Can Turkish Coffee Be Made With Milk?

The milk of human kindness. It tastes delicious as it sounds — one may even wonder, can I squeeze a couple droplets in my morning cup of Turkish coffee? The answer is a flat out no. But before you accuse me of java megalomania, let me explain the historic purpose as to why Turkish coffee is always served espresso style.

Let’s get something out of the way: why milk and kindness? Turkish coffee is not a vehicle for a quick caffeine boost. This muddy brew requires slow savoring and sipping  — but most importantly — an accoutrement of friends to surround oneself with.

The melodious conversations that waft through the air like musical notes should act as the “milk” component to your Turkish coffee. The communal aspect of this brew is very important as you can understand. No actual milk is required. Just friends.

Additionally, same applies to sugar. While it is common practice in Turkey to inquire to guests whether they desire a “full” or “half” amount of sweetening to their Turkish coffee, this is not correct.

I know this sounds patronizing, but it is true. Turkish coffee should always be served as plain and as black as possible — especially if you plan on getting your fortune told. Nobody wants a “sugar coated” future, correct?

So it is important that the coffee is served as pure as possible, straight down to its essential components. Water and coffee. Anything more than this will give not give an accurate Turkish coffee fortune reading. It is the oldest rule amongst coffee fortunes readers in both Turkey and Manhattan.

I am very grateful that my guests comply in respect to these traditions. During my Turkish Coffee Therapy sessions in New York City, my handcrafted JuJu Turkish Delights are offered for all to enjoy.

While some guests exhibit initial hesitancy to drink such a robust brew without milk or sugar — once they try the Turkish coffee cooked on hot sand (and served along side the most delicious Turkish delights in the entire world) — they become instant converts to the Ottoman way.

Now, for a little history as to why milk is never served with Turkish coffee. It is expensive. Yes, it sounds a little bizarre but it is true. Peasants in olden Turkey would dip their breads into heaps of Turkish coffee to flavor their breakfast.

These were tough times. The coffee was a gatherer of people in society to discuss both light hearted and heavy affairs. Sustenance — or milk — was viewed secondary to the communal aspect the coffee tradition provided to its people. Yes, friendship is as important as food to its citizens.

Turkish coffee can provide great flavor and entertainment — so why spoil it by adding milk? Our government in Turkey never provided food stamps, and as a result, the public now can’t afford milk.

But this isn’t anything to be ashamed of. Because only five years ago, I was on food stamps myself in New York City. But only for four months. And no — I did not take advantage of the system, so do not call me a Freddie Freeloader. I was walking dogs in East Village to make a buck or two (RIP Lil guy & Billie Holiday). And it was hard times, but I managed to survive that era and now run a successful psychic business.

Anyways.

Just remember that if you ever feel you need to add milk, cream, sugar, or oat milk into your brew — it is because you need friends. Find a friend first before going to the grocery store to buy these products. Friends will sweeten our lives, and give us greater boost & insight than any fortune reading or caffeine can provide.