Coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks, enjoyed by millions every day. But beyond the usual latte, cappuccino, and cold brew lies a fascinating world of unique coffee traditions. Across Asia, Africa, and Northern Europe, cultures have developed creative ways to brew and enjoy this beloved beverage. Many of these recipes use local flavors, special rituals, and ingredients you would never expect to find in a typical café.
In this list, we explore 10 coffee drinks you’ve probably never heard of. Some are sweet and comforting. Others are bold, spicy, and even a little unusual. A few might surprise you with unexpected twists, like melted cheese or whisked egg yolk.
Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a true coffee enthusiast, these rare drinks reveal just how diverse global coffee culture can be. Get ready to discover new flavors and expand your caffeine horizons..
10. Pharisäer (Germany)
What it is: A potent German coffee drink combining strong coffee, rum, and a generous topping of whipped cream.
If you love coffee with a kick, Pharisäer might be the drink you never knew you needed. Originating from North Frisia in northern Germany, this traditional coffee cocktail blends strong, freshly brewed coffee with a splash of dark rum and a little sugar.
What makes it truly unique is the thick layer of whipped cream that covers the top. This creamy layer cleverly hides the alcohol beneath, creating a playful balance of flavors. The drink even has an amusing origin story. It was first served in church gatherings as a way for locals to discreetly enjoy alcohol without the pastor noticing.
Today, Pharisäer coffee is still popular at festive occasions and cozy gatherings across Germany. Its rich and warming taste makes it especially comforting during cold evenings. If you are searching for unusual coffee drinks from around the world, this German specialty is one worth experiencing.
9. Einspänner (Austria)
What it is: Strong black coffee or espresso served in a glass and topped with a large dollop of whipped cream.
Vienna is famous for its coffee culture, and one of the most iconic drinks you will find there is the Einspänner. This traditional Austrian coffee is served in a tall glass, making it as beautiful to look at as it is to drink. It is made with a strong shot of black coffee, topped generously with a thick layer of whipped cream.
The name “Einspänner” comes from the one-horse carriage drivers of old Vienna. They would sip this drink while driving, with the cream keeping the coffee hot for longer. The combination of bitter, robust coffee and smooth cream creates a rich contrast that has kept the drink popular for centuries.
Today, the Einspänner is not only a staple in Viennese cafés but also a symbol of the city’s deep coffeehouse tradition. For anyone exploring unique European coffee drinks, this Austrian classic is an absolute must-try.
8. Café de Olla (Mexico)
What it is: A sweet, spiced coffee brewed in a traditional earthenware pot.
Café de Olla is a traditional Mexican coffee that delivers far more than a simple morning brew. Mexicans prepare it in clay pots rather than modern coffee makers, since clay deepens the drink’s earthy and rich flavor. Spices and natural sweeteners make it unique, giving every cup a warm and festive character.
To create it, brewers simmer coffee with cinnamon sticks and stir in piloncillo, an unrefined cane sugar. Piloncillo melts slowly into the hot liquid, adding a deep caramel-like sweetness. Some families also use cloves, star anise, or orange peel to give the drink extra flavor. The result is a spiced coffee that feels like a dessert and tradition combined in every sip.
Families across Mexico drink Café de Olla during holidays, festivals, and chilly mornings in the highlands. The tradition continues today, keeping alive a piece of Mexico’s rich coffee heritage.
7. Guillermo (Various)
What it is: A bold espresso poured over fresh slices of lime.
Guillermo is a fascinating coffee drink that takes the familiar and gives it a refreshing twist. Originating in Spain, it is made by pouring hot espresso directly over slices of lime or lemon. The acidity from the citrus blends with the strong bitterness of the espresso, creating a drink that is both bold and surprisingly refreshing.
This unusual combination remains popular in Spain and Portugal, and you can sometimes find it in Latin America and other parts of southern Europe. The bright citrus cuts through the richness of the espresso, balancing its intensity and offering a burst of flavor that lingers with every sip. Some variations serve Guillermo iced, making it even more invigorating on hot days.
For coffee lovers seeking something different, Guillermo is a reminder that even simple ingredients can create an entirely new taste experience.
6. Kopi Joss (Indonesia)
What it is: Hot, sweet black coffee served with a piece of red-hot, burning charcoal dropped directly into it.
Kopi Joss is one of the most unusual coffee drinks in the world, and you will most likely encounter it in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, where it first gained popularity. What makes it so unique is the addition of a piece of burning hot charcoal directly into the cup of black coffee. The charcoal crackles and hisses as it hits the liquid, creating a dramatic effect that surprises first-time drinkers.
Despite its unconventional preparation, locals swear by Kopi Joss not only for its taste but also for its supposed health benefits. The charcoal is believed to neutralize acidity, making the coffee smoother and easier on the stomach. It also imparts a subtle smoky flavor that you cannot find in any other brew.
