When it comes to coffee, few are the ones who would say they don’t love it.
Whether it is for its energizing capacity or for its delicious taste, coffee represents the daily happiness elixir for billions of humans around the world. In some countries (Finland, for example) people are so crazy about it, that they consume an average of 12kg per capita per year.
In this context, the following question naturally appears: how a single natural drink can satisfy so many different people?
Well, probably a keyword in this equation is diversity. Although there is one basic substance, there are a lot of ways in which a cup of coffee can be prepared and a lot of mixtures that can be experienced.
If a hundred years ago you could serve a latte macchiato only in a coffeehouse or in a restaurant, the great improvement of coffee machines technologies changed the things. Now, a lot of delightful types of coffee can be prepared from home.
Here we have a list of 6 of the most important types of coffee that are savored by people from all continents every day.
- Espresso, also known as “short black”
Espresso is a full-flavored, concentrated coffee that is usually served in tiny mugs. It is made by forcing boiling water under pressure through coffee beans that have to be extremely fine grounded. In coffee houses, they call it “pulling a shot”.
Espresso can be enjoyed as it is or it can be used as a base for other drinks like cappuccino or latte, thus, take care whenever you prepare it.
If you want to be a master of coffee, take a look at these pieces of advice on how to do a perfect espresso.
- Cappuccino
David Lynch‘s favorite type of coffee, cappuccino is prepared by adding two layers, one of steamed milk and another of frothed, foamy milk on a shot of espresso. Sometimes, for a better aspect and taste, people put some sprinkles of chocolate on the last layer.
Cappuccino is usually served in a cup, but there are some pubs and bars where they use a tumbler glass. If it’s well-made, cappuccino can look extremely attractive in a glass.
- Café Latte (or Café au lait)
This type is perfect for the ones who are not huge fans of strong coffee and prefer the mild taste of a mixture made of coffee and milk. Café Latte is prepared by adding steamed milk on a shot of espresso. Eventually, if you want a creamier Café Latte, you can add a cm of micro-foam/whipped cream on top of the steamed milk.
- Caffè Americano
If you know how to do an espresso, preparing a Caffè Americano is just a child’s play. All that needs to be done is adding hot water on a shot of espresso. However, this type of coffee has, undoubtedly, an interesting story.
During the Second World War, American soldiers didn’t have too many supplies and they wanted to make their beverages last longer. Obviously, the easiest way was by adding water, and that’s how Caffè Americano was born.
After the end of the war, American baristas adopted it and, in time, it became famous all over the world.
- Macchiato
Is also known as Piccolo Latte. Basically, Macchiato is pretty similar to a café latte, but it is usually made in an espresso cup. There are two different ways to prepare this type of coffee, as you can use either one espresso shot or one ristretto shot.
In both cases, you add foamed milk over the base, directly into a small mug.
- Mocha
A Mocha is something between a cappuccino and a hot chocolate. It is really sweet and delicious, and it is generally preferred by women.
To prepare a Mocha, first, you have to mix some chocolate powder with an espresso shot. Then, you have to add some steamed milk and micro-foam into the beverage and you’re done.
Did you try all of them? If not, maybe it’s time to taste something different. Surprise your taste buds today. And don’t forget, 3 cups of coffee a day keep the doctor away.