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Greek coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a time-honored tradition that embodies the essence of Greek life. Different from the US, Coffee culture in America is one of speed and convenience rather than relaxation. Coffee is primarily consumed to start the day rather than to relax after a long day. Conversely, Greece relishes their coffee while catching up with friends or participate in socials. Preuss (2024) found Greece shares the same top coffee drink with the United States that is espresso. However, coffee culture is quite different. How greeks enjoy their coffee and life? let’s dive in!
In This Article
Greek coffee stands out due to its meticulous preparation. Using finely ground Arabica beans, the coffee is brewed in a briki, a small pot with a long handle, typically made of copper. The texture is smooth, almost syrupy, and the deep, dark brew is meant to be savored slowly. Unlike regular coffee, Greek coffee is not rushed.
One unique feature of Greek coffee is its sweetness, which can be tailored to your taste. When ordering, you’re not limited to just "black" or "with milk." Instead, you can choose the level of sweetness that suits you:
Sketos (unsweetened) – No sugar, just coffee.
Metrios (semi-sweet) – 1 teaspoon of sugar.
Glykos (sweet) – 2 teaspoons of sugar.
Vary Glykos (very sweet) – 3 teaspoons of sugar.
Another variation, glykys vrastos, is a sweet boiled coffee, known for its lack of foam and extra boiling time. No matter the sweetness, Greek coffee is always enjoyed in slow pace, sip by sip.
Espresso freddo is a simple Greek coffee that blends espresso with ice. Unlike other ice coffee types, which simply serve coffee over ice, this Greek version combines the two ingredients until the coffee is slightly cooled, smooth, and creamy.
Freddo cappuccino is a cooled coffee that originated in Greece. It is made with espresso, typically a double shot, that is blended with ice, filtered, and then served over ice. The drink is then topped with well-chilled milk, which is shaken or blended until it has a light, frothy texture. Please taste it and tell me if you liked it.
A frappé is a foam-covered iced coffee drink made from instant coffee, water, ice cubes, and sugar. Frappé coffee is produced by blending instant coffee, water, and ice. The mixture is typically mixed in a shaker or hand mixer, so when poured into a glass, frothy foam should appear on top. Variations may add milk or evaporated milk (known as frapógalo), and the drink can be sweetened to taste. Traditionally, this coffee is served in a large glass, with three levels of sweetness available.
Greek coffee is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the taste. Across Greece, whether in the narrow streets of Athens or the cliffside cafés of Santorini, coffee is a social ritual that invites people to linger and relax. The sunny terraces are filled with locals and visitors alike, chatting for hours over a cup of coffee, sharing stories, or simply watching the world go by. The joy of sipping coffee under the bright Mediterranean sun is a quintessential part of the experience. Travelers often find that these moments, sipping coffee in the warmth of the sun, create connections that go beyond language—welcoming you into the heart of Greek culture.
Offering a cup of coffee to a guest is an expression of filoxenia, the Greek value of hospitality. In many ways, sharing coffee in the sun is an invitation to connect with others and immerse yourself in the Greek way of life. People tend to start their days, by drinking coffee. In the winter you could start tasting the “Greek” coffee or stick to your regular cappuccinos and espresso. However, in the summer, you have to start drinking cold coffees as the hot weather.
No Greek café experience is complete without a pair of trendy sunglasses. In Greece, sunglasses are not just a practical accessory; they are a key part of the lifestyle. The bright Mediterranean sun can be intense, and sunglasses serve both a protective and fashionable purpose. Whether lounging on a sun-drenched terrace or strolling through the charming streets of a Greek island, sunglasses help you enjoy the moment in comfort and style. A traveler in Crete recalls the effortless elegance of locals sipping coffee with their sunglasses on, embodying the carefree yet sophisticated vibe of Greek life.
According to Pretavoir (2024) and Byrdie (2024), metal aviator sunglasses is one of the top sunglasses trends of 2024 for women. This iconic design is known for its teardrop shape and slim metal frame. MythGreece, a Greece sunglasses brand introduced a sleeker silhouette and became the most fashionable Greek brand in metal aviator sunglasses. At the same time, they are also polarized glasses, providing full UV protection, allowing tourists to wear them safely and stylishly.
If you’re traveling to Greece in the near future, cafés and designer sunglasses stores are definitely worthy to visit for relaxation. The authentic Greek sun glasses MythGreece is one of them, which provides coffee, conversation, and sunglasses. These three elements create the perfect blend of relaxation and connection.
Sun, coffee, and the warm Mediterranean breeze create a moment that lingers long after the cup is empty.
Source:
“2024’S Hottest Sunglasses Trends Are All about Modern Nostalgia.” 2024. Byrdie.
“PRETAVOIR.US | Online Opticians | Shop Sunglasses & Glasses.” 2024. Pretavoir. July 4, 2024.
Preuss, Arne. 2024. “The Most Popular Coffee Drinks: Comparing Data Worldwide.” Coffeeness. March 7, 2024.
