All the Different Types of Coffee—From Lattes to Red Eyes
Coffee enthusiasts, hold onto your mugs! Let's face it; the world of coffee is as vast and varied as the open road itself. From the bustling coffee shops in cities to the roadside diners on the highways, there's a myriad of coffee drinks to explore. But if you've ever felt overwhelmed by the coffee shop menu, don't sweat it.
We're here to break down the different types of coffees, from the bold espresso shots to the creamy lattes, ensuring that the next time you order, you do so with confidence. It's time to gear up for an adventure into the rugged and robust world of coffee. So, buckle up and let's ride through this comprehensive guide.
Types of Espresso Drinks
Espresso is the heart and soul of many coffee beverages. Crafted meticulously by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee, the result is a concentrated coffee shot that's the base of many coffee drinks. Read on to find your new favorite espresso drink:
Double Espresso
Ah, the double espresso—a staple for all the coffee drinkers who need a turbo-charged kick to start their day. It's two shots of hot espresso poured in an espresso cup, and is the foundation for many other coffee drinks. It's the bold and unadulterated flavor of the coffee bean, served piping hot and ready to fuel your day.
The double espresso is the backbone of many coffee drinks in coffee shops. Requiring a finely tuned espresso machine, the preparation for this strong coffee drink involves:
Start with freshly ground coffee beans. The grind size should be fine, almost like powdered sugar.
Load about 18-20 grams of ground coffee into the portafilter.
Tamp the grounds with even pressure to ensure uniform extraction.
Lock the portafilter into the espresso machine and start the shot.
Extract for about 25-30 seconds. You should get around 60ml of liquid.
Serve in a pre-warmed espresso cup for maximum flavor retention.
Café Cubano
Taking a cue from the vibrant streets of Cuba, the Café Cubano is not your regular espresso shot. It's sweetened with brown sugar as it's brewing, resulting in a shot that's sweet, robust, and packs a punch. It embodies the lively spirit of Cuban coffee culture and is a favorite among those who like their coffee strong but with a touch of sweetness.
This is not just a shot of espresso; it's an experience. Here's how to prepare this sweetened gem:
Add brown sugar to the bottom of your espresso cup. Depending on sweetness preference, use about 1-2 teaspoons.
Prepare a shot of espresso as usual.
As the espresso pours, ensure it mixes well with the sugar, creating a frothy top layer known as 'espumita.'
Stir well and enjoy hot.
Americano
The Americano is a simple yet classic coffee drink that finds its origins in World War II when American soldiers stationed in Italy would dilute the local espresso with hot water to replicate the kind of coffee they were accustomed to back home.
The result is a coffee that shares the robust flavor of an espresso but the volume and consistency closer to drip coffee. It's the perfect choice for those who love the rich taste of an espresso but prefer a less concentrated form.
Prepare the Espresso: Using a good quality coffee bean, grind it to a fine espresso consistency. For an Americano, you typically want a double shot, but you can adjust based on your preference.
Brew the Espresso: Using an espresso machine, brew a double shot of espresso into a cup. If you don't have an espresso machine, you can use an AeroPress or a Moka pot, though the flavor might slightly vary.
Add Hot Water: Pour hot water into the cup with the brewed espresso. The standard ratio is 1:1 for espresso to water, but you can adjust this based on your preference. Some prefer a 1:2 or even 1:3 ratio for a milder flavor.
Stir and Serve: Give your Americano a gentle stir to ensure the espresso and water are well combined. Serve immediately.
Optional: Some people like to add a splash of milk or a sugar cube, but the classic Americano is served black.
Long Macchiato
The Long Macchiato is like the rebellious sibling in the espresso-based drinks family. It's a shot of espresso marked (or "stained") with a dash of foamed milk. The result? A layered drink that offers the strength of a shot of espresso, complemented by the creamy texture of milk foam. It's popular among coffee enthusiasts who want a bit more than an espresso but less than a latte.
A perfect blend of strong espresso and the delicate touch of milk foam. Here's how to craft this masterpiece:
Prepare a double shot of espresso in a slightly larger glass or cup.
