Grenada
Grenada, known as the "Spice Isle," has a unique coffee culture that incorporates its abundant spices and is increasingly developing its own coffee production alongside imported beans. While traditional home-style coffee is common, the burgeoning tourism sector means modern espresso-based drinks are also readily available in cafes and resorts.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in Grenada and what's typically in them:
Local & Traditional Coffee
These options often highlight Grenada's unique status as a coffee-growing island and its reputation for spices.
Grenadian Coffee / Local Brew:
What's in it: Coffee made from beans grown on the island, often in the lush slopes of Mount St. Catherine. Grenadian coffee is known for its smooth, well-balanced profile, with subtle spice notes (nutmeg, cinnamon, dark chocolate, citrus) sometimes imparted by nearby nutmeg trees. It's typically drip-brewed or prepared in a French press.
Customization: Usually served black, with sugar and milk (dairy, evaporated, or condensed milk) on the side for you to add. Instant coffee is also very common in homes and simpler local establishments for convenience.
Spiced Coffee (Local Style): This is where Grenada truly shines, leveraging its "Spice Isle" heritage.
What's in it: Brewed coffee infused with local spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, or even vanilla. These spices can be added during the brewing process or as flavorings to the finished cup.
Customization: Often served with sugar and milk, depending on preference. This can range from a subtle hint to a more prominent spiced flavor.
Coffee with Milk / "Coffee and Milk":
What's in it: Brewed coffee mixed with hot milk. This is a common daily drink.
Customization: Sugar is typically provided for self-sweetening.
Espresso-Based Drinks (Common in Cafes, Resorts, and Tourist Areas)
In more urban areas like St. George's, Grand Anse, and popular tourist spots like the Carenage, you'll find modern coffee shops that cater to international tastes, offering the familiar range of espresso-based beverages.
Espresso:
What's in it: A small, concentrated shot of coffee, typically 1-2 ounces, topped with crema. You can ask for a "double" for two shots.
Americano:
What's in it: Espresso diluted with hot water. It's designed to mimic the strength of a drip coffee but with the distinct flavor profile of espresso. Can be ordered iced.
Latte (Caffè Latte):
What's in it: Espresso with a large proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam on top. It's known for its smooth, creamy texture.
Customization: Widely available with various flavor syrups (vanilla, caramel, chocolate, cinnamon, coconut, etc. - often homemade) and different milk types (whole, skim, 2%, oat, almond, soy, coconut milk). Can be ordered iced.
Cappuccino:
What's in it: Espresso with roughly equal parts steamed milk and thick, airy foamed milk on top. It generally has a stronger coffee presence than a latte due to the higher foam-to-milk ratio.
Mocha (Caffè Mocha or Mochaccino):
What's in it: A latte with chocolate syrup or powder added, often topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle or shavings. Some cafes might offer a "Caribbean Mocha" which could include local spices.
Macchiato:
What's in it (Traditional Espresso Macchiato): Espresso "stained" with a small dollop of foamed milk on top.
What's in it (Latte Macchiato style): Often a layered drink with steamed milk at the bottom, topped with espresso poured through the milk, and then foam.
Flat White:
What's in it: Espresso with velvety steamed milk, characterized by very little or no distinct foam, resulting in a smooth, integrated texture and a stronger espresso flavor than a latte. This is more common in specialty-focused cafes.
Cortado:
What's in it: Espresso "cut" with a small, roughly equal amount of steamed milk. Served in a small glass, it's designed to mellow the espresso's intensity without overpowering its flavor.
Cold Coffee Drinks
Iced coffee options are widely available in cafes.
Iced Coffee:
What's in it: Brewed coffee (often cold brew) served over ice. Can be customized with milk/cream and sweeteners. Many cafes emphasize using freshly brewed coffee for their iced drinks.
Cold Brew:
What's in it: Coffee grounds steeped in cold water for an extended period (typically 12-24 hours), then filtered. This method produces a less acidic, smoother, and often more concentrated coffee. Served over ice, often diluted with water or milk. More common in specialty cafes.
Frappes / Blended Iced Coffees:
What's in it: Blended mix of cold-brewed coffee, milk, ice, and often homemade classic brown sugar syrup or other flavorings. Topped with whipped cream is common.
Coffee Granita: A frozen espresso dessert.
What's in it: A mix of espresso, milk, and sweetener (like agave syrup or brown sugar), frozen and then scraped with a fork to create icy, crunchy flakes. Often topped with whipped cream.
Specialty and Unique Grenadian Interpretations
Spiced Lattes/Mochas: Cafes often lean into Grenada's "Spice Isle" reputation by incorporating local spices into their flavored lattes and mochas. Look for options with nutmeg, cinnamon, or even hints of cocoa, given Grenada's chocolate production.
Coffee with Rum/Liqueur: Given the island's rum production, coffee cocktails are readily available in bars and some restaurants.
What's in it: Typically brewed coffee infused with local rum or a coffee liqueur.
Key things to remember when ordering:
English is the Official Language: Ordering coffee is straightforward as English is the official language.
Sweetness & Spices: Grenadians often enjoy their coffee sweetened and spiced. Don't be shy about asking for sugar or exploring options with local spices.
*The content in this document was generated using artificial intelligence, drawing from various online sources, and subsequently refined for accuracy and conciseness in 2025. Users are advised to consult multiple sources to corroborate information and should not rely solely on this document for comprehensive research.