UNDERSTANDING COFFEE TYPES

A Beginner’s Guide to Coffee Types

1. Espresso

• Description: A strong, concentrated coffee brewed by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water through finely-ground coffee beans.
• Characteristics: Rich flavor, thick consistency, and a layer of crema on top.
• Serving Size: Typically 1 ounce (30 ml).

2. Americano

• Description: Made by diluting an espresso shot with hot water.
• Characteristics: Similar strength to drip coffee but with a different flavor profile due to the espresso base.
• Serving Size: Usually 8-12 ounces (240-355 ml).

3. Latte

• Description: A combination of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a small amount of milk foam.
• Characteristics: Creamy and smooth, often flavored with syrups.
• Serving Size: Typically 8-16 ounces (240-475 ml).

4. Cappuccino

• Description: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
• Characteristics: Rich and creamy with a frothy top, often dusted with cocoa powder or cinnamon.
• Serving Size: Usually 6 ounces (180 ml).

5. Macchiato

• Description: An espresso "stained" or "marked" with a small amount of milk or milk foam.
• Characteristics: Strong espresso flavor with a touch of creaminess.
• Serving Size: Typically 2-3 ounces (60-90 ml).

6. Mocha

• Description: A latte with added chocolate syrup or powder, sometimes topped with whipped cream.
• Characteristics: Sweet and chocolaty, combining the flavors of coffee and chocolate.
• Serving Size: Usually 8-12 ounces (240-355 ml).

7. Flat White

• Description: An espresso with a higher ratio of steamed milk to microfoam.
• Characteristics: Creamy texture with a strong coffee flavor.
• Serving Size: Typically 6-8 ounces (180-240 ml).

8. Affogato

• Description: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato "drowned" with a shot of hot espresso.
• Characteristics: Sweet and rich, a combination of hot and cold.
• Serving Size: Usually served as a dessert, with varying sizes.

9. Cortado

• Description: An espresso cut with an equal amount of warm milk to reduce the acidity.
• Characteristics: Balanced and smooth, less foamy than a cappuccino.
• Serving Size: Typically 4 ounces (120 ml).

10. Cold Brew

• Description: Coffee brewed with cold water over an extended period, usually 12-24 hours.
• Characteristics: Smooth, less acidic, and served cold.
• Serving Size: Usually 8-16 ounces (240-475 ml).

11. Nitro Cold Brew

• Description: Cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas.
• Characteristics: Creamy texture with a frothy head, similar to a stout beer.
• Serving Size: Typically served in a 12-ounce (355 ml) glass.

12. Turkish Coffee

• Description: Finely ground coffee simmered in water and often served with sugar, without filtering.
• Characteristics: Strong, unfiltered, with a thick layer of grounds at the bottom.
• Serving Size: Typically served in a small cup, around 2.5 ounces (75 ml).

Tips for Choosing Your Coffee Type

• Flavor Preference: If you enjoy strong, concentrated flavors, opt for an espresso or macchiato. For a sweeter taste, try a mocha or latte.
• Caffeine Content: Espresso-based drinks generally have more caffeine per ounce than drip coffee, but serving sizes are smaller.
• Milk and Sweetness: Lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites have a good balance of milk and coffee. Mocha adds a sweet, chocolaty element.
• Temperature: Cold brew and nitro cold brew are great for hot weather, while traditional espresso and its variations are perfect for cooler days.