Froth a small amount of milk until you achieve velvety foam.
Gently spoon the milk foam on top of the espresso.
The result should be a marked or "stained" espresso with foam.
Classic Coffee Varieties
Stepping away from the world of espresso, we journey into the land of the classic brewed coffee beverage. These are the staples, the drinks that have been enjoyed by generations of coffee drinkers and continue to be favorites to this day.
Drip/Brewed Coffee
The good old-fashioned drip coffee. It's the kind of coffee that many of us grew up with. Hot water drips slowly over coffee grounds, extracting flavors gradually, resulting in a clean and clear coffee drink. It's the quintessential coffee shop staple, and when done right, it's a masterpiece in a cup.
The aroma of drip coffee brewing is arguably the universal wake-up call in households and coffee shops. Aside from just using a drip coffee maker for regular brewed coffee, you can try making a pour over, which operates on the same basic principles. Here’s how to brew perfection:
Start with freshly ground coffee, medium grind resembling sea salt.
Add one tablespoon of grounds for every six ounces of water. Adjust to taste.
Heat the water to just below boiling, around 200°F.
Pour the water over the grounds, ensuring all the grounds are saturated.
Let the coffee drip and brew for about 5 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy the comforting embrace of classic brewed coffee.
Decaf Coffee
Not a different drink, roast, or method, but a different bean entirely, decaffeinated coffee is a popular choice for those who love the rich taste and aroma of coffee but prefer to avoid or reduce their caffeine intake.
Through a meticulous process, over 97% of the caffeine content is removed from the coffee beans before they are roasted. The result is a beverage that offers the same warmth, flavor, and experience as regular coffee, but with a negligible amount of caffeine.
Ideal for evening consumption, or for those sensitive to caffeine, decaf coffee ensures that coffee enthusiasts don't have to compromise on taste while catering to their health or lifestyle choices.
Whether you're looking to reduce jitters, improve sleep, or simply enjoy a cup in the late hours without the caffeine kick, decaf is your go-to brew.
Pour Over
The pour-over method is for those who appreciate the art and science behind brewing coffee. Hot water is poured over coffee grounds in a circular motion, ensuring even extraction. The result? A coffee drink that's aromatic, flavorful, and a testament to the quality of the coffee bean.
For those seeking a meditative coffee-making experience:
Start with freshly ground beans, medium-coarse grind.
Place a filter in your pour-over brewer. Pre-wet the filter with water.
Add coffee grounds, about 2 tablespoons for every 180 ml of water.
Pour just enough water (just off the boil) to saturate the coffee grounds, letting it bloom for 30 seconds.
Continue pouring the water in a circular motion, keeping the water level consistent.
Once brewed, discard the filter and savor the clean, flavorful coffee.
French Press
The French Press, or press pot, is all about immersion. Coarsely ground coffee beans steep in hot water, and then separated by pressing down with a metal or nylon mesh sieve. It results in a coffee that's full-bodied, rich, and has a distinct texture. It's the go-to method for many who seek a robust coffee flavor.
The French Press method extracts a full-bodied coffee flavor:
Add coarsely ground coffee beans to your French Press. Use a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio.
Pour water (just off the boil) into the press.
Place the lid on the press with the plunger pulled all the way up.
Let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes.
Depress the plunger slowly.
Pour and enjoy the rich, immersive flavor.
Long Black
Originating from the land down under, the Long Black is a reverse Americano. Hot water is poured into a cup, followed by a double shot of espresso. The result is a drink that's aromatic, strong, and has a layer of crema on top.
The essence of coffee, amplified:
Heat water to just below boiling.
Pour the water into a cup.
Prepare a double shot of espresso.
Pour the espresso into the cup with water, preserving the crema.
Relish the strong yet nuanced flavor profile.
Popular Milk-Based Coffee Drinks
For those who like their coffee with a creamy twist, milk-based coffee drinks are the way to go. From the classic latte to the rich cafe au lait, these drinks are all about the harmonious blend of strong coffee and velvety milk.
