What is Coffee?
Coffee is a brewed beverage made from roasted seeds, also commonly referred to as coffee beans. Coffee beans are found inside the red or purple fruit of the Coffea plant. The beans are then ground and brewed with hot water to create a strong, aromatic, and flavorful beverage. Coffee is enjoyed hot and cold, and consumed in many different forms, ranging from the traditional filter-brewed coffee to more indulgent beverages.
Types of Coffee Drinks
Coffee drinks come in all shapes and sizes, but can generally be broken down into three main categories: hot coffee, cold coffee, and specialty drinks. Each type of coffee drink is prepared differently, has different flavorings, and can be served from anywhere from a simple home kitchen to a coffeeshop or cafe.
Hot Coffee Drinks
The most traditional type of coffee drink is the filter-brewed hot coffee. This type of coffee is brewed with hot water, then filtered and served. This method is simple and produces the classic flavor, aroma, and experience of drinking hot coffee.
Cold Coffee Drinks
Cold coffee drinks include an array of caffeinated, iced beverages that range from creamy, cold-brewed coffees to lighter, refreshing iced teas. These drinks are cooled with either ice or cold water, or simply stored and served chilled.
Specialty Coffee Drinks
Specialty coffee drinks are where customizations, flavorings, and additions come into play. From cafe lattes to seasonal specialties and unique tastings, these drinks go beyond the traditional and offer a unique coffee experience. Specialty drinks can also include hot chocolates, Matcha lattes, espresso, cappuccinos, and more.
Brewed-to-Order Coffee Drinks
Brewed-to-order coffee drinks are made-to-order and customized based on specific customer preferences. These drinks can range from simply adding sugar, cream, and syrup to creating more complex, layered espresso-based drinks like macchiatos, cappuccinos, and more.
Non-Coffee Coffee Drinks
Non-coffee coffee drinks are beverages created to provide a coffee-like experience but with non-coffee ingredients. These drinks are either prepared with non-caffeinated options like chicory root, dandelion root, and other botanicals, or with nut and grain milks.
Espresso-Based Coffee Drinks
Espresso-based coffee drinks are made with espresso shots. As the name suggests, this type of coffee drink requires the use of espresso machine to produce rich, flavorful shots that are then mixed with additional ingredients such as milk, syrups, or other flavorings. Examples of espresso-based drinks include cappuccino, cafe latte, macchiato, and more.
Coffee Recipes
Coffee recipes are beverages in which unique flavor combinations are blended together for a unique tasting experience. Common recipes include Irish coffee, cafe mochas, frozen coffees, and more. These drinks can be made hot or cold depending on preference.
Customized Coffee Drinks
Customized coffee drinks are made with any combination of extra ingredients to produce a unique, personalized coffee experience. These drinks may include any combination of milk, syrups, spices, alcohol, or other additives.
Coffee Blends
Coffee blends are mixtures of two or more different types of coffee beans. These blends produce unique flavor profiles that can be enjoyed hot or cold. Common blends include dark roast, light roast, and espresso.
Flavored Coffee Drinks
Flavored coffee drinks are beverages with added flavors, such as vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, or any other flavoring that can be used to enhance the coffee’s taste. These flavors can be added to any type of coffee drink, from hot and cold to espresso-based and more.
Cold Brewed Coffee Drinks
Cold-brewed coffee drinks are a unique type of cold coffee in which coffee grounds are steeped in cold or room temperature water over an extended period of time in order to produce a unique flavor and aroma. Cold brew coffees are known for their bold, yet smooth taste.
Frappes and Iced Coffees
Frappes and iced coffees are two common types of cold coffee drinks that are made by blending coffee with ice, milk, syrup, or other ingredients. Frappes are typically served in a tall, cold glass and often topped with whipped cream and other toppings.
Bulletproof Coffee
Bulletproof coffee, also known as butter coffee, is made with coffee, grass-fed butter, and a type of MCT oil. This combination is said to boost energy levels, enhance mental clarity, and have other potential health benefits. Bulletproof coffee is usually served hot, but can also be consumed cold.
