With all the different names for coffee drinks out there, it's no wonder that people get a little overwhelmed when they're ordering. Fortunately, with all the different styles of coffee, there's actually usually just a simple variation on a classic drink happening. We'll prep you for a world where hazelnut and pumpkin lattes are confusing you from what's really going on behind the counter.
First, though, it's important for understanding styles of coffee to recognize some key names for when you're ordering a coffee the next time you're in Italy, or at a great restaurant in your own town. You've probably said at least one of these names before, but maybe you don't know what really goes into the drink. Well, now you're going to:
Caffe Latte Also referred to as Cafe au Lait, depending on where you're ordering your drink, this is one of the most popular styles of coffee worldwide, and is really just a fancy way of saying espresso with milk. A single shot of espresso is made with steamed milk, and then served with an extra inch of frothed milk (foam) on top.
Americano Americans are known for their version of coffee, which critics say is usually really watered down. But there's a variation that makes everyone happy, and combines styles of coffee to suit everyone's taste. With an Americano, one ounce of strong espresso is combined with some boiling water, usually a cup's worth. Voila. A short drink designed to be taken like a shot now is large enough to be sipped, with not so much added in between.
Cappuccino Probably the most popular drink that people order but have no idea what they're actually getting, the cappuccino is simply one third coffee, one third milk, and one third creamy and thick froth, from milk, too. Rather than being a pompous addition to spice up a simple coffee drink, it's named after the Capuchin, which is the white and brown hood that monks wear.
There's more to knowing about styles of coffee than just remembering some of the key names to the drinks. It's even more important to know some of the processes--i.e. what heats the beans. Here are a couple of the most popular:
The French Press It's known but a bunch of different names, but the concept is always the same. A glass container has a wire part and a plunger. The coffee goes in, almost-boiling water goes on top of it, and then you physically press the coffee with the plunger part. You use coffee that's ground a little rougher in here, and basically are filtering the coffee to make a more delicious cup at home. Surprisingly, it really works.
The Drip If you've got a coffee maker at home that plugs in and doesn't sit on the stove, this is what you're most likely working with. Pour some water into a machine, add your coffee to the other part, and the coffee maker actually heats the water and eventually the dripping boiled water over the grounds makes your cup of coffee. Definitely one of the easiest ways, if not the tastiest ways, to have some coffee.
And of course, the at-home espresso maker produces styles of coffee drinks more similar to those in Italy than, say, your Mr. Coffee ever will.
Now that you understand the difference between espresso and drip coffee, you're ready to get out there and start trying some drinks. Remember your word roots, and don't be surprised if you forget to say "cafe" at the beginning of "cafe latte," that a gigantic cup of milk might show up. If so, just take it in stride and do better next time.
First, though, it's important for understanding styles of coffee to recognize some key names for when you're ordering a coffee the next time you're in Italy, or at a great restaurant in your own town. You've probably said at least one of these names before, but maybe you don't know what really goes into the drink. Well, now you're going to:
Caffe Latte Also referred to as Cafe au Lait, depending on where you're ordering your drink, this is one of the most popular styles of coffee worldwide, and is really just a fancy way of saying espresso with milk. A single shot of espresso is made with steamed milk, and then served with an extra inch of frothed milk (foam) on top.
Americano Americans are known for their version of coffee, which critics say is usually really watered down. But there's a variation that makes everyone happy, and combines styles of coffee to suit everyone's taste. With an Americano, one ounce of strong espresso is combined with some boiling water, usually a cup's worth. Voila. A short drink designed to be taken like a shot now is large enough to be sipped, with not so much added in between.
Cappuccino Probably the most popular drink that people order but have no idea what they're actually getting, the cappuccino is simply one third coffee, one third milk, and one third creamy and thick froth, from milk, too. Rather than being a pompous addition to spice up a simple coffee drink, it's named after the Capuchin, which is the white and brown hood that monks wear.
There's more to knowing about styles of coffee than just remembering some of the key names to the drinks. It's even more important to know some of the processes--i.e. what heats the beans. Here are a couple of the most popular:
The French Press It's known but a bunch of different names, but the concept is always the same. A glass container has a wire part and a plunger. The coffee goes in, almost-boiling water goes on top of it, and then you physically press the coffee with the plunger part. You use coffee that's ground a little rougher in here, and basically are filtering the coffee to make a more delicious cup at home. Surprisingly, it really works.
The Drip If you've got a coffee maker at home that plugs in and doesn't sit on the stove, this is what you're most likely working with. Pour some water into a machine, add your coffee to the other part, and the coffee maker actually heats the water and eventually the dripping boiled water over the grounds makes your cup of coffee. Definitely one of the easiest ways, if not the tastiest ways, to have some coffee.
And of course, the at-home espresso maker produces styles of coffee drinks more similar to those in Italy than, say, your Mr. Coffee ever will.
Now that you understand the difference between espresso and drip coffee, you're ready to get out there and start trying some drinks. Remember your word roots, and don't be surprised if you forget to say "cafe" at the beginning of "cafe latte," that a gigantic cup of milk might show up. If so, just take it in stride and do better next time.
About the Author:
Damian Papworth just bought a new 2 cup coffee maker, he wrote about it at the One Cup Coffee Makers website.
