Quirky Kernels

Coffee’s journey from ancient Ethiopia to modern world has brought extraordinary variations in a cup of coffee associated with diverse flavor and taste. Now, billions have enjoyed coffee for its rich aroma and energizing effects. Coffee is not only counted as a favorite beverage but also has been a hub for social gatherings, project discussions, couple date and many more. Whether you are a coffee lover, or a coffee connoisseur, or a casual sipper, knowing the different types of coffee drink can enhance your appreciation for this beloved beverage. Variations in coffee drink create a distinct culture in Italy, Turkey, Vietnam, France. Coffee shop chains making more innovation to coffee, becoming a huge coffee industry. This guide dives into the diverse world of different types coffee drink, exploring their origins, preparation methods, and unique characteristics.

Espresso

Espresso defined as a small shot (1 oz.) of coffee, characterized by strong, concentrated, thick, flavorful and velvety crema on top. It is made in an Espresso Machine where hot water passing through finely-ground coffee beans at high pressure. Espresso serves as the base for making many other popular coffee drinks.

Key Points:

• Served in a small cup (1 oz.).
• Originated in Turin, Italy.
• Base for many coffee drinks.
• Espresso is the 2nd most popular coffee drinks worldwide.
• Espresso the the most preferred coffee variations in USA.

Doppio

Doppio means ‘double’ in Italian language. Doppio coffee refers to a double shot of Espresso (02 oz.).

Ristretto

Ristretto offers a shorter and more concentrated version of Espresso. Ristretto’s coffee beans to water ration is 1:1 compared to Espresso’s 1:2. It serves in a small cup (0.5 oz.). It enjoyed by those who prefer stronger taste.

Lungo (02 oz.) refers to a long-pulled Espresso where ratio of coffee bean to water is 1:3. It gives a slight milder rendition than standard Espresso.

Drip coffee

Drip coffee is the most popular coffee drink in Nordic countries where hot water dripped over coffee grounds. It is the type of coffee you often find in homes and offices, typically made using an automatic drip coffee maker.

Key Points:

• 1 to 2 tablespoons of medium ground coffee per 06 oz. of water.
• Balanced flavorful taste.

Black coffee

Classic Black coffee refers to brewed coffee drink, without adding milk, sugar or cream. Generally, black coffee uses medium roasted coarse ground coffee beans. Drip Coffee Maker, French Press or Pour Over are the brewing methods for black coffee. Black coffee known for its pure and strong flavorful taste and health benefits.

Americano

Americano is an Espresso based drink. It is a mixed of single or double shots Espresso and hot water. The difference between Americano and Classic Black coffee is the flavor variation and taste where Espresso used Fine-Ground beans, on the other hand, Black Coffee used Coarse Ground beans.

Key Points:

• Portion of Espresso to Hot water: 02 oz. to 04 oz.
• Milder flavor compared to Standard Espresso.
• Similar to Black Coffee.
• Originated by American Soldiers in World War II.

Long black

Long black is made by pouring double shot of Espresso into hot water. Long black is synonymous to Americano, but the different pouring method gives slightly stronger taste with more aromatic touch to Long black. This coffee drink is favorite to Australia and New Zealand.

Latte

Café Latte, short for Latte, is the most popular coffee drink in the United Kingdom. Latte is made with one/two shots of Espresso (02 oz.) and little air steamed foam milk (06 oz.). It offers more creamier than Cappuccino because of higher milk portion. Lattes can also be flavored with syrups such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut for sweet coffee experience.

Key Points:

• Espresso to Steamed Milk: 02 oz. to 06 oz.
• Creamier than Cappuccino.
• Often Flavored with syrups.

Piccolo

The word Piccolo means ‘small’ in Italian. Piccolo is a similar to Latte, but refers to a smaller version. Piccolo is originated in Australia. It is made with a single shot of Espresso and topped with steamed milk.

Cappuccino

Cappuccino is the most popular coffee drinks worldwide. This iconic coffee drink is the perfect balance of Espresso, Steamed milk and frothy milk foam. Traditionally, it’s made with 02 oz. of Espresso, 02 oz. of Steamed Milk and 2 oz. of Milk foam totaling 6 oz. Cappuccino. It is often decorated with cocoa powder and cinnamon. Cappuccino is frothier and more rich texture than Latte. Cappuccino and Latte use same ingredients. The main difference lies on preparation, milk foam is added to Cappuccino whereas milk foam isn’t necessary to Latte.

Key Points:

• Balance of Espresso (02 oz.), Steamed Milk (02 oz.) and Milk foam (02 oz.).
• Frothy milk foam differentiates Cappuccino and Latte.
• Frothier and more rich texture than Latte.

Macchiato

Macchiato means ‘stained’ or ‘marked’ in Italian language. Espresso Macchiato and Latte Macchiato are the two variations available. Espresso Macchiato is prepared with one/two shots of Espresso and little amount of milk or milk foam. Whereas Latte Macchiato is made with larger amount of frothy milk and one/two shots of Espresso.

Key Points:

• One part milk and two parts Espresso for Espresso Macchiato.
• Two-part milk and one part Espresso for Latte Macchiato.
• Bolder coffee flavor than Latte or Cappuccino.

Flat White

Flat White is similar to Latte, without the thin layer of milk foam. Originating in Sydney, Australia or probably in Auckland, New Zealand. It is prepared with a shot of Espresso (1/3) and steamed milk (2/3).

