Different types of coffee drinks explained

..and yes, you can make some of them at home!

In previous blogs we’ve explained the history, cultivation, harvesting and preparation of coffee beans and how coffee is graded.

But nowadays there is a bewildering variety of coffee drinks that have developed since it was traditionally drunk as a black brew using hot water!

So, in this blog we look at some of the best-known drinks, many of which you can make at home.

Espresso

This is coffee brewed at the highest pressure and for a precisely calculated length of time to avoid over- or under- extraction (see our July blog on extraction). Usually made by coffee shops increasingly people are buying espresso machines for the home.

But you can make the closest thing to espresso at home if you don’t have an espresso machine

You will need an expresso maker, either stove top or AeroPress coffee maker for when you’re ready to take out five minutes to sit down and enjoy a rewarding break during your day..

Latte

This is a fairly mild drink that is basically an espresso with hot milk poured over the coffee.

If you are going to make it at home you will need a stove top espresso maker and a microwave.

Doppio

This is simply a double shot of espresso.

Cortado

A cortado is the perfect balance of espresso and warm steamed milk, which cuts back on the espresso’s acidity.

Red Eye

A full cup of hot coffee with an espresso shot mixed in, to help you wake up.

Galão

This hot coffee drink closely related to the latte and cappuccino originated in Portugal. It contains about twice as much foamed milk as the other two.

Lungo

A lungo is a long-pull espresso. The longer the pull, the more caffeine there is.

Macchiato

The macchiato is another espresso-based drink that has a small amount of foam on tophalf way between a cappuccino and a doppio.

Cappuccino

Cappuccino is a latte made with more foam than steamed milk, often with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top.

In addition to preparing the espresso you will need cold milk which has been “stretched”, which is the term for continuously adding air to the milk using a steam wand until it is warm.

Pour from a low height onto the espresso, ensuring enough foam enters the cup.

Americano

With a similar flavour to black coffee, the americano consists of an espresso shot diluted in hot water. If you are making it at home pour the hot water first, then add the espresso.

Flat White

This drink, originating in either Australia or New Zealand, is simply an espresso drink with steamed and stretched milk containing very fine micro bubbles.

Ristretto

Ristretto is an espresso shot but using less hot water to give a sweeter flavour than the more bitter taste of a traditional espresso or a doppio.

Affogato

The affogato is served with a scoop of ice cream and a shot of espresso, or two.

Café au Lait

Quite simply coffee with a splash of warm milk added.

Mocha

An espresso-based drink with the addition of chocolate.

And finally ….

Why not treat yourself to an Irish Coffee.

It’s a classic coffee cocktail where Irish whiskey is mixed with filter coffee and topped with a thin layer of gently whipped cream.

Brings a whole new meaning to “…coffee to make you smile!”