Imagine a cold day, perhaps a Sunday morning, when the sky is grey and you need something to warm your heart and pamper you a little. At that moment, there is nothing better than a cup of German coffee.
This drink, which combines tradition and the art of coffee, is a pleasure to be savoured slowly, in company or alone, as the warmth envelops you and its aroma recharges your batteries. From Berlin cafés to German homes, German coffee has a timeless charm.
If I’ve piqued your curiosity, read on: I’ll take you on a tasty journey through German coffee culture!
History of coffee in Germany
Coffee has a long and fascinating history in Germany, dating back to the 18th century. It is said that coffee arrived in the country through trade with the Ottoman Empire, but it was only with the spread of coffee shops that coffee became a true symbol of German culture. The first German coffee houses were opened in Berlin and Hamburg, creating meeting places for intellectuals, artists and philosophers, who loved to spend their time drinking coffee and discussing politics, science and culture.
Over time, coffee became an everyday drink and a tradition in every home and bar in Germany. In the 19th century, Germans also developed new ways of preparing it, contributing to the creation of unique variations that are still enjoyed around the world today. Germany has continued to be a benchmark in the history of coffee, becoming one of the largest consumers of this beverage in Europe.
Since then, coffee has not only won the hearts of Germans, but has also inspired numerous innovations and variations in the way it is prepared, which are reflected in the methods and beverages we know today.
Let’s discover the most famous variations of German coffee.
Variations on German-style coffee
German coffee is incredibly varied, and each type has its own history and special way of being prepared. But which are the most popular versions?
Coffee Crème
Coffee Crème is one of the most popular drinks in Germany. It is similar to a latte, but with an extra touch of creaminess and a more balanced flavour, thanks to the perfect combination of strong coffee and frothed milk.
How to prepare it:
- Prepare a strong coffee (espresso or long coffee).
- Heat the milk (using a milk frother if desired) until it forms a soft foam, but not too thick.
- Pour the coffee into the cup and add the frothed milk until the cup is full, creating a nice contrast between the dark coffee and the light foam.
- Sweeten to taste with sugar or honey (optional).
- For an extra touch, you can garnish with a little whipped cream on top.
The result is a balanced, super creamy drink that’s perfect for any time of day.
Eiskaffee
Eiskaffee is the German version of iced coffee and is ideal for hot summer days. It is iced coffee served with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, creating a cool, sweet and refreshing combination.
How to prepare it:
- Make a strong coffee (you can use espresso or filtered coffee).
- Allow the coffee to cool and fill a glass with ice.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the glass.
- Pour the cold coffee over the ice cream.
- Garnish with whipped cream and, if you like, a little grated chocolate for extra sweetness.
Eiskaffee is perfect for hot weather, offering a drink that combines freshness with a touch of indulgence.
Pharisäer
Pharisäer is one of the most original and historic variations of German coffee. It is said to have originated during the period when alcohol consumption was prohibited in Germany, but an innkeeper still wanted to offer his guests a drink with a little ‘kick’. Thus, Pharisäer was born: coffee with dark rum and whipped cream, for a warm and enveloping combination.
How to prepare it:
- Prepare a strong coffee (preferably espresso).
- Add dark rum to the coffee (about 30 ml per cup).
- Mix the coffee and rum well.
- Add whipped cream on top, forming a soft, fluffy layer.
Pharisäer is a warming drink, perfect for winter or for a relaxing break with friends.
Conclusion
German coffee is a real journey through flavours, combining tradition and creativity in every cup. Whether you’re making a Caffè Crème for a sweet start to the day, an Eiskaffee to cool you down in summer or a Pharisäer for an evening treat, every German coffee variation offers you a unique and enjoyable experience.
If you like to experiment with coffee, choose the right coffee machine for you and discover how to get the best out of every bean to make coffee as perfect as you would find in a German café. Whether you prefer hot or cold, German coffee is always a good choice!
