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BEN MASTERLEY 1 2 0 C O F F E E R E C I P E S F R O M A R O U N D T H E W O R L D
MAKING BARISTA COFFEE CREATIONS AT HOME
BEN MASTERLEY 1 2 0 C O F F E E R E C I P E S F R O M A R O U N D T H E W O R L D
MAKING BARISTA COFFEE CREATIONS AT HOME
In this book, we’ll travel together through coffee traditions from every delicious corner of the globe. From strong, dark brews in Turkey to sweet and creamy coffees in Vietnam, or artistic lattes with a Japanese twist, every recipe contributes its special flair to your kitchen.
What I find quite fascinating about coffee is the way each region has developed a method that infuses flavor with tradition, and how deeply tied this is to each and every culture.
But this book isn’t just for professionals or coffee experts. You don’t need years of experience to enjoy these recipes. My goal is to make these international coffee experiences accessible to everyone - whether you're a novice drinker or a long-time coffee lover. Along the way, you’ll learn how to experiment with different techniques, grow the confidence to make adjustments to taste and explore the endless possibilities of coffee.
The world of coffee is at your fingertips are you ready to brew it?
PREPTIME:10MIN SERVES:2
Imagine yourself sitting in a charming Viennese café, with layered cakes, Kuchen and Torten on display, surrounded by the sounds of clinking cups and quiet conversations. Now, imagine you didn’t have to buy a plane ticket to get there! This classic Kaffeehaus Kaffee brings all the Old-World vibes to your kitchen. Bold espresso, rich whipped cream, and a sprinkle of cocoa? Yeah, it’s that good. Plus, you get to skip the lines. Let this little luxury transport you to Vienna for the afternoon -no passport required.
Ingredients
2 shots of strong espresso (or dark roast coffee)
½ cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
Cocoa powder or cinnamon for garnish
Directions
Start by brewing two strong shots of espresso. You want the coffee bold enough to hold up against the richness of the cream
1. While the espresso brews, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. You can add a bit of sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter touch, but it's optionallet that bold coffee shine!
2. Pour the freshly brewed espresso into two coffee cups or glasses. Top each with a generous dollop of whipped cream, letting it float beautifully on the surface.
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3. Finish off with a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for a little extra flair. Sip slowly and pretend you're sitting in a cozy Viennese café, watching the world go by.
Barista’sSecret:
Want to feel even more authentic? Serve it in a glass coffee mug and stir in a bit of sugar before adding the cream for that true Kaffeehaus experience!
In this land of flavor, life’s too short for bad coffee!
In Italy, coffee is typically enjoyed al banco, meaning you’ll often find folks standing at the bar, espresso in hand, exchanging stories and laughs like they’re the stars of their own Italian drama. Despite the many trends currently in vogue, Italy sticks to the tried and true, and this is exactly what I am going to show you in this chapter.
I’ve conducted blind tastings of 6 classic Italian coffees to find the ultimate recipe for each. Here are my favorites.
PREPTIME:5MIN SERVES:2
BEANOFCHOICE:ARABICA
Let’s get real: I’ve had as many espressos as there are days in my life -if not more! Back in my Italian days, my first mate, Daniele, was a barista extraordinaire who welcomed me behind the counter of his café. Every morning, we’d whip up magic together, and I was living my best life, -jittery and utterly blissed out, with coffee stains on every outfit. Those moments? Pure joy in a cup. If you ’ ve never felt that kind of happiness, trust me, it’s worth every shot!
½ tbsp of finely-ground coffee beans
1 ¼ oz of hot water (36 ml/ 2 ½ tbsp) (approximately 200°F or 93°C)
Equipment:
Espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker (Moka pot)
Coffee scale
Tamper
Barista’sSecret:
1.
If you're using an espresso machine, turn it on and let it preheat for about 1520 minutes This ensures that your espresso brews at the ideal temperature
2.
Measure out 18 grams of coffee beans and grind them to a fine consistency, similar to table salt. This grind size is crucial for the extraction process.
3
Place the coffee into the portafilter basket, leveling it out with your finger Use a tamper to press down firmly and evenly, creating a smooth, level surface.
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4 For espresso machines, aim for about 25-30 seconds of extraction time for a rich, balanced shot. For the Moka pot, once you hear a hissing sound, it’s done!
6.
Lock the portafilter into the espresso machine and start the brewing process If you ’ re using a Moka pot, fill the bottom chamber with water, add the ground coffee to the filter basket, and place it on medium heat.
Pour the freshly brewed espresso into small cups. Enjoy it straight or use it as a base for your favorite coffee drinks.
Pull “blind shots” before your actual brew! This enhances the temperature of the group head, so your espresso extracts at the perfect heat. Run a shot of water through the machine without any coffee in the portafilter. Keep in mind that every Italian has their own way of ordering their caffè: in tazza grande (in a large cup), allungato (with a dash of hot water), liscio (just coffee, as in no milk and no grappa), corretto (corrected aka with a shot of grappa)
Hungary is a hidden gem in the coffee world.
