According to statistics, about 83% of Americans start their day by preparing and drinking coffee, whether in the morning or in afternoon time to break the monotony. Whether as a moment of pause among the hustle and bustle of our modern lives or to give a jolt of energy to start the day off, it is clear that coffee is clearly an important part of the day for the vast majority of Americans.
However, all coffee is not the same. A myriad of different types, flavours and styles of coffee exist, with some more popular than others. Here we discuss the key features and flavours of the six most common coffees, as well as an overview of what they are and why they are so special.
Espresso
Espresso is a type of coffee that is made by forcing a small amount of almost boiling water through finely ground coffee beans. A shot of espresso is usually 25ml and is served in a tiny cup or demitasse.
Espresso is stronger, more concentrated and richer than regular coffee because of its high pressure brewing process. The taste of espresso can be quite strong and heavy with a hint of chocolate and sometimes a slightly bitter aftertaste. It is commonly used in Mixed drinks like lattes, cappuccinos and Americanos.
Cappuccino
Cappuccino is probably one of the most well-known coffee drinks, typically made with one shot of espresso, a single shot of steamed milk and a thick layer of foamed milk. This makes the consistency of cappuccino dense and creamy. Generally, a teaspoon of cocoa powder will also be sprinkled on top, providing a hint of sweetness.
Cappuccino is made with one shot of espresso, ensuring a delicious combination of intense espresso flavour with mild sweetness of the milk and cocoa. Cappuccino typically contains between 70-120 calories, making it healthier than other coffee drinks like french press coffee and latte.
Latte
Latte is usually made with one shot of espresso, steamed milk, and a thin layer of foam. Traditionally, latte is served in a tall glass or mug. The key difference between latte and cappuccino is the milk-foam ratio difference – lattes are usually made with less foam than cappuccinos.
The espresso and milk create a smooth, velvety taste and the added sweetness, either in the form of syrup or natural milk sweetness makes it a popular drink of choice. The average latte contains around 130 calories, making it a slightly calorie-dense drink.
Flat White
Flat White is an offshoot of the popular cappuccino. It is made with one shot of espresso, steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. The key difference between a flat white and a cappuccino is that the foam layer is very thin in a flat white. This creates a more intense flavour of espresso and a smoother texture.
Flat White is a popular alternative to a cappuccino or latte and usually contains between 80 and 150 calories, making it a healthier choice than other coffee drinks. It is a smooth and creamy coffee choice, perfect for those who enjoy the intense flavour of espresso without sugar or syrups.
Mocha
Mocha is typically made with one shot of espresso, steamed milk and a thin layer of foam and chocolate powder. The sweetness of the chocolate powder provides a slight sweetness that is not present in other coffees. The combination of espresso, milk and chocolate creates a rich and creamy drink with a distinct chocolate taste.
Mochas typically contain more calories than other coffee drinks and can range from 200-300 calories. Despite this, they are still popular because of their rich chocolate taste which can be quite hard to resist!.
Frappuccino
Frappuccinos are typically blended coffee drinks made with coffee grounds, milk, ice and sometimes other flavourings like caramel and cinnamon. The coffee grounds add an intense and deep coffee flavour, while the mix of ice and milk makes the drink rich and creamy.
Frappuccinos are usually sweeter than other coffee drinks. Depending on the flavour, the calorie count can vary from 300 calories – upwards. They are usually seen as a treat because of the high calorie count, but they make a great occasional pick-me-up.
Cold Brew
Cold Brew coffee is made with cold or room temperature water steeping over coffee grounds for up to 24 hours. This produces a coffee concentrate that can then be mixed with cold water or milk, over ice or as an iced latte. The coffee has a smooth and mellow flavour with no bitterness or acidity.
Cold Brew coffee usually contains significantly less acid than other coffee drinks and generally has a lower acidity. This makes it a good choice for those who experience heartburn or acid reflux when drinking other types of coffee. The calorie count usually varies depending on the ratio of coffee concentrate to water or milk.
Summary
We have discussed the six most popular types of coffee drinks, as well as their features and typical calorie count. Whether espresso, cappuccino, latte, flat white, Mocha, Frappuccino or Cold Brew, there is something for everyone. What type of coffee drinks are your favourite?
