Background Information
Coffee is the second-most traded commodity in the world, behind only oil. Coffee beans are produced in countries all around the globe, with Brazil and Colombia leading the pack in terms of production. The popularity of coffee is evident in its presence in the average consumer’s daily routine – from daily spills of regular roast in the morning to fancy Starbucks concoctions. Over the past decades, coffee has become an essential part of life for many people. Starbucks, one of the world’s leading coffee companies, has seen immense success in recent years as its many stores have become commonplace in urban neighbourhoods. With such a wide variety of caffeinated beverages on the menu, what is the strongest coffee drink at Starbucks?
Strength
The classic Americano is Starbucks’ strongest coffee drink. An Americano consists of the same espresso blend as other drinks – strong beans, packaged in individual sachets and brewed to order. However, what makes the Americano unique is the addition of hot water. This mixture produces a stronger cup of brewed espresso than a cappuccino, latte, or macchiato. Furthermore, the Americano can be ordered with two, three, or four shots of espresso, further intensifying the strength of the drink. On the flip side, an espresso-based drink such as a macchiato is more similar to a regular cup of coffee and does not contain as much caffeine as an Americano would.
Taste
While the Americano contains the highest levels of caffeine, flavor-wise, the latte is Starbucks’ truest and strongest coffee drink. A latte is composed of two shots of espresso, steamed milk, and a thin layer of foamed milk on top. Compared to an Americano, the latte is naturally lighter in flavor and tends to be more enjoyable to drink. Additionally, a latte can be sweetened with sugar, cream, or flavoring syrups to customize the flavor. However, the addition of dairy, syrups and other add-ons will also bring with them higher calories and carbs.
caffeine content
Since caffeine is a natural stimulant, it stands to reason that the beverage with the highest caffeine content would be the strongest coffee drink at Starbucks. A regular cup of brewed coffee contains about 95 milligrams per eight-ounce cup. An Americano, on the other hand, contains around 125 milligrams per eight-ounce cup. This makes it the strongest coffee drink at Starbucks in terms of caffeine content. In comparison, a latte, cappuccino, and macchiato all contain around 75 milligrams per eight-ounce cup.
Nutritional value
At Starbucks, the Americano and latte are two of the most popular coffee drinks. They both contain natural caffeine, but how do they stack up when it comes to nutritional value? A tall-sized Americano contains five calories and no fat or carbohydrates. However, a latte made with whole milk contains up to 190 calories and 16 grams of fat (depending on the size). Consequently, the Americano is nutritionally superior to the latte and would therefore be considered the strongest coffee drink at Starbucks in terms of nutrition.
Genetics
In order to understand why some coffee drinks are stronger than others, we must look at the genetics of the beans. All coffee beans, regardless of where they are grown, are of the genus Coffea. Within this genus, there are two main species – Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are considered to be of higher quality and more flavorful, while Robusta beans are typically used for instant coffees. Robusta beans are also known for being higher in caffeine content. As a result, a drink made with Arabica beans, like a latte, will be weaker than one made with Robusta beans, like an Americano.
Milk and Syrups
The addition of milk and syrups to coffee drinks can also affect their strength. Milk and syrups add sweet and creamy flavors to coffee, but they also weaken the intensity of the coffee. For example, a latte contains two shots of espresso mixed with steamed milk and topped with foam, whereas an Americano contains only two or more shots of espresso mixed with hot water. As a result, the Americano will have a stronger flavor than the latte.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors can also affect the strength of coffee drinks. Freshness of the beans and the temperature of the water can both have an effect on the intensity of the coffee. Beans that have been freshly roasted and brewed with steaming hot water will produce a strong, full-bodied coffee. The cooler the water is, the less intense the coffee will be.
Storage
It is also important to consider the way coffee is stored. Coffee beans should be kept in an air-tight container, such as a mason jar, in order to preserve the beans’ flavor and aroma. If the beans are exposed to too much air, they will lose their flavor and strength. The same can be said for any other coffee drink – store it in an air-tight container to preserve its flavor and strength.
Alternative Options
For coffee drinkers looking for a stronger, more intense coffee experience, cold brew is a great alternative. Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for up to 24 hours. The result is a smooth, intense cup of coffee with rich flavor and no bitterness. If a cold brew is not an option, adding another shot of espresso to a regular cup of coffee is a great way to increase the drink’s strength.
Variety Packs
Another great way to experience the strongest coffee drink at Starbucks is to try their Variety Packs. The Variety Packs come with a mix of ready-to-drink iced coffees and ready-to-brew instant coffee. The iced coffees come in Americano and Iced Latte varieties, and depending on the pack, may also come with other flavors, such as caramel or vanilla. The instant coffees come in portions that can be brewed directly in hot water and have a unique blend of chemical-free beans. This is a great way to explore the full range of Starbucks’ coffee offerings and discover which drink is the strongest.
Extraction Process
The extraction process is the most important factor in determining the strength of a coffee drink. Generally speaking, a shorter extraction process results in a weaker cup of coffee, while a longer extraction process results in a stronger cup. At Starbucks, the espresso is extracted for exactly 25 seconds, regardless of the size of the cup. This standardized extraction process ensures that all Starbucks drinks are brewed to the same level of intensity and strength.
Brewing Time
Brewing time can also play an important role in the strength of a coffee drink. At Starbucks, the brewing time for espresso-based drinks is adjustable. The baristas can adjust the amount of espresso shots that are added to the drink, which can affect the strength of the drink. Furthermore, the amount of time that the espresso is left to steep in the cup will also affect the drink’s strength. A longer steep time will result in a stronger cup of coffee.
Breaking Down Caffeine Content
The amount of caffeine in each cup of coffee is dependent on the amount of espresso used. Generally speaking, a single shot of espresso contains about 75 milligrams of caffeine, while a double shot fits the 95 milligrams range. Adding a third and fourth shot of espresso to a drink will increase its caffeine content. Additionally, the type of bean used will also affect the caffeine content. For example, dark roast beans are naturally higher in caffeine than light roast beans.
Comparing Roasts
When comparing coffee drinks, the roast should also be taken into account. Coffee beans are typically roasted to one of three levels – light, medium, or dark. Light roast beans have a delicate flavor and are often considered to be milder, while dark roast beans have an intense and bold flavor. This means that drinks made with dark roast beans will typically be stronger than drinks made with light roast beans.
Finer Grinds
In addition to the roast, the grind size of the coffee beans will also affect the strength of the drink. A finer grind size results in a stronger cup of coffee because the grounds are more concentrated. Conversely, a coarser grind size results in a weaker cup because the grounds are not as concentrated. For the strongest coffee drink at Starbucks, it is best to use a finer grind size.
Customer Needs
Finally, it is important to consider each customer’s individual needs and preferences. Some people may prefer a milder cup of coffee, while others may like their coffee to be a bit more robust. Knowing what kind of coffee each customer prefers is essential for creating the perfect cup. Additionally, baristas should always consider customization requests and be willing to alter the strength of the coffee based on the customer’s needs.
