water over the coffee just enough to wet the grounds, wait for it to bloom (about 30 seconds), then pour the rest of the water slowly.Stir: Once the coffee has dripped through, stir well to blend the milk and coffee. Ice: Pour over ice in a larger glass if you prefer it chilled, or enjoy hot.

This drink offers a balance of strong coffee with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk, perfect for hot Vietnamese afternoons.

Shakerato (Italian Shaken Espresso)

History: Shakerato emerged from Italy's rich coffee culture, which is known for espresso. This drink is believed to have originated in the 1940s in Northern Italy, particularly in the Veneto region. It was a response to the need for a refreshing coffee during summer, combining the art of espresso with the technique of cocktail shaking.

How to Make:

• Ingredients:2 shots of espresso (or strong coffee)1-2 teaspoons of sugar (optional)Ice
• Method:Prepare Espresso: Brew two shots of espresso.Shake: Pour the espresso into a cocktail shaker with ice. If you like it sweet, add sugar now. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to froth and cool the coffee. Serve: Strain into a chilled glass. No garnish is needed, but if you like, a twist of lemon peel can add a zest.

The result is a frothy, cold coffee with a creamy texture, reminiscent of a caffeinated cocktail.

Cafe Cubano (Cuban Coffee)

History: Cafe Cubano reflects the fusion of Spanish coffee traditions with Cuban ingenuity. During the 19th century, coffee was already a staple in Cuba, but it was the influx of immigrants and the necessity during times of economic hardship that led to the unique brewing method using sugar. This method, known as "espuma," is what distinguishes Cafe Cubano from other espressos.

How to Make:

• Ingredients:1-2 teaspoons of sugar2 shots of espresso
• Method:Sugar: Place sugar in a small metal cup or directly in the espresso cup.Espresso: Pour a small amount of hot espresso over the sugar and quickly whip it with a spoon until it becomes frothy (this is the espuma). Combine: Add the rest of the espresso, stirring gently into the froth to mix, but keep some of the froth on top for authenticity.

Cafe Cubano is intensely sweet and bold, a perfect energizer or after-dinner coffee.

Yuenyeung (Hong Kong Coffee with Tea)

History: Yuenyeung, or "Yin Yang" in Cantonese, showcases Hong Kong's blend of Western and Eastern culinary traditions. This drink likely evolved in the 20th century when Hong Kong was a melting pot of cultures, combining black tea with coffee to create something uniquely local. It's a testament to the city's creativity in drink customization.

How to Make:

• Ingredients:1 part strong black tea (usually made from black tea leaves like Ceylon or Assam)1 part strong coffee (often Hong Kong-style milk tea and coffee mix)Milk or evaporated milkSugar (optional)
• Method:Brew: Brew your tea and coffee separately, ensuring both are strong.Mix: Combine equal parts of tea and coffee in a cup. Milk: Add milk or evaporated milk to taste, creating the characteristic layers or mix well for a uniform color. Sweeten: Sugar can be added if desired, though many enjoy the balance of flavors without it.

Yuenyeung offers a unique taste where the bitterness of coffee meets the astringency of tea, balanced by the sweetness of milk.

Each of these drinks not only provides a caffeine kick but also a cultural narrative, reflecting the history, climate, and tastes of their respective countries. From the slow drip of Vietnamese coffee to the shake of Italian Shakerato, the sweet froth of Cuban espresso, to the harmonious blend of Hong Kong's Yuenyeung, coffee around the world is as much about the journey as it is about the taste. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just looking for a new experience, these international coffee drinks offer a rich tapestry of flavors and stories to explore.