Addicted to the smell of freshly roasted coffee? Unable to open your eyes in the morning without the strong taste of your perfect espresso cup? Let’s be honest – a good part of us (including me) just can’t live without our daily caffeine boost. The black beverage seems to have magical powers. It can lift us up on a gloomy day and help us meet the crazy deadlines at work. Believe it or not, coffee can even make Mondays better.

So, if you happen to be a coffee addict, this one is for you! Check out our list of world’s top destinations for coffee lovers:

1. Ethiopia

Tracing back the roots of our beloved drink, we should definitely head to Ethiopia. The country is believed to be the birthplace of coffee and home to the famous Arabica coffee blend.

Unsurprisingly, Ethiopia produces some of the most unique and fascinating coffees in the world, namely Harrar, Ghimbi, and Sidamo (Yirgacheffe) coffees that are grown in different parts of the country. Ethiopian Harrar coffee beans have a strong dry edge, winy to fruit like acidity, rich aroma, and a heavy body, according to experts. Ghimbi coffee beans are more balanced and heavier with a long-lasting body, whereas Yirgacheffee is more mild, fruit-like, and aromatic.

If you ever travel to Ethiopia, it is a must to experience an Ethiopian coffee ceremony. If you get an invitation to such a ceremony, you will witness the woman of the household brewing and serving you an aromatic cup of coffee. Locals add sugar to their coffee, while in the countryside salt and traditional butter are preferred.

2. Colombia

When you think of high-quality coffee, Colombia is one of the countries that come to mind. The country has traditionally been second in global coffee production, ranking right after Brazil. Colombian coffees are said to have a mellow acidity taste, a strong caramel sweetness and sometimes a nutty undertone.

Coffee is deeply ingrained in Colombian culture, with locals used to drinking it from an early age. One of my native Colombian friends told me some grannies even find it normal to give it to small children. Setting peculiar traditions aside, the typical coffee preparation is called tinto, or black coffee, and is usually consumed with two small sugar straws. The coffee with added milk, pintado, is also an option, even if it is not as popular as the black one.

3. Italy

It is impossible to leave Italy out of this list. Italian coffee culture is famous all around the world with its high quality and style. Locals have their daily coffee rituals like starting the day with a cappuccino, drinking a few caffè macchiatos in the afternoon, and an espresso after dinner. If an Italian offers you to get a caffè at any time at the day, it means a small but strong shot of espresso.

However, bear in mind that Italy`s 20 regions have its own coffee culture. So, be sure to taste a sip of the unique twists available in Sicily, for example. The coffee there is called caffè d’un parrinu inspired by the Arabic traditions and usually flavored with cloves, cinnamon, and cocoa. By contrast, espresso in the north is bringing its typical anise taste. Finally, be aware that coffee in Italy is enjoyed al banco or on the bar. Do as the Italians do and sip your favorite cup of coffee at the bar together with friends. After all, Italian coffee culture is all about the social aspect of coffee drinking.

4. Austria

Forget paper cups and take away coffee. Coffee in Austria, and Vienna, in particular, is much more than a caffeinated beverage. Coffee is a way of life, a sacred ritual associated with some precious time for lingering, observing and reflecting on the world around you.

Coffee houses in Vienna are specially designed to offer a place for hanging out, reading, writing and socializing. A cup of coffee in Vienna means spending the whole day at the coffee house, absorbing the laid-back atmosphere. Unsurprisingly, Viennese coffee houses were included in the cultural heritage list of UNESCO due to its “specific atmosphere” of places “where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill”.

Viennese coffee culture became famous with the help of famous regulars like Sigmund Freud, Leon Trotsky, Johann Strauß, Mozart, and Beethoven, among others. Whereas the rich taste of the coffee matters, coffee culture in the city was, and still is, also about culture, art, and self-reflection.

5. Australia

Last but not least, we are making a trip down under to discover the unique Australian coffee culture. In Australia, coffee is a big deal. You can’t just drink coffee, you have to drink good coffee. Every Australian has an opinion about coffee, they have their favorite coffee type, favorite barista and coffee place. Being a barista in Australia is a serious occupation that requires special education. Baristas tend to travel the world, taking part in coffee making competitions and representing coffee brands.

But what do Australians drink? Some of the most popular coffee variations are long and short macchiato, ristretto, Vienna, as well as Vienna mocha. The country is also growing its own Arabica beans that are characterized by a light nutty flavor, sweet taste, and a medium body.

Summing things up, good coffee can be found at the most peculiar places. What is important is to keep searching. So, why not inspiring yourself to surrender to your passions: tasty coffee combines well with traveling, don`t you think? Travel the world, explore, and enjoy your sips of caffeinated heaven. And don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments 🙂