Types of Coffee Drinks
Coffee is a popular beverage consumed worldwide and there are many different types of coffee drinks available. From classic brewed drinks, such as espresso and cappuccino, to frozen concoctions, such as frappuccinos and macchiatos, all with varying intensities of flavor, there’s something for everyone.
The most basic brewed beverages are espresso and filter, said to be the embodiment of coffee flavor.
Espresso is made by forcing hot, pressurized water through finely ground coffee beans in a special machine. Depending on the amount of ground coffee used, the ratio of water to grounds, and the pressure and duration of the extraction, the flavor of espresso can vary from intense and smoky to a milder taste.
Filter is made by pouring hot water over ground beans which sit in a filter, either paper or metal. The water slowly passes through the grinds, infusing the flavor with complexity, adding body and making it smoother than espresso.
Brewed drinks can then be used as a base to produce a variety of other drinks. Cappuccino is made by combining espresso, steamed milk and foam. The ratio determines the strength of flavor, and some variations include adding chocolate or different types of flavored syrups.
Latte, similar to cappuccino, is largely made up of steamed milk and espresso. Texturally, latte’s are more smooth due to more steamed milk than foam being used in the drink.
Frappucinos and macchiatos are popular frozen coffee drinks that are made using espresso, ice and flavors. Frappucinos are known for their creamy sweetness and flavor combinations, such as mocha or vanilla, while macchiatos are less sweet and made using espresso, foam and caramel.
Finally, cold brew coffee is a coffee concentrate made by steeping coffee grounds in water for several hours, without heat. The result is a smooth, syrupy beverage with a unique, intense flavor.
Instant Coffee
Instant coffee is a form of brewed coffee that has been dried and turned into a powder or granules. It’s made by either freeze drying, spray drying, or vacuum drying coffee extract. The process strips away the naturally occurring oils and pleasing aromas, resulting in a weaker flavor.
Instant coffee can be quickly prepared by simply mixing coffee granules with hot water. While it lacks the taste and aroma of a fresh brew, instant coffee is widely used due to its convenience and affordability. Additionally, some specialty instant coffee brands have been developed which are said to offer superior flavor.
Instant Coffee Drinks
Instant coffee can be used as a base to make several ready-to-drink coffee beverages. These types of drinks include canned coffee drinks, bottled frappuccinos, pre-made cappuccinos and more. Such drinks typically come with a range of added flavors, such as caramel, vanilla, and chocolate, and are relatively low in caffeine content compared to brewed coffee.
Canned coffee drinks are widely popular in Asia, made from instant coffee, water, sugar and milk. Additionally, some bottled frappuccinos can be made using instant coffee, and are usually blended with sugar, milk and flavorings. Pre-made cappuccinos are also available in some countries and can be made using instant coffee, milk, sugar and cream. Such drinks offer a more convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy a flavored coffee.
Elevated Coffee Drinks
For those looking to elevate their coffee drinking experience, there are a variety of specialty coffee beverages. Such drinks offer the perfect combination of classic espresso
tastes, along with exciting and unique flavors. For example, Vietnamese-style egg coffee is made using condensed milk,
whipped egg yolks, and a shot of espresso, while Nutella lattes combine Nutella and espresso topped with steamed milk. Dry cappuccino is made with espresso, ground cocoa powder, and sweet whipped cream. Such drinks offer a unique and complex flavor, and can be easily made at home.
Organic Coffee Drinks
Organic coffee is a type of coffee made using beans grown without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Organic coffee is said to offer a richer, more intense flavor, and is thought to be more ethically sound due to its production methods.
Organic coffee drinks typically include espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, tea lattes and more, made using organic milk and organic espresso. Such drinks appeal to those looking for a more natural product, as well as those health conscious individuals who are looking to reduce their intake of pesticides and other chemicals. Organic coffee drinks are widely available at specialty stores and health food shops.
Coffee Alternatives
For those looking to avoid caffeine and the acidity of coffee, there are several alternatives to choose from. These include decaffeinated coffee, herbal coffee, yerba mate, chicory root coffee and more. Decaffeinated coffee is made using a special process which removes the caffeine from the beans, while herbal coffee substitutes are made using a blend of roasted herbs or plants, such as chicory root or dandelion root. Yerba mate is a plant indigenous to South America, and is made by steeping its leaves in hot water. Each of these drinks offer a unique flavor and are said to be better for the health due to their lower caffeine content.
Brewing Methods
There are many different brewing methods for coffee, each offering its own advantages in terms of taste and ease of use. For example, pour-over brewing involves pouring hot water over ground coffee in a filter, while French press involves immersion brewing coffee by steeping it in hot water inside a carafe. Additionally, there are a variety of automated coffeemakers on the market, such as the Aeropress, which offer a convenient and mess-free way to brew coffee.
Manual brewing methods appeal to those looking to consciously curate the flavor of their coffee, as there are many variables that one can tweak to achieve the desired flavor, such as temperature, water-to-coffee ratio, grind size and more. Automation offers convenience however, and is best for those who simply want a tasty cup of coffee with minimal effort involved. Regardless of one’s preference, there are a variety of brewing methods available from which to choose from.