Served at street-side stalls known as “angkringan,” Kopi Joss is more than a drink. It is a cultural experience that combines tradition, spectacle, and flavor into every cup.
5. Yuanyang (Hong Kong & Malaysia)
What it is: A harmonious blend of strong coffee and creamy Hong Kong-style milk tea.
Yuanyang is a fascinating coffee drink you may have never heard of, but it’s a true gem of Hong Kong and Malaysia’s café culture. This unique beverage blends the strong, bold flavor of black coffee with the smooth creaminess of Hong Kong–style milk tea, creating a balanced drink that is both comforting and energizing. The name “Yuanyang” comes from a species of mandarin duck, symbolizing the harmony of two very different elements—just like the pairing of coffee and tea in a single cup.
Traditionally served in bustling Hong Kong cha chaan teng cafés, Yuanyang is made with a mix of freshly brewed coffee, robust black tea, and evaporated or condensed milk for a touch of sweetness. It can be enjoyed hot or iced, making it a versatile drink for any season. Today, Yuanyang has gained popularity beyond Asia, appearing in bubble tea shops and modern coffee houses that experiment with global flavors.
For adventurous coffee lovers looking for a drink that blends East and West, Yuanyang offers a refreshing twist you won’t find in your usual latte or cappuccino.
4. Mazagran (Portugal & Algeria)
What it is: A refreshing cold coffee lemonade that combines bold coffee with citrusy brightness.
Mazagran is often called the original iced coffee, offering a refreshing twist many coffee lovers have yet to try. The drink first appeared in 19th-century Algeria and later gained popularity in Portugal. It combines strong black coffee, cold water, and fresh lemon for a bold, unforgettable flavor. Some versions include sugar or rum, but the citrus twist always defines the drink.
This unusual mix of coffee and lemon delivers a tangy, energizing taste unlike traditional iced coffee or cold brew. In Portugal, cafés usually serve Mazagran chilled over ice, making it a perfect summer refreshment. The drink’s simplicity and vibrant taste have earned it a loyal following among adventurous coffee lovers.
For anyone seeking a coffee that feels light, zesty, and unique, Mazagran deserves attention. It offers an underrated coffee experience that balances tradition with refreshment.
3. Café Touba (Senegal)
What it is: A bold, spicy coffee flavored with djar, the dried fruit of the Xylopia aethiopica tree, also called grains of Selim.
Café Touba is a traditional Senegalese coffee that offers a bold, aromatic flavor unlike any other brew. Named after the holy city of Touba, this coffee blends roasted beans with spices like djar or cloves. These spices add a sharp, peppery kick that balances the richness of the coffee. The result is a warming, invigorating drink that plays a central role in Senegalese daily life.
The Mouride brotherhood introduced Café Touba in the 20th century, giving it both cultural and spiritual importance. Today, it stands as one of Senegal’s most popular street drinks. Vendors often sell it hot, strong, and lightly sweetened across busy markets.
For adventurous coffee lovers, Café Touba offers more than flavor. It provides a window into West African tradition and shows how coffee can express culture and identity.
2. Kaffeost (Finland & Sweden)
What it is: A traditional Nordic coffee served with cubes of juustoleipä, a squeaky, baked cheese that soaks up the hot brew.
Kaffeost is one of the most unusual coffee traditions in the world. It comes from northern Finland and Sweden, where winters are long and cold. Instead of cream or sugar, people add pieces of mild, spongy cheese called juustoleipä. First, they place the cheese at the bottom of a wooden cup. Then, they pour hot coffee over it.
As the coffee soaks in, the cheese becomes warm, soft, and richly flavored. Meanwhile, the coffee itself takes on a smooth, buttery taste. This combination feels both comforting and unique.
This tradition reflects the rustic culture of Lapland. Because winters are harsh, locals favor hearty and energy-rich foods. Families often enjoy Kaffeost during gatherings or after outdoor adventures. As a result, it becomes a shared experience, not just a drink.
For adventurous coffee lovers, Kaffeost is a delightful surprise. You get to drink your coffee and eat it too.
1. Cà Phê Trứng (Vietnam)
What it is: A rich Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy layer of whipped egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk.
Cà Phê Trứng, or “egg coffee,” is one of Vietnam’s most iconic yet lesser-known coffee specialties outside Southeast Asia. Created in Hanoi in the 1940s, this drink was born out of necessity when milk was scarce, leading local cafés to use egg yolk as a substitute. The result is a velvety, dessert-like beverage that combines the bold intensity of Vietnamese robusta coffee with a sweet, frothy custard-like topping.
Served hot in small cups or sometimes over ice, egg coffee delivers a unique harmony of bitter and sweet flavors. The airy egg cream floats above the strong coffee, allowing drinkers to enjoy contrasting textures with every sip. Today, Cà Phê Trứng is a must-try for visitors to Vietnam, often enjoyed in the cozy cafés of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
For coffee lovers seeking something indulgent and unexpected, egg coffee is a true testament to Vietnam’s creativity and café culture.