Café Mocha

Mocha is a delightful combination of Espresso, steamed milk and chocolate syrup, topped with Whipped cream. It’s sweet treat for chocolate lovers. Fill the cup with ice, can give you Iced Mocha.

Key Points:

• One/two shots of Espresso
• Chocolate can be used in the form of Powder or Syrup.
• ½ Cup of Steamed Milk
• Optional Whipped Cream.
• Add Ice for freshness.

Cortado

In Spain, Cortado means ‘Cut’ which eventually implement an equal part of Espresso and Steamed Milk in a drink. The milk in a Cortado is rather smooth and creamier than frothy.

Key Points:

• Espresso to Steamed Milk ratio is 1:1.
• Served in a Gibraltar Glass.
• Popular in Spain and Latin America.

Galão

Galão is made with Espresso (1/4) and foamed milk (3/4). This coffee drink offers light and creamy texture with mild coffee flavor. It’s delicacy during breakfast or afternoon in Portugal.

Affogato

Affogato is an Italian coffee-based dessert where a shot of hot Espresso pours over a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream or Gelato. It’s a perfect after-dinner treat for coffee and dessert lovers.

Cafe au Lait

In French, Café au Lait translates to ‘coffee with milk’. It is made with equal parts of brewed coffee and steamed milk. Café au Lait uses French press or drip-brewed coffee, not like latte, which uses espresso shot. It’s often served in a large cup with cookies, or patty.

Key Points:

• Coffee to milk: 02 oz. to 06 oz.
• Coarse Ground Coffee beans for brewing.
• Often use cinnamon for topping.
• Popular in French and New Orleans coffee cultures.

Red Eye

Red Eye offers strong and highly caffeinated coffee. It is prepared with a regular drip-brewed coffee with an Espresso shot. This 08 oz combination gives you intense energy and alertness for late night works.

Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is made in a special pot called ‘Ibrik or Cezve’ where medium roasted finely-ground coffee beans boil gently with water, adding sugar is an optional. The foam created from boiling, is the unfiltered Turkish coffee, which serves in a cup. It offers rich, thick and strong coffee flavor. Traditionally enjoyed with water and sweets.

Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnamese Coffee (Vietnamese: cà phê đá) is a unique coffee treat where coffee drink is made using a special drip filter called ‘Phin’. This gives a strong taste. Sweeten with condensed milk, ice can be added for another treat for summer time.

Irish Coffee

Irish coffee is cocktail of hot brew coffee (using French Presse or Moka Pot), Irish Whiskey, brown sugar and topped with cream. This warm coffee drinks serves in colder months.

Raf Coffee

Raf Coffee is a creamy and sweet coffee drink named after the customer name ‘Rafael’ in Russia. It is made of 02 shots of Espresso, Vanilla sugar/syrup and heavy cream. The texture of Raf coffee is smoother and creamier than a Latte or Cappuccino. It is a very popular drink in Russian cafés.

Dalgona Coffee

Dalgona Coffee refers to a whipped coffee drink, gained global popularity during COVID-19 Pandemic. The name is derived from South Korea’s traditional Korean honeycomb toffee called ‘Dalgona’.

To make dalgona coffee, whipped equal parts of instant coffee, sugar and hot water together until it became thick and frothy. Then put this mixture on top a glass full of milk, either hot or cold. This coffee is easy to make and offers milky and sweet coffee flavor.

Iced Coffee

Iced Coffee is a quick and easy making coffee drinks for refreshment for warmer months. Stir instant coffee and sugar with hot water, after that add cold water, cold milk and some ice cubes. It can also customizable with cream or flavored syrups.

Key Points:

• Quick and Easy making process.
• Ingredients: Instant coffee/coarse ground beans, Sugar, Hot water, Cold water, Cold milk and ice Cubes.
• Enjoyable in warmer months.

Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew’s making process started with coarsely-ground coffee beans that is soaked in a cold water for extended period of time, typically 12 to 24 hours. Then, add ice and milk for completion.

Key Points:

• Ground Coffee beans soaked in cold water for 12 to 24 hours.
• Addition of ice cubes and milk.
• Smooth and less acidic.
• Delightful treat for summer times.

Frappuccino

This coffee drink is introduced by Starbucks. Blend of brew coffee, milk and ice gives us, modern invention, Frappuccino. Then, this smooth mixture is garnished with whipped cream and sometimes with various flavored syrups such as caramel and mocha.

Nitro Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee infused with Nitrogen gas, is a Nitro Cold Brew. Its offers malt sweetness with slight bitter taste. Served on tap, like beer, creates a frothy head in a glass.

Greek Frappé

Originated in Greece, Frappé is cold coffee drink made with frothy mixture of blended instant coffee, cold water, sugar and ice cubes. Addition of milk creates creamier texture. Variations often include flavoring syrups such as vanilla, caramel or chocolate, whipped cream for topping, chocolate syrup for garnishing. Served in a tall glass with a straw.

Matcha Coffee

Matcha coffee is a unique combination of Matcha green tea leaves powder and brewed coffee. This drink offers energizing effects of caffeine and calmness effects from Matcha (L-theanine).

Key Points:

• Ingredients for Iced Matcha Coffee: 01 shot of Espresso, Matcha powder, milk, vanilla syrups and ice cubes.
• It gives unique and Smooth texture.
• Also have an option for without Icey drinks.

Embark on a flavorful journey as you explore and experience the vast array of coffee drinks. Discovering these diverse coffee variations will undoubtedly enrich your appreciation for the craft. The adventure promises to be as rewarding as the coffee itself.