Which Coffee Drink Tastes the Least Like Coffee?
We all know how delicious coffee can be, but what about those coffee drinks that don’t actually taste like coffee? Are there any coffee drinks that still make enjoyable and/or energizing beverages but are less likely to make your coffee-loving taste buds stand to attention?
Let’s take a look at a few coffee drinks that don’t exactly taste like coffee and learn more about their unique flavors and traits that make them unique.
Frappes
Frappes are a coffee-based drink made with coffee, milk, and sugar, usually cold and topped with whipped cream and a flavored syrup. Because of their sugary and milky nature, Frappes tend to taste very sweet, and not like coffee at all. While you may get an aftertaste hint of coffee, you’re more likely to get the sense that you’re drinking a slightly caffeinated milkshake.
Cappuccinos
Cappuccinos are a beloved Italian-style coffee beverage that is usually made with espresso, hot milk, and steamed milk foam. What makes a Cappuccino unique is its thick, high-foam head and its creamy, milky flavor. That creamy flavor masks the espresso used to make the drink, making the overall taste of the Cappuccino mild and palatable compared to a strong espresso. If you’re looking for a coffee-like drink but one that tastes nothing like a traditional cup of joe then a Cappuccino is a great option.
Caramel Macchiatos
The Caramel Macchiato has become a mainstay of coffee shops in recent years. Made with espresso, steamed milk, and sweet and creamy caramel syrup, this beverage has a lot going for it and offers a good balance of sweetness and a mild coffee flavor. While you’ll definitely get a slight espresso kick, the overall flavor is sweet and milky. This makes the Caramel Macchiato a great option for those who want something that tastes like it has coffee in it but is still hard to define as specifically tasting like, you know, coffee.
Vanilla Lattes
A Vanilla Latte is a drink made of espresso, steamed milk, flavored syrup, and topped with foam. As with the other drinks in this list, the espresso flavor in a Vanilla Latte tends to get masked by the sweetness of the vanilla syrup and the creaminess of the steamed milk. If you’re trying to find a coffee-based drink that tastes nothing like coffee, then this is a great choice.
Iced Coffee
Iced coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a refreshing and energizing way to enjoy your morning or afternoon coffee. The subtlety of the iced coffee experience makes it an attractive beverage for those who don’t want their coffee to taste too strongly like coffee. The chilled nature of iced coffee helps take the edge off the typical coffee flavor and make it more palatable for those who don’t typically enjoy a cup of hot java.
Affogato
Affogato is a fun and unique coffee drink made with a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream, topped with a shot of hot espresso. When hot espresso is poured over the cold, creamy gelato and ice cream, a flavorful and unique experience arises. This combination breaks traditional coffee barriers by offering the sweetness of the gelato and the zing of espresso in one unique flavor.
Mocha
Mochas are a great coffee choice if you’d like to cut back on the strong taste of coffee. A Mocha is essentially a flavored espresso beverage, typically made with espresso, chocolate syrup, milk, and foam. Usually served hot or cold, a Mocha has all the flavor of coffee without being too overpowering. This makes Mocha a great option for those who don’t usually enjoy the taste of coffee.
Cold Brews
Last but not least, cold brews are a the great coffee beverage for those who don’t want to taste the strong notes of espresso. Cold brews are made by brewing coffee grounds with cold water for an extended period of time, usually 12-24 hours. This results in a much milder and sweeter flavor than a traditional espresso drink since the flavors are released at a slower rate.
Which Coffee Drink Has the Highest Caffeine Content?
When it comes to getting the most energy boost out of your coffee beverages, the drinks with the most caffeine content tend to be espresso-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos. The shots of espresso used in these drinks are strong and deliver a powerful punch of caffeine.
Which Coffee Drink Has the Lowest Caffeine Content?
On the opposite side, those looking for a lower caffeine content beverage should go for iced or cold-brew coffee. These have a milder flavor but are still energizing and enjoyable.
Which Coffee Drink Is the Most Affordable?
Not surprisingly, the most affordable coffee beverages are the less complicated ones, such as iced coffees, cold brews, and plain black coffees. These options don’t require any specialty ingredients and are a great way to save money while still getting your caffeine fix.
Is there a Difference between Coffee Drinks and Coffee-Flavored Drinks?
Yes, there is a big difference between coffee drinks and coffee-flavored drinks. Coffee drinks are made with coffee, usually espresso, as the base, while coffee-flavored drinks are made with coffee-flavored syrups, like mocha and caramel. While coffee drinks can be sweet and creamy, coffee-flavored drinks tend to be much sweeter and lack any real coffee flavor.
What Are Some Non-Coffee Drinks That Taste Good?
There are many non-coffee drinks that are hot or cold and make great alternatives to regular old coffee. Hot chocolate and herbal teas are great options, as are smoothies and frappes. Of course, if you’re looking for a caffeine kick all of these can be made with a shot of espresso, but without the espresso they will still have a unique flavor and be a great way to break up your coffee-drinking routine.
