Turkish sand coffee, or coffee made on hot sand, is a traditional brewing method used for centuries in the Middle East. To make Turkish Coffee in the sand, you will need a Turkish coffee pot (cezve or Ibrik), a heat source, and a tray of sand, coffee beans, water, and sugar (optional).
Did you happen to know? The Turkish coffee pot (cezve or Ibrik) is a small, long-handled pot with a spout for pouring explicitly designed for this style of coffee.
This is how to prepare Turkish coffee on the sand.
First, you need a sand warmer or a metal container filled with sand. Next, in a cezve, you will need to add the following ingredients:
- Water - we suggest one cup per person.
- Ground coffee - 2 teaspoons of coarsely ground coffee per cup.
- Sugar - add 1 teaspoon of sugar per cup of coffee (optional).
- Tip! Add a pinch of cardamom or other spices for added flavour (optional).
- Prepare cezve: add water, coffee, and sugar (optional) and mix well.
- Place the Ibrik (or cezve) on the sand warmer.
Did you know? The sand warmer keeps a consistent temperature, so moving the cezve around the warmer allows the coffee to be heated gradually and evenly. This helps to extract the most flavour from the grounds while avoiding any spots of over-or under-extraction.
History of hot sand coffee
Hot Sand Coffee is a traditional brewing method of coffee that originated in the Middle East. However, it is believed to have originated in Saudi Arabia, where it was used to brew robust and aromatic coffee. Some claim that the brewing method dates back to the 16th century when it was first used to brew coffee in the Bedouin Desert. This coffee-making is still used in some Middle Eastern countries, such as Yemen and Saudi Arabia, where the traditional method of brewing hot sand coffee has been passed down from generation to generation.
Conventionally, preparing hot sand coffee involves roasting coffee beans in heated sand on an open fire and grinding the roasted beans into a fine powder. The powder is then added to Ibrik, where water and often sugar is added and stirred until the desired smooth texture is achieved. The resulting beverage is thick, creamy, and intensely flavorful when ready.
Hot sand coffee is not only a specialty in the Middle East, it has become increasingly popular in recent years as the traditional brewing method has become known to many coffee enthusiasts worldwide. In the West, coffee is becoming a popular way to enjoy it at home. Also, some specialty coffee shops offer this Turkish Hot Sand Coffee as an alternative to traditional brewing methods.
Nowadays, the Western world can also prepare coffee on the sand with the help of specialized equipment, often called Sand Coffee Makers.
What kind of equipment to use?
Cezve. It is essential to use a cezve made of either copper, brass or stainless steel, as these materials are better able to withstand high temperatures and will not react with the coffee.
Heat. The heat source could be a stovetop, a hot plate, or a charcoal stove.
Sand tray. The tray of sand is necessary to evenly spread the heat and ensure a consistent brewing temperature. Need the sand container ideas? Visit this page: Turkish Sand Brewer Machine.
Why do they put cezve in the sand?
Turkish Coffee is made in the sand because it helps evenly distribute the heat, which helps to ensure that the coffee is cooked evenly and not burned. The sand is heated to a very high temperature, which is said to be able to extract all of the flavours and oils from the ground coffee beans. The sand also helps to keep the coffee grounds from sticking to the bottom of the pot, which helps to ensure that the coffee tastes smooth and not bitter. The sand also absorbs the excess heat, which helps to prevent it from boiling over and making a mess. :)
What does Turkish sand coffee taste like?
Turkish sand coffee has a very intense, smoky flavour. The resulting brew is a robust, pungent and flavorful cup of coffee. It has a slightly bitter taste but is also somewhat sweet, with hints of chocolate and nuts.
How to heat sand?
Traditional heat sources for heating sand include direct fire, steam, hot water, and electricity. In addition, you could use a stovetop or an electric hot plate as your heat source to heat the sand.
Sand temperature
The ideal sand temperature for making a perfect Turkish coffee in the sand is between 190-200°C (374-392°F). This is the temperature at which the coffee grounds have the ideal amount of time to extract the flavour and aromas while avoiding burning.
The sand should be preheated before adding the coffee grounds, and then the temperature should be adjusted throughout the brewing process.
What kind of sand is used for Turkish coffee?
For Turkish sand coffee, it's important to use sand that is clean, free from any contaminants, and safe to use before brewing your coffee. Ideally, the sand should also be able to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the brewing process, so that the coffee is brewed evenly and without any burnt or bitter flavors.
Some people believe that cat sand is a good choice, it is safe and effective because it is similar in composition and texture to regular sand, and it can be easily cleaned and sterilized before use. In addition, it is readily available and affordable. However, others caution against using cat sand because it may contain harmful substances such as silica, which can cause respiratory problems when inhaled. So, choose wisely!
What kind of coffee beans?
Arabica beans are the best choice for making traditional Turkish sand coffee. Arabica beans have a smooth flavour and low acidity, allowing the coffee's full flavour to shine through. They are also slightly sweeter than robusta beans, making them perfect for traditional Turkish sand coffee.
Non-traditional hot sand coffee recipes (coffee pairings)
- Iced Coconut Mocha
- Cardamom-Spiced Coffee
- Chocolate-Hazelnut Sand Coffee
- Orange-Scented Coffee
- Caramel Macchiato Sand Coffee
- Minty Mocha Sand Coffee
- Vanilla Latte Sand Coffee
- Coconut-Almond Sand Coffee
- Hazelnut-Cinnamon Sand Coffee
Impact of hot sand coffee on the coffee industry
Hot sand coffee is a unique way to enjoy a cup of coffee and is a great way to experience the traditional Middle Eastern brewing method. It is also a great way to experience different flavors and aromas, as the hot sand imparts additional notes to the coffee.
The emergence of hot sand coffee has also been a positive development in the coffee industry. It is gaining popularity due to its unique flavour and aroma, its cost-effectiveness and its ability to yield a higher quality cup of coffee than traditional brewing methods.
Additionally, the popularity of this brewing method has led to an increase in the number of speciality coffee shops that offer it. This has allowed coffee drinkers to experience a range of new flavours and has created an opportunity for coffee roasters to experiment with different blends and brewing methods, as well as to reach more customers and increase their profits.
The popularity of hot sand coffee has also increased the demand for speciality coffee equipment and supplies, such as sand-specific coffee grinders and hot sand brewers. This has allowed coffee shops to offer more unique coffee experiences while providing a new avenue for coffee roasters to reach more customers and increase their profits.
Below is an example of a Turkish Coffee Set. To read more about the product below, please visit this page: Turkish Coffee Set.
