12 Types of Coffee Drinks, Explained
If you are like many people, you can’t make it past noon without a cup of coffee or two. But even if you are an avid coffee drinker who regularly downs multiple cups of coffee every day, some coffee shop menus are quite tricky to navigate. If you aren’t sure what distinguishes a cappuccino from a latte or a simple brewed black coffee from an Americano, you have come to the right place because we are here to offer you the ultimate guide to the different types of coffee and coffee beverages.
Types of Coffee Beans
Many of you are already aware that coffee, in its most basic definition is a brewed caffeinated beverage made using the grounds of roasted seeds of a coffee plant, AKA coffee beans. What many casual coffee consumers overlook is the fact that there are two very distinct coffee categories: Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica
Arabica, the most popular category of coffee bean is usually more expensive as it is of much higher quality than Robusta.
Robusta
Robusta beans, on the other hand, are cheaper since they are easier to grow and are in abundance. Their ease of sourcing and slightly bitter taste are what make them more fit for instant coffee and non-specialty coffee blends.
Types of Hot Coffee
Espresso
Have you ever noticed a strong taste from a shot of espresso? That’s because coffee beans are finely ground and brewed in a higher grounds-to-water ratio that results in a bolder and richer flavor. Espresso shots are the base of many espresso-based beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and more.
Americano
Long night? The Americano is the perfect pick-me-up. It’s a double-shot espresso diluted in hot water.
Decaf
If you love the taste of coffee but don’t necessarily need that added kick of caffeine, decaf is the way to go. Decaf coffee is brewed using decaffeinated beans that are repeatedly steamed and then rinsed in chemical solvents that strip them of about 97% of their caffeine content.
Latte
A latte is made up of 1/3 parts espresso and 2/3 parts steamed milk for that extra warm milky goodness. Depending on how creative your barista is, your latte might be topped with a fancy latte art made out of steamed milk foam. Lattes are often sweetened with syrup flavors like vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut to name a few.
Cappuccino
Similar to a latte, a cappuccino’s top froth layer is slightly thicker. The typical ratio for a cappuccino is equal parts espresso, foam, and steamed milk.
Flat White
A flat white, similar to a latte is made up of steamed milk and espresso, but with a higher ratio of espresso to milk.
Mocha
As the name suggests, a mocha is a chocolaty coffee. It’s basically a latte made with cocoa powder or chocolate syrup.
Cortado
Cortados originate from Spain and are made up of equal parts espresso and steamed milk.
Types of Cold Coffee
Iced Americano
As the name implies, an iced Americano is an Americano poured over a refreshing cup of ice.
Iced Latte
Just about everyone’s go-to choice of coffee in the summer (and winter) and iced latte follows the same concept as a hot latte but it is made with ice. Iced lattes can also be sweetened with syrups.
Cold Brew
A relatively new member of the coffee scene, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in room temperature water for hours or overnight. Cold brew requires patience but delivers a smooth, pleasurable coffee experience with every refreshing sip.
Frappe
What do you get when you mix milk, ice, coffee powder, sugar, or syrups in a blender? A deliciously refreshing frappe! Frappes usually come in a variety of interesting flavors like caramel, mocha, cookies n’ cream, toffee nut, and even strawberry cheesecake. Think dessert in a cup!
From blended frappes to smooth cold brew and everything in between, this guide is sure to help improve your caffeine lexicon and make ordering your next coffee a breeze!