Turkish Coffee
Caffeine
50 mg
Note: Turkish coffee is highly concentrated, delivering more caffeine per ounce than drip coffee. While the total caffeine is moderate due to the small serving size, its intensity is notable.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Caffeine Level | High |
| Serving Size | 2 fl oz |
| Serving Size (ml) | 60 ml |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Calories | 2 kcal |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 25 mg/fl oz |
Turkish coffee is a centuries-old brewing tradition that delivers a rich, intense flavor and a concentrated caffeine kick in a small serving.
Prepared in a special long-handled pot called a cezve, it uses ultra-finely ground coffee beans simmered slowly in water — often with sugar — to produce a thick, aromatic drink.
What is Turkish Coffee?
Turkish coffee is more than just a drink — it’s a cultural ritual recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity 1. The preparation method is unique, producing a dense, unfiltered brew with a layer of foam (köpük) on top.
Key characteristics include:
- Finely Ground Coffee – Powder-like grind for maximum extraction.
- Brewed in a Cezve – A small copper or brass pot with a long handle.
- Slow Heating – Gradual simmering to develop flavor and foam.
- Unfiltered – Grounds settle at the bottom of the cup.
- Custom Sweetness – Served sade (no sugar), az şekerli (lightly sweet), orta (medium sweet), or çok şekerli (very sweet).
This method creates a concentrated, aromatic coffee that’s sipped slowly, often accompanied by a glass of water and a piece of Turkish delight.
How Much Caffeine is in Turkish Coffee?
Turkish coffee’s caffeine content is high for its size because of the fine grind, long contact time, and lack of filtration.
Typical caffeine content:
- Per 2 fl oz (60 ml) cup – 50 mg caffeine
- Caffeine per fl oz – 25 mg/fl oz
- Caffeine per 100 ml – 84–85 mg
- Double Coffee Portion – Up to 100 mg caffeine
- Comparison – Stronger per ounce than drip coffee (12 mg/fl oz)
While the total caffeine is less than a full mug of brewed coffee, the concentration is much higher, giving Turkish coffee its potent kick.
Calories and Sugar in Turkish Coffee
On its own, Turkish coffee is virtually calorie-free, but sugar is often added during brewing — and cannot be stirred in afterward without disturbing the grounds.
Typical nutrition for a 2 fl oz serving:
- Plain (Sade) – 2 kcal, 0 g sugar
- Lightly Sweet (Az Şekerli) – 15–20 kcal, 4–5 g sugar
- Medium Sweet (Orta) – 30–35 kcal, 8–9 g sugar
- Very Sweet (Çok Şekerli) – 45–50 kcal, 12–13 g sugar
- With Milk – Adds 10–20 kcal depending on amount
If you want the caffeine without extra calories, opt for the plain version.
Ingredients Overview
The ingredient list for Turkish coffee is minimal, but the quality of each component is crucial.
Common ingredients include:
- Finely Ground Arabica Coffee – Traditional choice for smooth, rich flavor.
- Cold Water – Allows gradual extraction during heating.
- Sugar – Optional, added before brewing.
- Cardamom – Sometimes added for a spiced aroma.
- Milk – Rare in traditional recipes, but used in modern variations.
The simplicity of the recipe means the brewing technique and bean quality make the biggest difference in taste.