Yes, the Amish drink coffee, but they keep it simple. They use coffee, water, and maybe a pinch of salt to make coffee. The salt cuts down a bit on the bitterness of coffee. They don’t usually mix coffee with milk, caramel, or other flavors.
Most Amish homes prefer coffee as their go-to morning drink. Children drink tea.
It’s quite common in an Amish household to have a pot on the stove, always ready for a quick warm-up.
Among the Amish, there are no religious restrictions against caffeine. They are generally free to consume coffee. It’s a common beverage enjoyed within the community.
Amish folks often have coffee after Sunday church meals and also enjoy it at gatherings like youth signings, weddings, and other community events.
How Do the Amish Make Coffee?
The Amish make coffee using simple tools and traditional methods, avoiding electric kettles or coffee machines. They have three main approaches: using a French press, a pour-over coffee jug, or the Turkish coffee method.
The French Press Method
To make coffee, many Amish use a French press. They grind coffee beans with a mortar and pestle or a hand grinder, heat water on a fire or gas stove, and pour it into the French press with the coffee.
After waiting about 5 minutes, they press down on the French press, and then the coffee is ready to drink.
The Pour-Over Technique
Another method they use is the pour-over technique.
They grind the coffee beans and bring water to a boil. They wet a folded paper filter on a pour-over coffee jug. Then, they add ground coffee, shake it evenly, pour some water to cover the grounds, and wait for about one or two minutes.
Then, they pour the rest of the hot water, letting the coffee filter into the jug.
The Turkish Coffee Method
Some of the Amish use the Turkish coffee method to make their coffee. They mix ground coffee, sugar, and water in a kettle, heat it slowly on a fire or gas stove, and gently stir until it brews.
When the coffee gets foamy, they take it off the stove before it reaches the boiling point.
After waiting 2-3 minutes for the grounds to settle, they pour the coffee into cups.
How Do the Amish Get Coffee?
The Amish get coffee by buying beans from local stores or markets. They also buy ground coffee, but most of them prefer to grind the coffee beans using a hand grinder right before they make coffee for more flavor.
They might also trade or barter with neighbors or local merchants for coffee.
By the way, if you want to surprise your Amish neighbors with a nice gift, coffee is an excellent choice.
What Is the Amish Coffee Soup?
Amish coffee soup is a bowl of creamy coffee mixed with sugar and milk. Some add spices like cinnamon for extra taste. The Amish often enjoy it for breakfast with bread, ham, or eggs.
Wrapping It Up
Coffee is a helpful companion for the hardworking Amish. For Amish doing farm work or trades, coffee’s boost is a game-changer. It helps them focus and work efficiently, whether it’s plowing fields or engaging in trades.
Despite enjoying coffee’s benefits, the Amish keep it simple. They don’t have too much and use it in a balanced way.