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The Ultimate Guide to Coffee Drink Types
November 16, 2024 4 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Coffee Drink Types
Introduction
If you're looking to explore the fascinating world of coffee, you've come to the right place. Welcome to The Ultimate Guide to Coffee Drink Types, your comprehensive resource for understanding coffee varieties, their ingredients, and the subtle differences that make each unique. Whether you're a coffee shop owner aiming to expand your menu or a coffee enthusiast looking to elevate your daily brew, this guide has everything you need.
Key Highlights:
- Most coffee drinks are crafted from three core elements: espresso, steamed milk, and foam.
- Endless customization options, including syrups, milk alternatives, and toppings, make coffee a highly versatile beverage.
- Ratios and serving styles can vary slightly, adding a personalized touch from one coffee shop to another.
Let’s dive into the details!
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Espresso-Based Coffee Drinks
- Espresso Shot
- What is it? The foundation of almost every coffee drink, an espresso (or "short black") is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee.
- Ratio: 1 shot of espresso.
- Cup: 2–4 oz. Espresso Cup.
- Double Espresso (Doppio)
- What is it? Twice the amount of a single espresso shot, offering a stronger and bolder flavor.
- Ratio: 2 shots of espresso.
- Cup: 3–4 oz. Demitasse Cup.
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Coffee with Espresso Blends
- Red Eye Coffee
- What is it? A combination of drip coffee and a shot of espresso, perfect for a caffeine boost.
- Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 6 oz. drip coffee.
- Cup: 8 oz. Coffee Mug.
- Black Eye Coffee
- What is it? A more powerful version of the Red Eye with double the espresso for maximum energy.
- Ratio: 2 shots of espresso + 6 oz. drip coffee.
- Cup: 8–10 oz. Coffee Mug.
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Espresso with Water Variations
- Americano
- What is it? A diluted espresso drink thought to have originated during WWII when soldiers added hot water to extend their coffee supply.
- Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 3 oz. hot water.
- Cup: 5–6 oz. Glass Coffee Mug.
- Long Black
- What is it? A popular drink in New Zealand and Australia, similar to an Americano but with a thicker crema layer.
- Ratio: 2 shots of espresso + 3 oz. hot water.
- Cup: 6–8 oz. Glass Coffee Mug.
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Espresso with Milk Variations
- Macchiato
- What is it? Espresso with a small "mark" of steamed milk, creating a concentrated and slightly creamy drink.
- Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 1–2 tsp steamed milk.
- Cup: 3 oz. Glass Espresso Cup.
- Long Macchiato
- What is it? A layered version of the macchiato, made with double the espresso.
- Ratio: 2 shots of espresso + 2–4 tsp steamed milk.
- Cup: 5 oz. Rocks Glass.
- Cortado
- What is it? A balanced combination of espresso and warm milk to reduce acidity.
- Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 1 oz. warm milk + 1 cm foam.
- Cup: 5 oz. Rocks Glass.
- Breve
- What is it? An indulgent espresso drink made with steamed half-and-half for a rich, creamy texture.
- Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 3 oz. steamed half-and-half + 1 cm foam.
- Cup: 5–7 oz. Low Cup.
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Foam and Milk-Based Drinks
- Cappuccino
- What is it? A classic Italian drink enjoyed at breakfast, known for its thick foam layer and creamy texture.
- Ratio: 1–2 shots of espresso + 2 oz. steamed milk + 2 oz. foamed milk.
- Cup: 6–8 oz. Cappuccino Mug.
- Flat White
- What is it? A smoother cappuccino alternative with no foam, originating in New Zealand and Australia.
- Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 4 oz. steamed milk.
- Cup: 6 oz. Glass Tumbler.
- Cafe Latte
- What is it? A beginner-friendly coffee drink with a high milk-to-coffee ratio.
- Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 8–10 oz. steamed milk + 1 cm foam.
- Cup: 6–9 oz. Coffee Mug.
- Mocha
- What is it? A hybrid of coffee and hot chocolate, perfect for sweet coffee lovers.
- Ratio: 1 shot of espresso + 1–2 oz. chocolate syrup + steamed milk + whipped cream.
- Cup: 6–8 oz. Irish Coffee Mug.
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Specialty and Dessert Drinks
- Vienna
- What is it? A luxurious coffee topped with whipped cream instead of milk.
- Ratio: 1–2 shots of espresso + 2 oz. whipped cream.
- Cup: 4–5 oz. Espresso Mug.
- Affogato
- What is it? A dessert coffee where a shot of espresso is poured over vanilla ice cream.
- Ratio: 1–2 shots of espresso + 1 scoop of ice cream.
- Cup: 5–7 oz. Dessert Dish.
- Cafe au Lait
- What is it? A French-inspired blend of French press coffee and scalded milk, served in equal parts.
- Ratio: 5 oz. French press coffee + 5 oz. scalded milk.
- Cup: 12 oz. Coffee Mug.
- Iced Coffee
- What is it? A refreshing chilled coffee that can be customized with syrups and cold foam.
- Ratio: 2 oz. drip coffee or espresso + 4 oz. ice + 4–6 oz. milk or water.
- Cup: 14 oz. Mixing Glass.
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Conclusion
Understanding the various coffee drink types allows you to discover your favorite flavor profile and even elevate your coffee shop menu. Displaying clear descriptions for each drink ensures that your customers make confident and informed choices.
For coffee shop owners, consider roasting your coffee in-house to provide the freshest and richest flavors possible. This added touch could set you apart and create loyal customers.
Pro Tip: Save this guide for future reference or share it with your fellow coffee lovers to master the world of coffee drink types!
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