Coffee culture varies widely around the world, and in some places, baristas go all out to create unique and even humorous twists on traditional coffee drinks. Here are a few funny and quirky coffee preparations that have become famous (or just amusing) in different countries:
1. Italy: “Caffè Correcto”
- What’s funny about it?
Italians sometimes add a splash of grappa, sambuca, or other liquor to their espresso, calling it a caffè corretto (corrected coffee). The funny part? Italians say the coffee is “corrected” with alcohol, implying that it’s made better or stronger—sometimes, you really need a “corrected” coffee to survive a long day!
2. Japan: “Coffe Jelly”
- What’s funny about it?
In Japan, you might encounter a dish called coffee jelly, which is exactly what it sounds like: coffee-flavored gelatin cubes served in a cup with cream and sometimes ice cream. It’s a dessert AND a drink, often leading to confused but amused reactions as people try to figure out how to eat or drink it!
3. Turkey: “Turkish Coffee with Fortunes”
- What’s funny about it?
After drinking Türk kahvesi, it’s a tradition to turn the coffee cup upside down and let the grounds settle. Then, a fortune teller reads the patterns to give you a prediction about your future. The humor comes from the sometimes very vague and cryptic “fortunes” that are often more amusing than accurate.
4. Australia: “Flat White with a ‘Proud’ Twist”
- What’s funny about it?
In Australia, the flat white is an essential coffee, but baristas there sometimes get cheeky with customers. Some will serve it with a perfectly micro-foamed heart, while others will give a humorous twist—like a happy little “smiley face” in the foam. In the past, there have been jokes about the flat white as being the coffee equivalent of a middle child—because it’s somewhere between a latte and cappuccino.
5. Finland: “Kaffeost” (Coffee Cheese)
- What’s funny about it?
In Finland, they serve coffee with cheese cubes (juustoleipä) floating in it. The cheese is semi-soft and slightly salty, and it melts slowly in the coffee. The sight of cheese bobbing around in your drink can be pretty funny to newcomers, and the taste is a wild combination of salty and creamy coffee.
6. Sweden: “Swedish Cinnamon Bun Latte”
- What’s funny about it?
In Sweden, the kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) is a national treasure. So imagine the fun of ordering a cinnamon bun latte, which is exactly what it sounds like—a coffee latte topped with whipped cream, cinnamon, and even small pieces of actual cinnamon bun! It’s a coffee and dessert hybrid that can be as over-the-top as a coffee drink can get.
7. Mexico: “Café de Olla” with Cloves and Cinnamon
- What’s funny about it?
Mexican Café de Olla is a spiced coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), served in a clay mug. The fun part? Sometimes baristas will add additional quirky spices or even colorful designs to the mugs. It’s an Instagram-worthy blend of sweetness and spice, and it’s an untraditional twist that always makes people laugh—especially if they get an overly-decorated mug!
8. Vietnam: “Egg Coffee” (Cà Phê Trứng)
- What’s funny about it?
In Vietnam, egg coffee is a quirky local specialty made with whipped egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, and hot coffee. The idea of drinking a coffee topped with a thick layer of whipped egg foam (almost like a dessert) can definitely lead to some giggles from those unfamiliar with the rich, creamy texture.
9. Thailand: “Thai Iced Coffee” with Sweetened Condensed Milk
- What’s funny about it?
Thai iced coffee is a dark and strong brew served with a LOT of sweetened condensed milk and ice, giving it a milky, caramelized flavor. The funny part is that it often comes in a large glass, and the sugar content can leave a thick syrupy residue in the glass. Many tourists’ first sips lead to surprise at how sweet it is, and they can’t help but laugh at the intense sugar rush.
10. South Korea: “Dalgona Coffee”
- What’s funny about it?
The dalgona coffee craze took the world by storm, and it’s the drink you make by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it becomes a creamy foam, then serving it on top of milk. The hilarious part? The process can sometimes turn into a big messy whisking session, and people love showing off their attempts—good or bad—on social media.