Fall Coffee Traditions from Around the World

So you may be asking, is that cheese in the coffee? Yep, we'll get to that in a minute. Around the world, coffee drinkers mark the season with unique spices, brewing methods, and flavor pairings that capture the essence of autumn in their own culture. Some of them align with our traditions in America... some do not. Let's dive into some other coffee traditions from around the world.

Mexico – Café de Olla

A staple in Mexican homes, especially as cooler weather sets in. This traditional coffee is simmered with:

• Cinnamon sticks
• Piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar)
• Sometimes cloves or star anise

Served piping hot, Café de Olla is sweet, spiced, and comforting—perfect for crisp autumn mornings.

Turkey – Türk Kahvesi

Turkish coffee is enjoyed year-round, but in fall, it pairs beautifully with seasonal sweets like baklava or pumpkin-filled pastries. The strong, finely ground coffee is brewed in a cezve (small pot) and flavored with cardamom for a warming, aromatic kick.

Sweden – Kaffeost

In the north of Sweden and Finland, fall means long nights and chilly winds. Enter Kaffeost—coffee poured over cubes of juustoleipä (a mild, squeaky cheese). The cheese soaks up the hot coffee, turning soft and rich, while the coffee itself takes on a subtle creaminess. It’s an autumn comfort unlike anything else.

Italy – Caffè alla Nocciola

While Italians enjoy espresso year-round, Naples has a cozy fall twist: Caffè alla Nocciola. Espresso is blended with hazelnut cream or syrup, creating a nutty sweetness that feels right at home as the leaves begin to turn.

Morocco – Spiced Coffee

In Morocco, coffee often gets blended with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom—very autumn-friendly. Unlike the sweeter American Pumpkin Spice Latte, Moroccan coffee tends to be less sugary and more about balance between spice and the boldness of the beans.

Vietnam – Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee)

Though typically considered a winter drink, Vietnamese Egg Coffee shines in fall as well. Whipped egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk are layered over strong Vietnamese coffee, creating a rich, custard-like treat that feels decadent on a cool evening.

Austria – Wiener Mélange

In Austria, the Wiener Mélange (Viennese Blend) is a classic coffeehouse drink: espresso topped with steamed milk and foam. In fall, it’s often paired with pastries like apple strudel, making it the ultimate cozy pairing for the season.

Ethiopia – Bunna with Spices

Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, has deep traditions around seasonal brewing. In some regions, coffee is served with spices like cardamom or cloves during the cooler months, often as part of the coffee ceremony. The aroma fills the room with warmth, community, and celebration.

Why These Flavors Work in Fall

What ties all these global drinks together isn’t pumpkin—it’s the warm, earthy spices and comforting textures that echo autumn itself. Cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and rich dairy all balance coffee’s natural bitterness while enhancing its depth. Across cultures, coffee becomes more than a beverage: it’s a seasonal ritual.

So while America has its Pumpkin Spice obsession, the rest of the world has been perfecting fall coffee traditions for centuries. Maybe this year, it’s time to sip beyond the latte and experience autumn flavors from around the globe.