Cafe Latte
Arguably one of the most popular coffee drinks, the Cafe Latte is a harmonious blend of espresso and steamed milk. Topped with a small amount of foam, it's the perfect drink for those who want a creamy coffee without the heaviness of whipped cream or other additives. Whether you're reading a book, catching up with friends, or simply relaxing, a Cafe Latte is always a good choice.
A creamy delight:
Prepare a shot of espresso in a large cup.
Steam milk until it reaches 150°F with a velvety microfoam on top.
Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon.
Top with a thin layer of foam.
Optional: Craft some latte art on top for that coffee shop touch.
Piccolo Latte
The Piccolo Latte is like the little brother of the Cafe Latte. A ristretto shot, which is a shorter and more concentrated espresso, is served in a small glass with warm milk. It's perfect for those who want a milky coffee without committing to a full-sized drink.
A small yet satisfying treat:
Brew a ristretto shot of espresso.
Steam a small amount of milk to a velvety texture.
Pour the milk over the ristretto shot, ensuring a balance of coffee and milk flavor.
Flat White
Another gem from down under, the Flat White is a testament to the expertise of the barista. Espresso is combined with steamed milk, but what sets it apart is the absence of the thick foam. Instead, it has a velvety microfoam that gives the drink a smooth texture.
The perfect middle ground:
Brew a double shot of espresso into a cup.
Steam milk to create a velvety microfoam, ensuring no large bubbles.
Pour the milk over the espresso, letting the microfoam meld with the coffee.
The result should be a creamy coffee drink with a strong espresso profile.
Caffè Breve
For those who want to indulge, the Caffè Breve is the drink of choice. Espresso is combined with equal parts milk and cream, making it rich, luxurious, and a treat for the taste buds.
The epitome of indulgence:
Prepare a shot of espresso.
Steam equal parts of milk and half & half or cream until it's hot and frothy.
Pour the creamy mixture over the espresso, creating a luxurious coffee drink.
Cafe au Lait
Drawing inspiration from the French, the Cafe au Lait is simplicity at its best. Equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk, it's milder than a latte and is the perfect drink for a relaxed afternoon.
Simple yet flavorful:
Brew a strong cup of coffee or a double espresso.
Heat milk until it's steaming but not frothy.
Combine equal parts of coffee and hot milk.
Enjoy the comforting blend of strength and creaminess.
Specialty Coffee Combination Drinks
When one type of coffee drink isn't enough, coffee combination drinks come to the rescue. These beverages combine the best of different coffee worlds, resulting in drinks that are unique, flavorful, and sure to delight the palate.
Black Eye
For days when you need an extra kick, the Black Eye has got your back. It's drip/brewed coffee combined with a double shot of espresso, making it a turbo-charged drink that's sure to awaken the senses.
For when you need that extra jolt:
Brew a cup of regular coffee.
Prepare a double shot of espresso.
Pour the espresso into the drip coffee.
Stir and conquer the day ahead.
Red Eye
The Red Eye is for those who want the strength of espresso but with the volume of a regular coffee. Drip coffee is combined with a shot of espresso, resulting in a drink that's strong, flavorful, and perfect for long days.
A potent pick-me-up:
Brew a cup of regular drip coffee.
Add a shot of espresso.
Stir to combine and wake up to the bold flavors.
Cold Coffee Drinks
For those scorching days when a hot coffee just won't do, a cold coffee drink is are here to save the day. From the smooth cold brew coffee to the refreshing iced espresso, these drinks are all about beating the heat in style.
Cold Brew
Cold Brew is not just your regular iced coffee. Coffee grounds are steeped in room temperature water for an extended period, often overnight, and then filtered. The result is a coffee that's smooth, less acidic, and perfect for hot days. It's a favorite among many coffee shops and is often served with a splash of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Smooth and less acidic:
Coarsely grind your favorite coffee beans.
Combine with room temperature water in a 1:5 ratio.
Allow the mixture to steep for 12-24 hours.
Filter out the coffee grounds.
Serve over ice and add milk or sweeteners as desired.
Iced Coffee
The classic Iced Coffee is all about simplicity. Hot coffee is cooled down and then poured over ice. It's a refreshing drink that's perfect for those warm afternoons. Whether you like it black or with a splash of cold milk, an Iced Coffee is always a good idea.