The coffee scene here is not interested in simply preserving the coffee culture in amber, but in breathing new life into it, in order to make it feel as relevant today as it was a century ago. They might add a dash of paprika to bring the drink into Hungarian territory or a splash of sparkling water to their kávé, to turn the viral beverage into a yearround staple.
Servings: 2 Prep time: 15 min Bean of Choice: Arabica
Alright, coffee aficionados, let’s talk about the pièce de résistance of Café Cubano: the espuma! The crown jewel that brings the party to your cup. You whip sugar into the first drops of strong, black gold, creating a thick, caramel-like cloud When you pour the rest of that bold coffee over it, the espuma bubbles drift up
INGREDIENTS
1 cup finely ground Cuban coffee or espresso
1 cup water
2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
Equipment Moka pot
Barista’s Secret:
The key here is to ensure your espresso is hot; the heat helps dissolve the sugar and creates that luscious foam. When you pour the rest of the espresso over this base, the foam will rise beautifully to the top.
1.
2.
3.
D I R E C T I O N S
Fill the moka pot with water up to the designated level. Add the finely ground coffee to the filter basket.
Place on medium heat. In a small cup add the sugar.
Once the espresso starts brewing, pour the first few drops (about 1-2 tbsp) of the hot espresso directly onto the sugar. Using a spoon, vigorously whisk the sugar and espresso together until it forms a thick, caramel-like foam (the espuma).
4.
Once the espresso is fully brewed, pour the remaining espresso into the cup with the espuma, allowing the foam to rise to the top.
Servings: 2 Prep time: 10 min
Bean of Choice: Arabica
Arequipe is like the cool Latin cousin of caramel! Originating from Colombia, this traditional spread is made by simmering sweetened milk until it transforms into a velvety, caramel-like goodness. Think of it as the perfect partner for your coffee. Stir it in and watch your regular cup of joe get a serious upgrade.
INGREDIENTS D I R E C T I O N S
2 cups water
4 tbsp medium-ground Colombian coffee
2 tbsp arequipe (or dulce de leche)
Barista’s Secret:
For an extra treat, try heating the arequipe slightly in the microwave before adding it to your coffee. This makes it easier to mix in and enhances the flavor, creating an even more indulgent experience Pair this with a slice of bread or a pastry for a true Colombian coffee break!
1. If using a French press, add the coffee grounds to the press, pour in the hot water, and let it steep for about 4 minutes Then, press down the plunger to separate the grounds.
If using a coffee maker, add the medium-ground Colombian coffee to the filter and pour in the water. Brew according to the machine's instructions.
2. In each coffee cup, add 1 tbsp of arequipe.
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3. Pour the freshly brewed Colombian coffee over the arequipe, filling each cup.
5.
Use a spoon to stir the coffee and arequipe together until well combined. The arequipe will add a delicious creaminess and sweetness to your coffee.
PREPTIME:10MIN SERVES:2
Peruvian Maca Coffee combines the rich flavor of coffee with the energizing benefits of maca root, a Peruvian superfood prized for boosting stamina, balancing hormones, and enhancing energy. This unique coffee blend offers a new (or maybe older than the viral protein powders?) way to add some extra nutrients to your morning routine, all while savoring the taste of Peru’s finest.
Ingredients
2 cups water
4 tbsp medium-ground
Peruvian coffee
2 tsp maca root powder
1 tbsp honey or your preferred sweetener (optional)
¼ cup milk or plantbased milk (optional)
Directions
1. If using a coffee maker, add the coffee to the filter and brew as usual with 2 cups of water.
If using a French press, add the coffee to the press, pour in the hot water, and let it steep for about 4 minutes. Press down the plunger to separate the grounds.
2. In each coffee cup, add 1 tsp of maca root powder. 3. Pour the freshly brewed coffee over the maca powder and stir well to ensure it dissolves completely. The maca will add a slight nutty flavor and a subtle earthy note to your coffee.
4. Stir in honey or your preferred sweetener to taste. 5. For a creamier version, add a splash of milk or plant-based milk and mix well.
6. Serve immediately. 7.
Barista’s Secret:
This drink pairs wonderfully with a small Peruvian snack, such as alfajores (dulce de leche-filled cookies), to round out the experience.
From the winding streets of Paris and the bustling markets of Istanbul to the salty air of tropical beaches and the neon-lit nights of Tokyo, this book invites you on a journey powered by coffee. These aren’t just drinks they’re snapshots of moments: a cold brew that reminds you of lazy beach days, a spicy coffee that’s just right for city lights and late nights, or a smooth espresso that transports you to a cozy corner café where time stands still. Made for coffee lovers and memory makers alike, these recipes are here to bring a little taste of the world home. Here’s to coffee and to the journey wherever it may take you.