Appreciation for coffee drinks is widespread throughout the world, with coffee being the most popular beverage across numerous countries. Coffee can be found in all sorts of forms, tastes, and preparation techniques. From iced lattes to Turkish coffee, and Macchiatos to brewed coffee styles, the choice of coffee drinks is vast. But what exactly are the types of coffee drinks?
The types of coffee drinks are numerous, some more popular than others. According to Yahoo News report from 2016, the five most likely to be ordered from a coffee shop are cappuccino, latte, flat white, americano, and mocha. All these coffees are essentially espresso-based drinks, with either milk or cream added, but with slight differences in the ratios of milk used. Espresso itself is a type of concentrated coffee, where either a single or double shot is made, on which the flavours and ratios of milk are added.
Using various ratios of milk and espresso creates not only different varieties of tastes and strength, but also cost. Specialist espresso drinks usually carry higher prices than regular brewed coffee as it is often more labour and time intensive. For example, cappuccino, latte and flat white contain more milk than others, however, this varies depending on the café. It may be espresso-based milk drinks like these, or brewed coffee.
Another type of coffee is Cold Brew. Cold brew is often made using medium-to-coarse ground coffee beans, and it’s usually infused with cold or room-temperature water for 12 to 24 hours. This liquid concentrate is then used to prepare cold brew drinks, like iced lattes, cold brews with milk, and espressos served with milk. The result is a strong, smooth, and often less acidic coffee than that from a standard drip machine. As with all types of coffee, the difference in taste comes down to the way beans are roasted, as well as the type of roast.
The traditional drink in many countries worldwide is Turkish Coffee. The main ingredient is finely roasted and ground coffee beans, which are boiled in a pot (izgara or cezve) with sugar and water, and served in small cups.
In comparison to espresso-based drinks, Turkish coffee is far less labour intensive. Turkish coffee is made by simmering the grinds in water, often on low temperatures. As a result, Turkish coffee is not as concentrated as espresso-based drinks, meaning it’s easier to make and requires no equipment although it does tend to be served with a very fine layer of foam.
Recently, a modern take on Turkish coffee has become popular – instant coffee. Instant coffee is readily available, with various brands and different types of instant coffee to choose from. The most common type of instant coffee is freeze-dried coffee, in which the process of grinding and brewing the beans is skipped. Instead, the beans are freeze-dried and then packaged as an instant product.
Whichever type of coffee people decide to drink, everyone should always remember to appreciate the amazing process it has gone through – from roast to cup and everything in between. Coffee is a complex and interesting beverage. There are so many different types of coffee drinks, and each one has its own unique taste and character. So, next time you’re thinking of getting a coffee, don’t forget to explore the wide range of coffee drinks available!
Brewed Coffee
Brewed coffee is a classic and one of the simplest forms of coffee, which tends to be served black. Unlike the more complex and espresso-based coffee drinks, brewed coffee does not involve any specialised equipment. Some popular methods for brewing coffee include French press coffee, Chemex, and Moka pot coffee.
Making coffee with a French press involves simply heating up water, pouring it over coffee grounds, stirring, and then plunging. French press coffee is full-bodied and smooth, making it a favourite among coffee lovers. Chemex is another classic method that uses a glass container with a handle, where coffee and water are combined, stirred, and then filtered through the Chemex. The result is a clean and sweet tasting cup of coffee.
Finally, Moka pot coffee is made with a special stove top coffeepot, where water is boiled, and the steam is forced up through the ground coffee in the filter above. This method results in a strong and highly concentrated cup of coffee. All these brewing methods have their own unique flavour profiles and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is the perfect choice for warmer weather and a tasty way to start the day. An iced coffee can be made from most types of coffee, depending on the strength, flavour, and type of beans used. For a more traditional coffee flavour, one can make iced coffee with instant coffee or filter coffee. Whereas for a more luxurious flavour, one can use quality espresso beans.
Iced coffee can be made with several variations of ingredients, like cream or sugar. Those who like their coffee a bit sweeter may opt for an iced latte or an iced mocha, which are commonly made with sweetened syrups. Whatever the preference, iced coffee is a great way to enjoy coffee on a hot summer day or as an after-dinner treat.
Decaf Coffee
Another type of coffee drink is decaf coffee. Decaffeinated coffee is made using the same process as regular coffee, with the only difference being the added process of removing the caffeine from the beans. Decaf coffee is commonly made in the same ways as regular coffee, for example with a French press, Chemex, or Moka pot.
Decaf is an excellent choice for those looking for lower caffeine consumption, or those who enjoy the taste of coffee but cannot have too much caffeine. Decaffeinated coffee may not provide the same energy boost as regular coffee, but it still has all the same flavour notes and aromas.
Speciality Coffee
Finally, speciality coffee is an increasingly popular type of coffee drink. Speciality coffee is usually made using high-quality ingredients and can vary greatly in taste and flavour. A number of cafes around the world have started to offer speciality coffee drinks, such as cold brew, nitro coffee, affogato and more.
Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water before being strained through a filter. This method results in a smooth and mellow coffee that’s never bitter. Nitro coffee is made with cold brew coffee and nitrogen, for a foamy and silky-smooth mouthfeel. While affogato is a shot of espresso combined with a scoop of gelato or ice cream – a must try for those with a sweet tooth!
Whatever the preference in coffee, there is definitely a coffee drink out there that suits everyone’s individual taste. With just a little bit of research, you’ll be able to find the perfect coffee drink to enjoy the amazing flavours and aromas of the world of coffee.
