Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago's coffee culture is a fascinating blend of local traditions, its strong connection to cocoa production (often grown alongside coffee), and the influences of global coffee trends driven by a discerning local population and tourism. While not a massive coffee exporter, Trinidad and Tobago grows its own coffee, particularly Robusta and some Arabica (Typica, Bourbon) in the Northern Range, known for bold and nuanced flavors with cocoa and tropical fruit notes.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in Trinidad and Tobago and what you'll typically find in them:
Traditional & Home-Style Coffee
These are the most common and authentic ways to experience coffee in Trinidadian homes, local eateries ("doubles stands," "cook shops," "rotis shops"), and markets.
Black Coffee:
What's in it: Typically drip-brewed or percolated coffee, often made quite strong. It's usually served black.
Customization: Sugar is almost always provided. Milk (dairy, evaporated, or sweetened condensed milk) is also widely available for those who prefer it. Instant coffee is extremely common in homes and simpler establishments for convenience.
Coffee with Milk / "Coffee and Milk":
What's in it: Brewed coffee mixed with hot milk. This is a very common daily drink, especially for breakfast.
Customization: Sugar is typically provided. Evaporated or condensed milk are often preferred for their creamy texture and sweetness.
Coffee with Local Spices: Reflecting Trinidad and Tobago's "Spice Isle" reputation (shared with Grenada, though different spices are emphasized).
What's in it: Brewed coffee (often strong and black) sometimes flavored with local spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, or even ginger. These can be added during brewing or stirred into the finished cup.
Customization: Served with sugar and milk to taste.
Espresso-Based Drinks (Common in Modern Cafes and Tourist Areas)
In urban centers like Port of Spain, San Fernando, and increasingly in other towns and tourist hubs, a growing number of modern coffee shops and chains cater to international tastes, offering a full range of espresso-based beverages. Italian-style cafes are also prominent.
Espresso: A concentrated shot of coffee.
What's in it: Finely ground coffee brewed under high pressure. You can ask for a "double" (doppio) for two shots.
Americano:
What's in it: Espresso diluted with hot water. Designed to mimic drip coffee's strength with espresso's flavor. 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. Known for its smooth, creamy texture.
Customization: Widely available with various flavor syrups (vanilla, caramel, mocha, hazelnut) and alternative milk options (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. Generally has a stronger coffee presence than a latte.
Mocha (Caffè Mocha or Mochaccino):
What's in it: A latte with chocolate syrup or powder, often topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle or shavings.
Macchiato:
What's in it (Traditional Espresso Macchiato): Espresso "stained" with a small dollop of foamed milk.
What's in it (Latte Macchiato style): Layered steamed milk with espresso poured through, often with foam.
Flat White:
What's in it: Espresso with velvety steamed milk, very little foam, resulting in a smooth, integrated texture and a stronger espresso flavor. Found in more 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 balances the espresso's intensity.
Cold Coffee Drinks
Iced coffee is very popular and widely available in cafes.
Iced Coffee:
What's in it: Brewed coffee served over ice. Can be customized with milk/cream and sweeteners.
Cold Brew:
What's in it: Coffee grounds steeped in cold water for an extended period (12-24 hours), then filtered. This produces a less acidic, smoother, and often more concentrated coffee. Served over ice, often diluted with water or milk. More common in specialty cafes.
Frappe / Blended Iced Coffees:
What's in it: Blended mix of coffee, ice, milk, sweeteners, and various syrups or flavorings. Often topped with whipped cream.
Spanish Latte (Iced):
What's in it: An espresso shot mixed with sweetened condensed milk and regular milk, served over ice. Sweeter than a regular latte, but less sweet than a typical flavored latte.
Specialty & Local Focus
Trinidad and Tobago's unique terroir and history (including its cocoa production) offer distinct coffee characteristics.
Local Coffee Brands & Roasters: Seek out local brands like Lopinot Valley Coffee, Trinidad Coffee Company, Cocobel Chocolate and Coffee, Roastel, and Full Bloom Coffee Roasters. These often highlight beans grown in the Northern Range.
Flavor Profile (Local Beans): Trinidadian and Tobagonian beans (often Robusta, but also Typica and Bourbon) are described as bold, nuanced, with cocoa and tropical fruit notes, and a smooth, full-bodied experience.
Coffee with Cocoa: Given the intertwined history of coffee and cocoa cultivation, some local producers or cafes might offer blends or preparations that emphasize these complementary flavors.
Coffee with Rum/Liqueur: While not an everyday order, given the strong rum culture, coffee cocktails are certainly available in bars and some restaurants.
What's in it: Typically brewed coffee with a shot of local rum (e.g., Angostura rum) or a coffee liqueur. Examples include "Caribbean Coffee" with dark rum, coffee liqueur, and espresso.
Turkish-style Brewing: Some traditional methods might include Turkish-style brewing, where finely ground coffee is boiled with water in a cezve/ibrik, resulting in a very strong, thick coffee.
Key things to remember when ordering:
English is the Official Language: Ordering coffee is straightforward as English is the official language.
Sweetness is Common: Trinbagonians generally enjoy their coffee sweetened. If you prefer it unsweetened, be sure to specify. Condensed and evaporated milk are popular additions for a creamy, sweet cup.
*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.