Coffee lovers, unite! (Or at least, wake up!)
Today, we’re hopping on a virtual plane for a caffeine-fueled journey around the globe. You don’t have to settle for basic brews; I’m here to guide you to destinations renowned for their java juice.
Let’s talk about where to go, when to visit, and most importantly, how to get your hands on the finest coffee the world has to offer.
Colombia: Where Coffee is More Than a Drink, It’s a Culture!
If you’re craving a real coffee pilgrimage, pack your bags and head to Colombia. The coffee region, known as the “Coffee Triangle,” includes the departments of Caldas, Quindio, and Risaralda. Expect lush, rolling hills dotted with coffee plantations.
How/When to Go: Opt for the dry season, from December to March, and take a guided coffee tour to learn the process from bean to cup.
Pro Tip: The local way to drink coffee is “tinto,” a strong, black coffee served in small cups. Sugar? Optional.
Ethiopia: The Birthplace of Coffee
Ethiopia isn’t just a coffee-producing country; it’s the homeland of the coffee bean itself. Cities like Addis Ababa offer traditional coffee ceremonies, but for the purest experience, head to Sidamo or Harar.
How/When to Go: Visit during the harvest season, between October and April. For a unique experience, aim to participate in a local coffee ceremony.
Pro Tip: Ethiopian coffee is often flavored with local spices. Expect a brew unlike any you’ve had before.
Vietnam: Coffee with a Twist
Vietnam is for those who like their coffee experiences on the quirky side. Ever tried egg coffee? What about coffee brewed through a drip filter? You can here!
How/When to Go: November to April offers the most pleasant weather. Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City boast countless cafes where you can indulge.
Pro Tip: For a truly Vietnamese experience, don’t miss the “ca phe sua da,” iced coffee with condensed milk.
Guatemala: Coffee and Volcanoes
Coffee grown in the shadows of Guatemala’s volcanoes has a distinct acidity and full body. The Antigua region is a coffee lover’s dream, with farms and cafes aplenty.
How/When to Go: Go between November and March during the dry season, and visit a local coffee finca (farm) to taste freshly brewed coffee.
Pro Tip: Guatemalan coffee is often fruity, with flavors of berries and apple. Don’t be shy; ask for a tasting flight!
Australia: Where Coffee Meets Art
Down Under, coffee is an art form. Melbourne, in particular, is a mecca for coffee enthusiasts, teeming with artisan cafes that elevate coffee to gourmet status.
How/When to Go: Aussie weather is most amiable from December to February. And while you’re there, get lost in Melbourne’s maze-like laneways filled with hidden coffee gems.
Pro Tip: Flat white is the Aussie coffee of choice—give it a go!
Coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a global culture. By visiting these destinations, you’re not just sampling coffee—you’re getting a taste of the local life, one cup at a time.
So, pack your reusable coffee cup and your adventurous spirit, because we’re about to make some delicious memories!
Here’s to taking our love for coffee to international heights!
Until our next caffeinated journey, happy tasting!
