4 brilliant but unusual coffee drinks
Coffee very versatile, you can use it in cooking, used grounds can be used as fertiliser, alcoholic drinks like the espresso martini are a big hit, the possibilities are almost endless.
Even if you can use coffee for a multitude of options, even way beyond the realm of roasting and drinking, there are still some strange concoctions in the world of caffeine based hot drinks.
If you like your coffee hot, then we have a little list of unusual coffee drinks that not only should you try, but that we think you will absolutely adore.
Our list includes coffee from all around the world, so we are sure you’ll enjoy one of these slightly unusual concoctions.
Melange
The Wiener Melange is an Austrian speciality version of a latte/cappuccino hybrid. It is a shot of espresso into hot water and topped up with creamy, foamed milk.
An extra luxurious twist is to top up the black coffee with whipped cream. In Vienna this drink is always served with a small glass of water on the side, which is a tradition of many of the older cafes in Europe.
Many Austrians will order a Wiener Melange with a sweet piece of chocolate cake known as Sachertorte, which is another Austrian specialty, the perfect sickly sweet treat to accompany a rich Melange coffee.
Dirty Chai
Chai tea is a popular drink amongst the health conscious and tea enthusiasts with a more eclectic palette It is a blend of black tea infused with spices such as ginger, cinnamon, clove, fennel and black pepper.
Originating in India this drink is now available worldwide in health stores and artisan cafes.
It is considered a natural remedy, packed with antioxidants it is a cleansing and refreshing drink served without milk.
Now bang a shot of espresso in it to really amp up that health kick.
It also goes by the name of ‘dirty hippie.’
Yuanyang
Pronounced yinyeung or yinyong in Cantonese, or Kopi Cham in Malaysia, this drink is a peculiar mixture of coffee and tea that is very popular in Hong Kong.
It is made up of 3 parts coffee and 7 parts Chinese milk tea. The name Yuanyang is a reference to Mandarin Ducks (a powerful symbol of conjugal love in Chinese culture) the female of the species is plain brown, whilst her male counterpart is the flamboyant multi-coloured bird and they are always seen together.
They are regarded as an example the perfect but opposing balance in nature and relationships and are held in high esteem, similar to the two components of this beverage.
Often served cold, the Yuanyang coffee is also equally popular served hot.
Miami Vice
Not to be confused with the classic 80s TV show, the Miami Vice was no doubt invented to go alongside a doughnut or two.
This sugary shot of caffeine is guaranteed to keep even the most jaded street cop awake all night.
It is a drink comprised of three equal parts. One part espresso, brewed nice and strong, part two is a shot of Cuban coffee, which is sweetened with Demerara sugar.
The final part is an equal split of hot water and sugar, no milk. This strong, sweet and black as night drink would keep anyone alert until the early hours.