Morning drinks are a daily ritual for many. For some it’s something bubbly, for others it’s something hot and creamy. The preparation, presentation and sharing of a morning drink is often steeped in local custom and routine.
The taste of morning beverages can range from tart to creamy, while showing various textures from smoothness to frothiness across different global regions.
Check out these 12 different morning beverages that people around the world enjoy.
Masala chai in India
For many Indians, mornings don’t begin till masala chai is served. It’s black tea mixed with spices: ginger for spicy sharpness, cardamom for sweet aroma, cinnamon for gentle warmth.
It’s freshly brewed and served by chai wallahs on street corners everywhere, and always comes with a side of friendly chatter. The hot beverage jolts the senses awake and melts the morning fog. A small cup, but an important daily ritual.
Teh tarik in Malaysia and Singapore
Teh tarik is a staple for breakfast in Malaysia and Singapore. Black tea is mixed with condensed or evaporated milk, and “pulled” by pouring it from one cup to another, creating a layer of foam on top.
Malaysians and Singaporeans drink Teh tarik with their breakfast at roadside stalls. Watching the tea being made is part of the experience.
Cortado in Spain
Cortado is Spain’s version of a balanced morning coffee. An espresso is topped with just enough warm milk to tame it, resulting in a drink that’s strong yet smooth.
Cortados are typically enjoyed on the go at a local café or bar, making them a staple of a busy morning routine.
Tibetan butter tea (Po Cha) in Tibet
Up in the chilly Tibetan highlands, mornings begin with a steaming cup of Po Cha or butter tea. Black tea, yak butter, and salt are combined in a hearty, savory beverage that almost tastes like soup.
It warms the body and gives essential calories in a tough environment. Butter tea is refilled throughout a visit as an act of basic hospitality. It’s a morning tea that mirrors the terrain, and the culture itself.
Café au lait in France
In France, breakfast for many people starts with a café au lait. It’s basic: coffee and milk. But it has a subtle ritual.
Sitting at a café terrace, watching the city awaken, the beverage grounds you. Sipping your beverage you take a breath before the hustle and bustle of the day takes over.
Yerba mate in Argentina (and neighboring countries)
In Argentina, it’s not uncommon to wake up in the morning and share a gourd full of yerba mate with friends or family. Drink, pass, and enjoy some quality time in good company.
It’s about taking it slow, having a little conversation and feeling included in a group of familiar faces before the day officially starts.
Matcha green tea in Japan
In Japan you can start your morning with a bowl of matcha. Vibrant green and foamy, you drink this matcha green tea in small sips, savoring the intensity of the leaf.
This tea is not as strong as coffee. In contrast, sipping matcha is like a mediation of focus and serenity.
Oliang (Thai iced coffee) in Thailand
Imagine strolling down a crowded street in Bangkok in the morning. Steam hisses as the vendor at a street stall pours a dark liquid, packed with grains, into a glass of ice. This is oliang, a Thai morning beverage made with roasted beans and grains.
Oliang gets its unique breakfast-like flavor from the roasted grains such as corn and soybeans blended together as its base ingredients. Its smokiness also varies, depending on the variety of grains used and how long they’re roasted for.
Syndicated “fresh‑squeezed juice” rituals in Brazil (and some Latin American breakfasts)
In Brazil, the typical breakfast has two beverages: a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice (straight from the glass bottle) and a cup of strong coffee. The juice is to wake you up with vitamins; the coffee to give you that hit of caffeine you need. A healthy combination of flavor, fruit and a little bit of fun.
Hot salep drink in Turkey
A chilly morning in Turkey demands a cup of salep, creamy and spiced with cinnamon. Slow to swallow, thick and warming, it slides down the throat, gently coaxing the body awake.
Kefir in Eastern Europe/Russia
In Eastern Europe and Russia, it’s common to start the day with kefir. The fermented milk drink is tart and satisfying. It’s not for those who want to jump out of bed. It’s for those interested in the digestive benefits and the slow-release of energy.
Hot soy milk in Vietnam
Hot soy milk, made from freshly ground soybeans is a breakfast drink popular in Vietnam. Enjoyed with pastries or fried dough sticks, this soothing drink quietly nourishes your body and is a nice start to any day.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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