What coffee drinks are the most common at most coffee shops around the world? You are not alone if you have ever approached the barista, glared over the menu in total confusion, then threw up your hands in defeat and ordered the same old drip brew! A newbie in coffee might not notice the changes, although the tastes and preparation techniques are very different.
To help you enjoy your next visit to the coffee shop or local Coffee Tiam even more, here is a guide to five of the most common coffee drinks on the menu and what’s in them.
1. Cappuccino
Espresso, steaming milk, and milk froth are all combined to make a cappuccino. The dry cappuccino, which has a little less milk, and the wet cappuccino, which has a little more milk, are two variations of this coffee drink.
A cappuccino is served in a 6-ounce elliptical cup with a thick dome of froth. When rendered correctly, the cappuccino is a well-balanced experience of flavors and textures that delight the taste buds.
2. Flat White
Despite having the same ingredients (espresso, steamed milk, and milk froth) as the cappuccino, the flat white does not taste the same. In the milk, there is a difference. The flat white uses a base of espresso, a thin layer of steamed milk, and a deep, velvety microfoam to emphasize the espresso flavor.
Three layers form when milk is steamed: the milky steamed liquid, tiny dense bubbles known as microfoam, and huge bubbles known as froth. By using milk steaming technique, the espresso’s boldness, which has been lessened, can be enjoyed along with the creamy foam’s silky smoothness.
3. Latte
Latte bases include well-extracted espresso, steamed milk, and milk froth, just as cappuccinos and flat whites. The difference is latte has the most milk. 4-6 ounces of steamed milk are combined with the espresso base to make a latte, which is then topped with milk froth (the large bubbles). Due to its bigger size, it is typically served in a glass rather than a cup.
The latte is creamier and tastes sweeter than the cappuccino because of the high milk to espresso ratio. Simple syrups with flavoring are also used in some lattes.
4. Cafe Americano
Hot water is added to espresso to create the coffee drink known as a ‘café americano’. According to rumors, the history of the beverage dates back to World War II, when American service members stationed in Italy diluted espresso to resemble their own country’s coffee. Although it has a different flavor, the Café Americano has a strength that is comparable to traditionally brewed coffee.
To make a café americano, add hot water to a cup until it is about two thirds full. Add one shot of espresso on top of it for some more thickness, acidity, and bitterness above brewed coffee.
5. Long Black
The long black and the Café Americano are similar. It only has espresso and hot water as ingredients. A double shot of espresso is poured over about 100 mL of boiling water to make this coffee drink.
In terms of taste, the long black is stronger than the Café Americano since less water and a double dose of espresso are used.
