Everyone knows coffee, but are you aware that your coffee preferences can work to identify what type of coffee drinker you are? It may come as a surprise to some that there are many coffee types and varieties, suggesting that coffee consumption styles can yield insight into someone’s individual coffee-drinking habits.
From highly structured Americanos to Irish coffee with a generous helping of Baileys, coffee drinkers are just as unique as their individual preferences and habits. From a business perspective, it is important to recognize the different types of coffee drinkers, as they can be served accordingly, ensuring each customer enjoys the best possible experience.
Research conducted by the editors of The Atlantic suggests that the many different types of coffee drinks can speak to the type of drinker they are. A cappuccino enthusiast, for example, likely enjoys small conversations and interactions. Known as “the fidget spinners of drinks,” cappuccinos take a great deal of time to craft, allowing customers to linger and have a short chat.
A flat white, on the other hand, indicates a more serious coffee drinker. According to an analysis published by The Whitestone Journal, a flat white is the preferred coffee drink of those consumers looking for something special in their cup. This type of coffee drinker values quality over quantity, seeking out premium coffee beans and organic raw materials for a rich, robust flavor and artisanal experience.
Mochaccinos, a mix of espresso and steamed milk with a chocolate base, appeal to those with a sweet tooth who enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere where they can chat with friends and savor their drinks. The same study found that Mochaccinos, because of their velvety foam topping and gold sparkles, are often preferred by customers in a leisurely environment, as they provide a delightful touch to the coffee experience.
The popular espresso drink has its own loyalists, who prefer to express themselves through their coffee orders. Often found in vibrant city centers and hipster neighborhoods, they tend to be younger and career-oriented, enjoying a shot of espresso to start the morning with a jolt of energy and caffeine. Espresso drinkers are ‘no-nonsense’, valuing the strength of this coffee and looking for something that energizes them and wakes them up.
Given the various types of coffee drinkers and their individual preferences, it’s clear that there is no ‘one size fits all’ for coffee consumption. Matching the type of coffee drinker with the preferences can help ensure that coffee drinkers are served with the experience they came for.
Types of Coffee Drinks
Coffee drinkers have an impressive array of coffee drinks to choose from, each of which appeals to different types of coffee drinkers. The basic types of coffee drinks include espresso, which provides a jolt of caffeine; cappuccino, mochaccino, and latte, all of which are cafés with a creamy finish; Americano and Irish coffee, both of which provide extra caffeine; and cold brew and iced coffee, both of which are often served in the summer.
Each type of coffee drink can indicate the type of drinker someone is, as well as the atmosphere or environment where they drink their coffee. Espresso drinkers are ‘no-nonsense’ and prefer energizing, robust flavors, while cappuccino enthusiasts value small conversations and lingering moments. Mochaccino drinkers savor something sweet, Irish coffee drinkers may prefer socializing with friends in an enjoyable setting, and cold brew and iced coffee are often preferred summer staples.
Eye-catching coffees, such as those topped with eye-catching latte art, have become increasingly popular and can indicate a creative, creative personality who enjoys experimenting and experiencing something out of the ordinary. These types of coffee drinks are often admired more for their looks than their taste, however, the experience of having a beautiful cup of coffee can be just as satisfying.
For those golfing fans, who savor the idea of a golf-inspired beverage, there’s the Nitro Golf Coffee, a cold-brew concentrate blended to perfection with carbon dioxide to create a striking show. Three times stronger than your average cup of coffee, it is perfect for a mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Coffee Origin and Quality Matters
When it comes to coffee, origin and quality can often be key determinants in the type of coffee drinkers. In general, consumers who prioritize high-quality, specialty producers are more likely to appreciate lighter coffees, such as those associated with Ethiopia or Mexico. Kenya and Ethiopia, for example, are renowned for producing some of the finest beans in the world, and as such, have higher prices and stricter quality control practices.
These types of coffee drinkers are likely to favor unique, nuanced flavors that can only be achieved by using specialty beans. For these individuals, the origin and quality of the bean matter, valuing flavor consistency, body, and texture. These drinker can often identify what type of Arabica or Robusta is used in their cup, reflecting their commitment to the craft and the quality of their coffee.
On the other hand, for individuals who prioritize convenience, the origin of the bean does not usually have the same importance. Commodity coffees, such as those used for instant coffee, are usually sourced from somewhere in South America, and have a robust flavor yet, less distinctive taste and aroma. This type of coffee drinker is unlikely to be as concerned with origin, focusing more on a quick and convenient option.
Brewing Methods and Flavor
Aside from origin, brewing method can also influence the type of coffee drinker someone is. French press coffees and pour-over coffees, for instance, tend to favor those individuals who are looking for unique and nuanced tasting notes, as the brewing methods offer more control over the flavors obtained. It is also likely that these individuals will go out of their way to seek out specialty beans, adding to the flavor profiles they can obtain.
Vacuum pot or siphon brewing methods can also appeal to this type of coffee drinker, as these methods involve precision and time, creating a more dramatic and theatrical experience. On the other hand, the more practical individuals may prefer the simplicity of the drip coffee, as it offers a more convenient, straightforward solution. Here, the emphasis may be more on providing a satisfactory cup of coffee with minimal effort.
Gadgets and Appliances
Coffee drinkers are also likely to reflect their coffee consumption habits in the type of coffee machines and gadgets they own. Of course, the traditionalists may prefer the more classic coffee makers and drip makers, as they provide a simple and straightforward solution. For those that enjoy a more involved experience, however, there are a range of high-end coffee machines that can help elevate the coffee experience.
From automatic espresso makers to iced coffee makers, the options are virtually limitless. Coffee machines can also be used to craft a variety of coffees, something that appeals to a rather specific set of coffee drinkers. These individuals can be distinguished by their willingness to invest in higher-end appliances, allowing them to craft their own unique blend of coffee.
Conscious Consumerism
Recently, sustainable and ethical coffee consumption has become increasingly important for coffee drinkers. Conscious consumerism, the idea of being mindful of the environmental, ethical and economic implications of our purchasing decisions, is crucial in the modern world. Sustainable coffee drinkers are especially committed to supporting businesses and producers that are ethical, transparent and sustainable in their practices.
These coffee drinkers often know the source of their coffee and the practices employed by their producers, as well as the environmental and social benefits of organic, fair trade beans. These coffee drinkers take their consumption practices seriously, opting for sustainable and ethical solutions wherever possible.
Connecting Over Coffee
Coffee consumption can often represent a unique connectivity between those who drink it. With many coffee shops adopting a communal atmosphere, coffee lovers can connect with one another while indulging in their favorite beverages. From the business professional who enjoys a flat white to the student who prefers a cold brew, coffee drinkers of all types are often connected by their shared enjoyment of the same ritual.
The obvious connection between coffee lovers is the shared appreciation of good flavor, however, they also often share a similar approach to life. These drinkers often enjoy spending time talking with friends, and feeling connected through a shared passion for their favorite caffeinated beverages. Coffee drinkers are more than just the beverage that they enjoy, but rather the people that come together for a moment of leisure and relaxation.
