The best way to make Turkish coffee involves sand. Traditionally, a cup of Turkish coffee is brewed by using a pan filled with sand that’s heated over an open flame. The sand-filled pan allows for total control over the heat. Cups left on the surface stay warm, and the heat used for brewing can be adjusted by the depth of the coffee in the sand. The fine coffee grinds and water are added to a special wide-bottomed pot called a cezve, and then they are mixed and placed in the hot sand. The sand creates an even heat, and the coffee foams to the top almost immediately. The cezve is removed and added to the sand three to four times and served in a small cup. The coffee grounds quickly settle to the bottom, making for a strong, thick cup of coffee. Turkish coffee is always served in small cups called demitasse cups, which are like espresso cups and often enjoyed with a side of dessert.