A quick refresher on types of coffee

Coffee. Otherwise known as the gasoline for humans, it’s of those things that people either love or hate. For a lot of people, it’s a necessity in the morning. For others, well, they can’t stand it. Wherever you fall in the coffee spectrum, here is a guide that you might find helpful the next time you decide to take a trip to a local cafe.

 

Espresso

An espresso is also known as a ”short black” and is essentially a strong black coffee that is the result of steam being forced through ground coffee beans. A standard espresso is simply a shot of espresso in an espresso cup.

 

Double Espresso

Otherwise known as a “Doppio” a double espresso is two shots of espresso poured into one cup.

 

Short Macchiato

Some people find a straight shot of espresso to be a little bit too intense for them. For these people, a short macchiato might be the safer choice. This drink consists of a shot of espresso paired with a dollop of steamed milk and foam on top. The milk, obviously, helps cut the intensity of the espresso shot.

 

Long Macchiato

A long macchiato is a double espresso topped with a dollop of milk and foam. Need a pick-me-up but find the taste of espresso a bit too strong? Try one of these!

 

Ristretto

The Ristretto is similar to an espresso shot, but it contains about half of the water. Due to the water content being significantly lower, the drink itself has a lot more of a concentrated coffee flavour.

 

Americano

The Americano is also known as a “long black.” This drink consists of a cup filled 2/3rds of hot water, with a shot of espresso poured into it.

 

Café Latte

Otherwise known as simply a “Latte” this drink contains a shot of espresso, steamed milk, and about 1 cm of micro foam. The Café Latte is significantly less intense than a macchiato.

 

Cappuccino

A Cappuccino is similar to a latte but contains more foam, and more often than not, a sprinkle of chocolate on top.

 

Flat White

A flat white is essentially a cappuccino without the foam or chocolate. It is made with an espresso shot, steamed milk, but no micro foam or chocolate.

 

Piccolo Latte

A Piccolo Latte is pretty much just a café latte made in an espresso cup. It is pretty strong, but the milk and foam does tame it down a little bit.

 

Mocha

A mocha is like a hot chocolate coffee. They’re made by mixing together an espresso shot and chocolate powder, then having steamed milk mixed into it and finally topped with micro foam and and chocolate powder. It’s a great drink for someone who likes a hint of coffee, but not too much.

 

Affogato

Affogato’s are a simple and tasty coffee style dessert that consists of a scoop of ice cream (usually vanilla) with a shot of espresso poured on top. You can eat it right away, or mix it together into a creamy vanilla coffee ice cream. Either way, it’s delicious.

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