5 Most Unique Specialty Coffee Drinks to Try

There are literally thousands of ways to enjoy this coffee bean. However, there are only some specialty coffee drinks you have to try in this world. Coffee offers a wide-ranging beverage that human beings have been exploring, modifying, and enjoying for almost 1,000 years now. That is why here we are going to explore 5 of the most unique coffee drinks you have to try at least once in the world.

There are literally thousands of ways to enjoy the coffee plant in all shapes and forms, but the most common way is to remove the seed (bean) inside the coffee cherry when it is ripe. Then process it, roast it, grind it, and brew it. Even within that scope, there are hundreds of ways to extract the coffee bean’s liquor, and even more ways to modify it once you handle the basic extraction. After that, it’s when we create those specialty coffee drinks we enjoy so much.

What are specialty coffee drinks?

Specialty coffee drinks are beverages made with high-quality beans and unique preparation styles. They go beyond a simple cup by highlighting flavors through creative recipes and cultural traditions. From Indonesia to Italy, every region has crafted its own version. These drinks celebrate not only the coffee itself but also the story behind every brew.

What makes specialty coffee drinks special is their mix of skill, culture, and taste. Baristas and communities experiment with ingredients, brewing methods, and presentations to create memorable experiences. Whether it’s herbs in Maluku, durian in Lampung, or milk blends in Aceh, specialty coffee drinks let people explore coffee’s diversity in exciting and flavorful ways.

Luwak Pour-Over Coffee

Luwak coffee becomes even more refined when brewed as a clean pour-over. This method highlights the bean’s natural flavors, allowing its smooth, earthy tones to shine. Unlike heavier methods, pour-over delivers clarity in every sip. The process extracts gentle chocolate and caramel notes while keeping the body light, clean, and deeply satisfying. It truly stands as one of the most unique specialty coffee drinks in the world.

Using pour-over also respects the rarity of Luwak coffee. Carefully controlling water flow, temperature, and timing preserves the bean’s unique character. The result is a balanced cup that feels elegant and delicate, free from bitterness. To enjoy this rare coffee at home, order your authentic beans today from kopiluwak.com and create a luxurious experience in every cup.

Affogato Specialty Coffee Drinks

This is a gem of a tiny dessert specialty coffee drink that everyone who loves coffee should try at least once. I always found it fascinating that it was the most popular “dessert” espresso drink served in the USA before the frappuccino came along. The build is pretty straightforward to do at home. 

As usual, you start with a double shot of espresso. Next, add a small round scoop (the size of a ping pong ball or smaller) of ice cream or gelato (vanilla does fine here) to the top of your double shot. And enjoy! 

The beverage cools down to lukewarm pretty quickly, so it is best to drink it fairly quickly and finish off by eating the shrinking ball of vanilla ice cream. If you want the ice cream more mixed with the espresso, just brew your double shot right onto the ball of ice cream.

Java Arabica Beans

Java Arabica beans are perfect for affogato specialty coffee drinks because they balance espresso’s strength with smooth, nuanced flavors. Their natural hints of chocolate, nuts, and mild fruit complement vanilla ice cream beautifully. With a medium body and gentle acidity, Java Arabica creates harmony between bitter and sweet, turning a simple affogato into an indulgent, memorable coffee dessert.

Tabalek Coffee

This specialty coffee drink from Aceh stands out for its unique presentation, served in an upside-down cup placed on a saucer, enjoyed through a straw. The ritual of flipping the cup and sipping slowly makes it more than just a drink; it’s an experience that blends Acehnese culture with the rich depth of strong, local coffee.

What makes Tabalek coffee even more special is the sense of togetherness it creates. Often enjoyed in groups, it sparks conversation and connection while honoring Aceh’s long-standing coffee traditions. Every sip is not only about flavor but also about preserving cultural identity, making Tabalek coffee a must-try for anyone exploring Indonesia’s unique coffee heritage.

Aceh Gayo Beans

Aceh Gayo beans are the perfect match for Tabalek coffee because of their smooth, full-bodied character and low acidity. Their rich, slightly sweet notes balance the bold brewing style, while earthy undertones highlight the traditional serving method. With Aceh Gayo beans, Tabalek coffee transforms into a bold yet refined cultural coffee experience.

Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is one of the oldest and most traditional ways of preparing coffee, known for its thick, velvety texture and bold flavor. Brewed in a cezve (a small pot) over low heat, the coffee is unfiltered, leaving fine grounds in the cup. This unique style turns coffee into not only a specialty coffee drinks but a ritual as well.

More than just caffeine, Turkish coffee is about patience and togetherness. It is often served during gatherings, paired with sweets, and even used in fortune-telling traditions through the patterns of the grounds left in the cup. Rich in culture and flavor, Turkish coffee represents hospitality, heritage, and a deep appreciation of the bean.

Arabica Beans

Arabica beans are ideal for Turkish coffee because of their smooth body and nuanced flavors. When finely ground, they create the dense foam and rich texture this method is known for. Their natural hints of chocolate, nuts, and fruit complement the intense brew, turning Turkish coffee into a layered, unforgettable drinking experience.

Irish Coffee

There’s a good chance you’ve had an Irish coffee, but there’s an equal chance you haven’t had a proper one, one done via the original recipe and method, and that’s why it is on this list: you must have a proper Irish Coffee at least once in your life!

The key to making specialty coffee drinks like Irish Coffee lies in using a good Irish Whiskey and fresh cream. Hand-whip the cream just before building the drink and keep it slightly short of “stiff,” so it stays thick yet pourable. Add sugar directly into the hot liquid before mixing in the alcohol.

Sumatra Mandheling Beans

Sumatra Mandheling beans are perfect for Irish Coffee because their bold, earthy depth balances the whiskey’s bite and the cream’s richness. Their low acidity and heavy body create a smooth foundation, while notes of chocolate and spice complement the drink’s layered sweetness. For the finest cup, get authentic Mandheling beans directly from kopiluwak.com and elevate your Irish Coffee.

Conclusion

Specialty coffee drinks are more than recipes; they are cultural treasures that showcase flavor, history, and creativity. From Indonesia’s Luwak and Tabalek coffee to classics like Turkish and Irish coffee, each drink offers a unique journey. Exploring them deepens your appreciation for coffee’s diversity and the stories behind every cup.

To fully experience these drinks, starting with the right beans is essential. High-quality beans bring out the richness, balance, and authenticity each specialty coffee deserves. At kopiluwak.com, we provide carefully sourced beans from Indonesia and beyond, ensuring you can brew extraordinary cups at home. Elevate your coffee moments today and taste the difference true specialty coffee makes.