A World in a Cup: Coffee Traditions Across the Globe
Coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a ritual, a tradition, and a deeply ingrained part of cultures worldwide. From the quick espresso shots of Italy to the slow, immersive Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, each region has crafted its own unique way to enjoy this beloved drink.
Xaymaca takes pride in offering coffee from some of the most renowned coffee-growing regions, each with a rich cultural heritage tied to their brews. Let’s explore how coffee traditions differ across the world and the special role Xaymaca plays in preserving these flavors.
Italy: The Art of the Espresso
In Italy, coffee is a fast-paced, social experience. Italians typically drink their espresso standing at a bar, enjoying the deep, rich flavor in just a few sips. Cappuccinos are reserved for mornings, and ordering one after noon is a sure sign of a tourist. The Italian approach to coffee is all about quality and tradition, with espresso machines and baristas considered artists in their craft.
How Italians enjoy their coffee:
A classic Italian ritual includes pairing an espresso with a small glass of water to cleanse the palate before drinking.
Ethiopia: The Birthplace of Coffee
Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, celebrates it with an elaborate ceremony that can last hours. The coffee is roasted over an open flame, ground by hand, and brewed in a traditional clay pot called a jebena. The process is communal, signifying hospitality and connection.
In Ethiopia, they serve coffee like this:
Ethiopian coffee is often served in three rounds—Abol, Tona, and Bereka—each symbolizing different levels of spiritual significance and social bonding.
Jamaica: Blue Mountain Elegance
Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee is among the most sought-after in the world, known for its smooth, mild flavor and lack of bitterness. The region’s unique climate and elevation create a distinctive taste profile. Coffee in Jamaica is often enjoyed leisurely, with locals savoring each cup as a moment of relaxation and refinement. Try one (or more!) from our selection here.
Jamaicans do it this way:
Us Jamaicans love to add a teaspoon of condensed milk to our morning, afternoon, and evening brew. Another popular way to enjoy it is black with a bit of local brown sugar, allowing the pure flavors to shine.
Costa Rica: Pura Vida in a Cup
Costa Rica is home to some of the world’s best Arabica beans, and its coffee culture reflects the country’s commitment to quality. The traditional brewing method, the chorreador, is a simple wooden stand with a cloth filter where hot water slowly drips through the grounds, extracting rich flavors. Costa Ricans embrace the “pura vida” lifestyle, and their coffee-drinking habits are no exception—it’s a time to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
In Costa Rica, it’s not just about coffee:
Many enjoy their coffee with a small pastry or fresh fruit. You can get freshly ground Costa Rican coffee right here. We also have limited stock of Coffea Diversa Geisha Honey which is an ancient and rare wild Ethiopian coffee variety grown in Costa Rica. It is a truly extraordinary coffee grown in a lush, unspoiled area near La Amistad International Park. Get some while you can!
Sumatra: Bold and Earthy
Sumatra, Indonesia, is known for its full-bodied, earthy coffee with deep, complex flavors. The wet-hulling process used in Sumatra gives the beans their distinctive character. Coffee here is often enjoyed strong and dark, complementing the island’s rich culinary traditions. You don't have to travel across the ocean to try this delicious gem, get some with the Xaymaca stamp of approval right here.
This is how Sumatrans brew their brew:
A common way to drink Sumatran coffee is as Kopi Tubruk, where coarse coffee grounds are boiled with sugar, creating a thick, intense brew.
Papua New Guinea: Wild and Untamed
Coffee from Papua New Guinea is as wild as its lush landscapes. Many coffee plants here are descendants of Jamaica Blue Mountain seeds, yet the volcanic soil and high altitudes give the beans their own distinct characteristics—bright acidity with fruity and floral notes. If this sounds delicious, order some here.
In Papua New Guinea, they keep things simple:
Coffee in Papua New Guinea is often brewed using a French press or as a simple, strong black coffee, allowing the vibrant flavors to shine.
Kenya: Bold and Fruity Excellence
Kenya produces some of Africa’s finest coffee, known for its bright acidity and fruity, wine-like flavors. In Kenya, coffee culture is growing, with urban cafés serving expertly brewed single-origin cups. You can experience this excellent coffee in the comfort of your home, get some here.
Kenyans stay true to their roots with their coffee traditions:
Traditional Kenyan coffee is often made using a method called Kahawa Chungu, a strong, spiced black coffee typically enjoyed by elders. This rich and flavorful drink reflects the country's deep-rooted coffee heritage.
Tanzania: The Home of Peaberry Coffee
Tanzania, home to the famous Peaberry Coffee, embraces both traditional brewing and modern café culture. Whether enjoyed in a bustling café or brewed over an open flame, Tanzanian coffee reflects a blend of old and new traditions, making it a true African coffee gem.
Infused Tanzanian coffee is fit for royalty:
Spiced Tanzanian coffee, often infused with cardamom and cinnamon, is popular in some Tanzanian regions. Order your Tanzanian Peaberry Coffee to drink coffee like a King or Queen you are!
Dominican Republic: The Caribbean’s Hidden Coffee Gem
While lesser-known than Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee, Dominican Republic’s coffee industry is quietly making a name for itself. Grown in the island’s volcanic soil, the coffee carries a rich, smooth flavor. Coffee in Dominican Republic is enjoyed in a relaxed, tropical setting, often accompanied by lively conversations and a deep appreciation for the land’s natural beauty.
People in the Dominican Republic enjoy their coffee like this:
Traditionally, Dominican Republic coffee is brewed strong and served black or with condensed milk for added sweetness. Our Limited Edition Red Honey from Ramirez Estate is absolute perfection.
Xaymaca: A Global Coffee Experience
Xaymaca celebrates the cultural diversity of coffee, sourcing from these renowned regions to bring the best of global coffee traditions to its customers. Each sip tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and the unique environments that shape the flavors. Whether it’s the smooth elegance of Jamaica Blue Mountain, the bright notes of Kenyan coffee, or the bold richness of Sumatran beans, Xaymaca offers a journey through the world’s most treasured coffee traditions.
Coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience, a connection to the world’s cultures, and a testament to the craftsmanship of generations of growers and roasters. With Xaymaca, every cup is an invitation to explore and appreciate the beauty of global coffee traditions.