How to Make Turkish Coffee for Fortune Telling (Step by Step)

A great coffee reading depends on a great cup of coffee. Turkish coffee is the traditional choice for tasseography because it is unfiltered, leaving behind the fine grounds that form the symbols you will read. Brewing it well is simple once you know the method. This is the classic cezve technique, adapted with fortune telling in mind.

What You Will Need

• A cezve (also called an ibrik): the small long-handled copper or brass pot.
• Extra-fine ground coffee, ground almost to a powder.
• Cold, fresh water.
• Sugar to taste (optional, added before brewing, never after).
• A small white cup with a smooth interior and a saucer.

The Right Ratio

Measure using the cup you will drink from. For each cup, add one cup of cold water to the cezve, then one heaped teaspoon of extra-fine coffee per cup. If you take sugar, add it now, before heating. The rule is simple: everything goes in cold, together.

Step 1: Combine and Stir Cold

Add the cold water, coffee, and any sugar to the cezve and stir well while it is still cold, until the coffee is fully dissolved. Once you place it on the heat, you will not stir again.

Step 2: Brew Low and Slow

Place the cezve over low heat. Patience is everything. As it warms, a dark foam will begin to form on the surface. This foam, called köpük, is prized. Never let it boil rapidly. Just as the foam rises toward the rim, remove the cezve from the heat.

Step 3: Pour the Foam First

Spoon a little of the foam into each cup first, then gently pour the coffee down the side to preserve it. For a richer brew, some return the cezve to the heat once more to let the foam rise a second time before pouring the rest. Let the cup sit for a minute so the grounds settle to the bottom.

Step 4: Sip, Then Prepare for the Reading

Drink the coffee slowly, without disturbing the grounds at the bottom, while you focus on your questions. Leave a small amount of liquid, then swirl the cup three times, cover it with the saucer, make a wish, and flip it over. After it cools, you are ready to read. If you want an instant interpretation, snap a photo of the inside of the cup and upload it to our AI coffee reader.