Coffee is the fuel for many, enjoyed in endless variations worldwide. But every now and then, coffee enthusiasts and innovators push the boundaries of tradition, introducing bizarre and unusual trends. From unique ingredients to downright strange presentations, coffee continues to surprise and intrigue. If you thought your pumpkin spice latte was adventurous, wait until you discover these weird coffee trends!
1. Glitter Coffee
Sparkles in your coffee? Yes, it’s real! Glitter coffee took Instagram by storm as baristas started adding edible glitter to lattes and cappuccinos. This shimmering cup of coffee looks magical, especially under good lighting. The glimmering drink has become a popular choice for special occasions, weddings, or anyone wanting to feel fabulous while sipping their morning brew. While it might not change the flavor, glitter coffee guarantees your cup will shine brighter than your day!
2. Coffee with Butter (Bulletproof Coffee)
Butter and coffee may sound odd together, but it’s a wellness craze that has taken the world by storm. Known as “Bulletproof Coffee,” this trend involves blending hot coffee with butter and MCT oil (coconut oil derivative). Fans of this creamy concoction claim it boosts energy, enhances focus, and helps with weight loss due to its healthy fat content. Originally introduced for those following a keto diet, butter coffee has made its way into mainstream coffee culture. It might sound unusual, but many say it’s incredibly rich and satisfying!
3. Charcoal Latte
The rise of wellness beverages brought charcoal lattes into the spotlight. Activated charcoal, known for its detoxifying properties, is mixed into coffee or lattes, creating an eye-catching black drink. Some believe it helps cleanse toxins, although experts warn about excessive consumption. Despite its gothic appearance, charcoal coffee is surprisingly smooth and trendy in many wellness cafes. Would you sip a jet-black latte?
4. Coffee Lemonade
You’ve heard of iced coffee, but what about mixing coffee with lemonade? This strange yet refreshing combination pairs cold brew coffee with lemonade or citrus juice for a tangy twist. Coffee lemonade, popularized in parts of Scandinavia, combines bitterness with sweetness and acidity for a flavor profile like no other. While it’s an acquired taste, those who enjoy experimenting with beverages find it invigorating on hot days.
5. Mushroom Coffee
No, it’s not coffee made with mushrooms for flavor. Mushroom coffee blends ground coffee beans with powdered medicinal mushrooms, like chaga or lion’s mane. Touted for its potential health benefits—including improved focus, immunity support, and reduced jitters—mushroom coffee appeals to the health-conscious crowd. It doesn’t taste like mushrooms; instead, it delivers an earthy and mild coffee flavor. Trendy and functional, mushroom coffee is perfect for anyone seeking a healthier caffeine fix.
6. Coffee in an Avocado (Avocado Latte)
You’ve seen avocado toast—but have you heard of avocado lattes? This bizarre trend involves scooping out the flesh of an avocado, leaving the peel intact, and pouring coffee or espresso into the avocado “bowl.” It’s part of the zero-waste movement, and it certainly makes for a unique Instagram post. However, it’s not the most practical way to drink coffee, as the peel is fragile and avocado flavor can dominate the coffee experience.
7. Egg Coffee
Egg coffee might sound unappetizing, but it’s a traditional Vietnamese delicacy. Whisked egg yolks, condensed milk, and sugar are whipped together until frothy, then poured over strong coffee. The result? A creamy, velvety coffee that tastes more like a dessert than a beverage. It’s rich, smooth, and surprisingly delicious, despite its odd ingredient list. If you ever find yourself in Vietnam, trying this trend is a must!
8. Cheese Coffee (Kaffeost)
Cheese and coffee? That’s right! In Sweden and Finland, “Kaffeost” is a traditional drink where coffee is served with cubes of Leipäjuusto, a mild Scandinavian cheese. The cheese soaks up the coffee like a sponge, softening and absorbing its flavors. It’s a comforting, savory-sweet beverage experience that surprises many coffee lovers. It may not be your go-to morning brew, but it’s a beloved tradition in Nordic countries.
9. Nitro Coffee
Nitrogen-infused coffee, or nitro coffee, has been popular in cafes for a while, but it still feels futuristic. This trend involves infusing cold brew coffee with nitrogen gas, giving it a creamy, smooth texture with a foamy top—similar to a draft beer. Served on tap, nitro coffee is ice-cold, slightly sweet, and doesn’t require sugar or milk. It’s not weird in taste, but its presentation and unique fizz set it apart from regular coffee.
10. Coffee Beer
For coffee lovers who also enjoy a good brew, coffee beer combines the best of both worlds. Breweries are experimenting with adding espresso, cold brew, or coffee-infused beans into beer recipes, resulting in rich, malty stouts with subtle coffee notes. This boozy coffee concoction is perfect for adventurous drinkers looking to satisfy both cravings. Coffee beer has quickly gained popularity in craft beer scenes across the world.
11. Garlic Coffee
Garlic and coffee might sound like polar opposites, but some adventurous drinkers have experimented with mixing the two. This unusual combination originated in Japan, where garlic cloves are roasted and ground into coffee. The result is said to be a caffeine-free coffee alternative with a mellow, garlic-infused flavor. It’s not for everyone, but garlic coffee is certainly unique.
12. Coffee Jelly
In Japan, coffee isn’t just for sipping—it’s for eating, too! Coffee jelly is a dessert trend that combines brewed coffee with gelatin, creating cubes of coffee-flavored jelly. It’s typically served with whipped cream or ice cream for a refreshing treat. This fun, jiggly trend proves that coffee can be enjoyed in more ways than one.
13. Blue Coffee
Yes, you read that right—blue coffee exists! Made from spirulina (a type of blue-green algae), this beverage delivers a striking blue color without any artificial dyes. Spirulina adds a subtle earthy flavor to the coffee while boosting its health benefits with antioxidants and vitamins. If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy drink with a health kick, blue coffee is worth a try.
14. Coffee Served in a Cone
Why drink coffee from a cup when you can sip it from an ice cream cone? Known as the “coffee cone,” this trend involves pouring espresso into a chocolate-lined waffle cone. It’s an edible cup that combines coffee with dessert for a fun and eco-friendly drinking experience. Just sip carefully—your cone might melt faster than you expect!
Conclusion: Coffee Knows No Limits
From glittery lattes to garlic-infused brews, these weird coffee trends prove that coffee culture is constantly evolving. While some ideas may seem outrageous, they also spark creativity and offer a unique coffee-drinking experience. Whether you’re daring enough to try mushroom coffee or just curious about blue lattes, there’s no denying that coffee will always find new ways to surprise us.
