The pot is returned to the fire and allowed to boil up two more times. As it is removed for the third time a few drops of cold water may be added to aid in settling the grounds. It is poured immcdiately into the small serving cups. It must be poured out before the grounds settle back down to the bottom of the pot. A small pitcher of orange blossom essence may be served with the coffee so that the guest may add a few drops to flavor his cup.
Some people like to add several cardoman seeds to the pot while the coffee is brewing.
The cardoman flavor always distinguishes the coffee served in Saudi Arabia. There the guest is served as many cups of coffee as he wishes, but it is not customary in Lebanon to offer a second cup of Arabic coffee at one sitting.