Iced Espresso
For those who want the kick of espresso but without the heat, the Iced Espresso is the drink of choice. A shot of espresso is cooled down and then poured over ice, resulting in a drink that's strong, aromatic, and cold. Try adding milk and flavoring for an iced latte.
Even More Options
Latte Macchiato
The inverse of a Cappuccino.
Fill a glass with steamed milk.
Froth the milk until there's a thick layer of milk froth at the top.
Slowly pour a shot of espresso over the back of a spoon so that it filters down into the milk without disturbing the froth too much.
Green Coffee Bean Drink
For those looking for something different, this one involves steeping coffee grounds.
Steep green coffee beans in hot water for about 10 minutes.
Strain and drink. The flavor will be milder and more herbal than regular coffee.
These various coffee drinks offer a wide range of flavors and experiences. Whether you're in the mood for something traditional like a Turkish coffee or something sweet like a dessert coffee, there's something for every coffee lover out there. So the next time you're thinking of drinking coffee, why not try something new?
Turkish Coffee
Strong and unfiltered, the Turkish coffee offers a unique drinking experience.
Use finely ground coffee beans, preferably from robusta beans.
In a cezve (a small Turkish coffee pot), add water, 2 heaped teaspoons of the ground coffee, and sugar if desired. Do not stir yet.
Place the cezve on low heat. As the coffee warms, stir it until it's well-mixed.
When the coffee starts boiling, let it foam up and then remove from heat.
Serve immediately in small cups. Remember, Turkish coffee is not to be drunk in a hurry but savored.
Dessert Coffees
Irish Coffee
Warm and with a kick of whiskey, the Irish coffee is a drink for those evenings when you just want to relax and unwind.
Start with a cup of freshly brewed hot coffee.
Add 1 shot (1.5 ounces) of Irish whiskey.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of brown sugar until dissolved.
Float a layer of lightly whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
Serve hot and avoid stirring after adding the cream to savor different layers of the drink.
Vietnamese Coffee
Creamy and rich, the Vietnamese coffee uses sweetened condensed milk to give it its signature taste.
Add 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk into a glass.
In a drip brewer, place 2 tablespoons of coarsely ground robusta beans.
Pour hot water into the brewer and let the coffee drip over the condensed milk.
Stir well and serve hot. For a cold version, add ice.
Mocha Coffee
Chocolate and coffee, a match made in heaven.
Prepare a shot of hot espresso.
Mix in 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a cup.
Pour the espresso into the cup.
Add steamed milk.
Drizzle with chocolate syrup and optionally top with whipped cream.
Vienna Coffee
A creamy dream for those who love whipped cream.
Brew a strong cup of black coffee.
Pour the coffee into a tall glass.
Top with a large dollop of whipped cream.
Optionally sprinkle with chocolate powder or cocoa powder.
Hot Chocolate Coffee
Perfect for those chilly days.
Prepare hot chocolate by mixing cocoa powder, sugar, and a bit of hot water in a cup.
Fill the cup with steamed milk and stir.
Add a shot of espresso.
Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Dessert Coffee
A delightful end to any meal.
Prepare a cup of your favorite coffee drink.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Drizzle with chocolate syrup or sprinkle with cocoa powder.
Serve immediately.
Chocolate Coffee Shake
A summer favorite.
Brew a strong cup of coffee and let it cool.
In a blender, combine the cold coffee, a scoop of ice cream, and 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup.
Blend until smooth and frothy.
Serve in a tall glass with a straw.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of coffee can be daunting, but with this guide, we hope to have demystified the different types of coffee drinks. Whether you're a seasoned coffee drinker or a newbie, there's always something new to explore in the world of coffee. Even throwing instant coffee or cold brew concentrate into some water is better than doing nothing!
So the next time you're at a coffee shop, staring at the coffee shop menu, remember this guide and order with confidence. Because when it comes to coffee, there's a world of flavors waiting to be explored. And always remember, whether you're sipping a hot espresso or enjoying a cold brew, do so with the spirit of adventure and rebellion.