Travel the world, they said. Experience authentic culture, they promised. But American tourists in France and across Europe have discovered that ordering a simple cup of coffee can be an unexpected journey—a journey with more twists than a pretzel (and far less sugar).
The Transatlantic Coffee Divide: Espresso vs. Iced Coffee
Let’s get one thing straight: when it comes to coffee, Americans and Europeans are clearly not reading from the same recipe book. As millions have discovered on TikTok, ordering a comforting iced coffee in Italy, France, or Spain can be the start of a caffeine-fueled comedy of errors. The video compilations gathering steam online show Americans genuinely surprised—and more than a little disappointed—by both local coffee customs and, to put it delicately, the taste of European brews.
What’s the trouble? For American tourists, it’s not that they can’t get coffee, but that the kind of coffee they crave—specifically, the sweet, milky, ice-cold kind slurped through a straw—is virtually missing in action across much of Europe. TikTok features Americans documenting their search, like Sara Plowman’s epic (and not particularly successful) attempt to track down a “good iced coffee in Europe.” Her facial expressions say everything: a grimace for every sugar-free, intensely bitter cup she bravely tries.
A Sweet Shock: Sugar, Flavors, and Froth (or Lack Thereof)
Stateside, coffee shops—especially the global giant Starbucks—have led the charge in turning coffee into something more akin to dessert in a cup, swirling in caramel, clouds of milk, and perhaps even a sprinkle of cinnamon for good measure. In contrast, European coffee tends to be short, dark, and intense—more Bruce Wayne than Willy Wonka.
- American-style coffee typically comes loaded with sugar, milk, and flavors.
- European coffee generally means strong, small portions, and very little fuss.
Translation: if you’re a fan of your daily iced caramel cloud macchiato, expect some disappointment when the European version turns out to be a sullen espresso shot looking suspiciously lost in a coffee cup.
Culture Shock at Coffee O’Clock
The surprises aren’t only in the cup—they’re on the clock, too. American tourist Sarah Tonen shared her distress on TikTok when she realized that the early-morning (or late-night) coffee ritual she enjoyed at home didn’t translate to the streets of Paris or Rome. Used to Starbucks or McDonald’s opening before dawn, she was startled to hear: “It’s 6:45 AM, and the first thing I want after waking up is a cup of coffee. But here they tell me the café doesn’t open until 9?”
This cultural difference in “when” to drink coffee is as shocking to Americans as the “what.” In America, coffee is a 24/7 friend. In Europe, it seems, coffee is a well-rested acquaintance, not an early riser.
Europe’s Intense Brew—and a Practical Hack for Homesick Tourists
Yet, despite the outrage, there’s a twist: Europeans actually top the global charts in per capita coffee consumption. According to a 2021 report by the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI), the European Union boasts the highest coffee consumption per person in the world. Their coffee of choice? Often short, intensely bitter, and strong enough to wake up your senses—and maybe a few past lives, too.
But hope is not lost for wandering Americans craving their chilled caffeine fix. Want to hack the European coffee code? Lucie Rauschnabel, an American influencer living in the Netherlands, has spilled the beans: “Just order an iced Americano and add your oat milk after—this is exactly how Americans make their coffee!”
- Order an iced Americano (yes, it exists).
- Add oat milk (or whatever you fancy) right after.
In short, coffee—like travel—is about embracing the unexpected. Whether you’re delighting in the robust simplicity of an Italian espresso or finally managing to DIY your favorite Starbucks concoction, at least you’ll have a story (and maybe a TikTok) to tell.
Iveta is an aspiring journalist with a passion for storytelling and a deep love for coffee. Always curious and creative, she dreams of sharing stories that inspire, inform, and connect people around the world
