“What coffee should I get?” is probably one of life’s greatest questions. The world of coffee, with its endless variations and Italian terminology, can be overwhelming for some. Fret not – here’s a beginner’s guide on how to order coffee, for your next cafe hopping experience.
1. Espresso – welcome to the dark side
The quintessential Italian hero and the blank canvas on which all other specialty drinks are built upon, the espresso has become synonymous with the idea of coffee. It is made by forcing hot water under extremely high pressure through coffee grounds, resulting in a dark and concentrated shot. Variations include a lungo or a ristretto.
Espresso fans may look out for crema – the distinct, all important froth sitting atop each pulled shot that imparts a new dimension of texture and flavour. Expect to enjoy a strong beverage packed with subtle flavours in your next single or double shot.
2. Caffe Latte – smooth and milky
“Coffee and milk” is what Caffe Latte means in Italian. You typically take a double shot of espresso and top it with steamed milk in the ratio of 1 to 3. The drink is then finished off with a thin layer of microfoam. What results is a milky beverage with a smooth mouthfeel.
Lattes are savoured on its own without the need for added sweeteners. If done right, the natural sweetness from the steamed milk should shine through and complement the intense espresso.
3. Cappuccino – balanced flavour with delicious microfoam
Dominating the second-wave coffee movement, the cappuccino has become a well-known cafe staple. It is believed to have originated in the coffee houses of 19th century Vienna, where coffee and milk were mixed until its colour resembled the robes of the Capuchin (yes, those monkeys were named after them) monks.
Each serving is made slightly differently from cafe to cafe. Generally, you can expect roughly one part each of espresso and steamed milk, with a generous amount of microfoam – the star of the show. Some places sprinkle chocolate over top to pay tribute to its traditional origins.
Taste wise, the cappuccino boasts the perfect balance between milk and coffee, and is a nice drink to start with if you’re new to the world of espresso beverages. Nothing beats the virgin experience of sipping delectably smooth microfoam – gets me everytime.
4. Flat White – seriously elegant, no frills
It is of no wonder that the flat white is Australia’s pride and joy. As a straightforward yet absolutely delightful beverage, the flat white emerged alongside the third-wave coffee movement and continues to be a popular drink amongst specialty coffee aficionados.
If you’re not into microfoam, the flat white would be a great choice. A double shot of espresso is topped with steamed milk and finished off with a very thin layer of microfoam.
As its name suggests, the flat white has way less microfoam than a cappuccino. It resembles a latte in terms of mouthfeel, owing to the steamed milk, but has that more pronounced coffee flavour.
5. Caffe Mocha – perfect for chocolate lovers
Coffee and chocolate – one of the world’s most wonderful flavour combinations. The duo is made perfect in the form of a caffe mocha. Commonly touted as the chocolate counterpart of the caffe latte, the drink is named after the city of Mocha in Yemen, a hotspot in the early coffee trade.
Akin to the cappuccino, you get a distinctive layer of microfoam on top. What sets it apart is that the drink itself is much sweeter owing to the addition of chocolate or chocolate syrup.
If you’re particular about sweetness levels, feel free to ask your barista for more, less or dark chocolate.
6. Caffe Americano – hits you in the feels
If steamed milk is simply not your cup of tea (or coffee), opt for a caffe americano, an iconic milk-free espresso beverage. The drink is commonly believed to have originated from American G.I.s in Italy who diluted their espressos to prolong their cups of coffee.
The caffe americano is prepared by simply adding hot water to a double shot of espresso. It is enjoyed as a low-calorie option worldwide.
6. Long Black – Americano’s finer cousin
The long black consists of similar ingredients as the americano, with the key difference being the order in which these components are put together. The espresso is poured over hot water in the case of the long black.
Expect the long black to taste stronger than the americano, due to the smaller volume of water used. The crema is also more noticeable due to the reverse order of preparation.
8. Macchiato –
Good things come in small sizes, just like the macchiato. Take a single or double shot of espresso and “mark” it with a dash of microfoam (macchiato means ‘marked’ in Italian).
The microfoam subtly counteracts the harshness of the espresso shot, elevating the drink to a whole new level. This drink is an ideal perk for those who want an espresso shot without its full blown bitterness and intensity.
Specialty Cold Brew – ultra caffeine boost sans acidic punch
The cold-brew probably bags the “best newcomer” award in the realm of specialty coffee. This brewing method is now a cult favourite, as it produces a strong cup of coffee without retaining the typical acidity of hot brewed coffees.
The beverage is prepared by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in room temperature or cold water over an extended period of time (12-24 hours). This gentle and slow extraction process results in an end product packed with coffee flavour yet gentle on the taste buds.
If you’re not a fan of espresso-based drinks, the cold-brew might be a good choice for a similar (or even stronger) caffeine fix.
How to Order Coffee
From your cappuccinos to your flat whites, this handy guide explains it all. Don’t be afraid to ask your friendly baristas for recommendations. The endless world of espresso beverages awaits you!
