Café Americano
A Café Americano is a type of coffee drink that prides itself on being incredibly easy and quick to prepare. The process involves pouring one shot of hot espresso into a cup of hot water, and the result is a drink that is remarkably similar to traditional American drip coffee. Café Americanos are generally stronger than brewed coffee, and are popular amongst discerning coffee drinkers due to their intense and bold taste.
Café Americanos offer consumers a burst of energy and will often be served in medium-sized cups. Typically, one shot of espresso is sufficient for a Café Americano, however, some coffee drinkers may opt for two shot-based drinks to create an even more intense flavor. For the most part, Café Americanos are enjoyed without any additional flavors or sweeteners.
Latte
Latte art has become an increasingly popular trend over the years, and it’s easy to see why. A latte is a type of coffee drink that has become widely available in almost all cafés and coffeehouses. The recipe for a latte is simple and requires one shot of espresso, a cup of steamed milk, and the option of various flavorings, the most popular being vanilla and hazelnut.
Latte art is the process of pouring foamed milk into a cup of espresso, in order to create decorative patterns. Latte art has become an art form in its own right, with nationally recognized competitions and awards being given out to the most impressive baristas. The combination of espresso and foamed milk creates a latte with a smooth and creamy texture, and its unique flavor has won appeal with both seasoned and novice coffee drinkers.
Mocha
Those looking to combine their love of both chocolate and coffee need look no further than the mocha. A mocha is a caffeinated drink that combines espresso with hot chocolate, and is one of the most popular coffee drinks around the world. Mochas are incredibly indulgent, having a strong chocolate flavor that is softened by all of the sweetness found in the drink.
Mocha drinks are usually served in medium-sized cups, and are typically either made with cocoa, chocolate syrup or powder. Milk or cream is also added to the drink to provide an extra layer of sweetness and often, baristas and coffee drinkers will top off their mocha with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or marshmallows.
Cappuccino
The Cappuccino is essentially the Italian version of the flat white. However, Cappuccinos are generally less intense in flavor due to the combination of espresso and steamed milk, with a third part of the foam topping added to the drink. The proportions of espresso, steamed milk and foam topping vary depending on the barista, with some baristas opting for a more intense tasting Cappuccino while others opt for a drink that is lighter and smoother.
Cappuccinos are often served with a dusting of either cocoa powder or cinnamon, the latter of which provides the Cappuccino with a subtle spiciness and added flavor. As well as being served short, Cappuccinos can be enjoyed as either a regular size or a large. The latter works best for seasoned coffee drinkers looking for an aromatic and stronger drink.
Flat White
The Flat White is an increasingly popular coffee drink and is similar in many ways to the latte. This coffee drink consists of espresso, steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam on top, with all three of the ingredients being carefully combined in order to create the ideal Flat White. Whereas lattes and Cappuccinos offer a slightly more cappuccino like texture, Flat Whites are often considered to be and more intense coffee drinking experience.
Flat Whites are incredibly versatile and can be served either as a regular size or a large cup. The slighter larger cups are particularly popular amongst coffee drinkers and baristas, as they offer an extra layer of intensity. Flat Whites are known for having a very creamy taste, with some drinkers opting to add a dash of sweetener in order to create a drink that is both smooth and creamy.
Espresso
At the heart of any good coffee is the espresso; a dark, intense and flavoursome drink that is widely available from almost all coffeehouse establishments. Depending on where you are located, espressos can be made with either a single shot or double shot, and are usually served in a petite cup or a demitasse cup. Espressos typically take around twenty five seconds to make and can provide coffee drinkers with a surprisingly powerful burst of energy.
The taste of an espresso can vary depending on where it was made and what beans were used, however, most espressos will have a creamy, velvety texture and an intense bitterness that some find difficult to get used to. In comparison to most other types of coffee, espressos are arguably the most intense in flavor and are served without any added flavorings or sweeteners.
Cold Brew
Making its way on to the coffee scene in recent years, cold brew has rapidly become one of the most popular coffee beverages around. Cold brew is made by brewing ground coffee beans in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, depending on the desired strength of the beverage. It is arguably the smoothest and most flavourful type of coffee available and offers a creamy and thick texture that other types of iced coffee don’t.
Cold brew has become increasingly popular with those who are health conscious due to its lack of added sugars and fats, whilst others drink it for its sweet and creamy taste. Despite being served as an iced beverage, cold brew is remarkably refreshing and often has subtle flavor notes of chocolate, nuts and spices that add an extra touch of complexity.
Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is traditionally produced by combining a single shot of espresso with whiskey, sugar, and a top up of warm cream. This combination of flavors creates an intense and delicious drink that is popularly consumed around the world. The key to success when making an Irish coffee lies in getting the balance of sweetness and flavor just right and in order to do this, the espresso must be strong enough to counterbalance the sweet flavors of the whiskey.
Irish coffee tends to be served in medium-sized glasses and is usually accompanied by a short straw for stirring. Usually, the straw is used to combine all of the ingredients, and after stirring for a brief second, the top layer of cream should remain undisturbed. This will often be served as the finishing touch and is the perfect way to enjoy Irish coffee with friends.
Turkish Coffee
Traditionally served in Middle Eastern countries, Turkish coffee is famed for its delightfully thick and creamy texture. A shot of espresso is first combined with a teaspoon of ground coffee and then placed into a cezve and slowly heated over a low flame, stirring occasionally in order to ensure all of the grounds are combined. The result is a bold and intensely flavored coffee that is served in medium-sized cups.
Whilst the taste can be considered slightly bitter, many consumers opt for Turkish coffee for their morning caffeine fix due to the potent amount of energy the beverage provides. Additionally, although Turkish coffee can be consumed without any additional sweeteners, some enjoy the drink even more when accompanied by a spoonful of sugar or honey.
Café Bombón
Café Bombón is a popular espresso-based beverage from Valencia, it is made by combining a single shot of espresso with condensed milk. Due to the combination of sweet and bitter flavors, Café Bombón has become increasingly popular across Europe and the United States. The espresso is added to the condensed milk while it is still hot, and this allows the condensed milk to heat up and take on a much sweeter taste.
Café Bombón has become particularly popular in colder climates as the combination of espresso and condensed milk offers an incredibly comforting flavor. Often, CaféBombón is served in medium-sized cups, and although it is significantly sweeter than other types of espresso-based beverages, it remains surprisingly light and easy to drink.
