Specialty coffee constantly pushes forward. New processing methods, brewing techniques, and equipment continue to shape how we experience coffee. Yet some of the most exciting ideas come from looking back at methods that have been part of coffee culture for centuries. The Cezve is one of them. Long rooted in tradition, this small brewing pot is finding a new audience in today's specialty coffee scene, from cafés and roasteries to the World Cezve/Ibrik Championship. Here is why the Cezve is finding a new audience in specialty coffee.
More Than a Brewing Vessel
The Cezve has been around for centuries. Originating in the Ottoman Empire, it became the traditional way to brew coffee across the region and remains one of the world's oldest brewing methods still in use today.
But the Cezve has always been about more than brewing. Preparing coffee this way is a ritual, centred around conversation, hospitality, and taking time to enjoy the moment. In recognition of its cultural significance, Turkish coffee culture was added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.
For generations, the Cezve has been part of everyday coffee culture. Today, specialty coffee is discovering that one of its oldest brewing methods still has plenty to teach us.
Small Pot, Big Impact
The Cezve is deceptively simple. Its wide base allows for even heating, while the narrow neck helps retain the foam that develops during brewing. Traditionally crafted from copper, it responds quickly to changes in temperature, giving the brewer precise control throughout the process.
Coffee is brewed using an ultra-fine grind and gentle heat. Because it isn't filtered, the natural oils and fine coffee particles remain in the cup, creating a rich body and smooth mouthfeel. A layer of foam forms on the surface during brewing, while the grounds settle naturally at the bottom of the cup. The result is a cup unlike filter coffee or espresso, revealing a different expression of flavour, texture, and sweetness.
Why Specialty Coffee Is Rediscovering the Cezve
As specialty coffee continues to explore different ways of brewing, the Cezve brings a fresh perspective. Its brewing style highlights body and texture while revealing the character of a coffee in a unique way. Roasters are experimenting with single origin coffees, adjusting grind size, water composition, and brewing recipes to better understand how different coffees perform in a Cezve. Rather than replacing filter coffee or espresso, it expands how we experience coffee.
The World Cezve/Ibrik Championship
The renewed interest in the Cezve is reflected in the growing number of competitions dedicated to the brewing method. The World Cezve/Ibrik Championship showcases how centuries-old tradition can meet modern coffee knowledge, while national competitions introduce more baristas to the discipline each year. Beyond the competition stage, the Cezve is finding its place in cafés and roasteries around the world, proving that one of coffee's oldest brewing methods continues to inspire new generations of coffee professionals.
Looking Back to Move Forward
Innovation often means pushing boundaries. But the Cezve reminds us that not every step forward requires something new. Sometimes the greatest discoveries come from looking at familiar traditions through a different lens.
