Ordering coffee can be intimidating, especially with so many choices. From espresso to cold brews and macchiatos to frappés, understanding the difference can help you get the perfect coffee drink every time. Here’s your guide to ordering like a coffee pro, covering popular drinks and how to customize them to match your taste.
Understanding Coffee Basics
Before diving into specific coffee types, it helps to know some basics. Most coffee drinks stem from espresso or brewed coffee. Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee, creating a concentrated shot. Brewed coffee, on the other hand, involves passing hot water through ground coffee in a drip machine, making a milder drink.
The Most Popular Coffee Drinks
Let’s look at some of the most popular coffee drinks you’ll find in coffee shops worldwide:
- Espresso
This is the foundation of most coffee drinks. A single shot of espresso (about 1 ounce) is strong, concentrated, and full of rich coffee flavor. It’s served alone or can be enjoyed as the base of other drinks. - Americano
Made by adding hot water to a shot of espresso, an Americano is a lighter, less intense version of espresso. If you like black coffee but want something stronger than regular drip coffee, an Americano might be the drink for you. - Latte
A classic coffee shop staple, a latte consists of a shot of espresso topped with steamed milk and a thin layer of milk foam. Lattes are creamy and smooth, perfect for those who enjoy a more balanced coffee flavor. - Cappuccino
Similar to a latte, but with more foam, a cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. This drink has a stronger coffee flavor due to the higher foam content. - Macchiato
Translating to “marked” in Italian, a macchiato is a shot of espresso with a dash of steamed milk. It’s a small, strong drink for those who prefer a bolder coffee experience. - Mocha
Combining chocolate with espresso, steamed milk, and foam, a mocha is a delicious treat for chocolate and coffee lovers. The drink is typically topped with whipped cream or chocolate shavings. - Flat White
A popular drink in Australia and New Zealand, the flat white is similar to a latte but uses micro-foamed milk, which is creamier and blends smoothly with the espresso. It offers a rich, silky texture with a strong coffee flavor. - Cortado
A cortado is an equal mix of espresso and steamed milk, with no foam. It’s a smooth, balanced drink with a strong coffee taste. - Cold Brew
Made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours, cold brew coffee is less acidic and has a smoother, sweeter taste. It’s usually served over ice and perfect for hot days. - Frappé
A frappé is a blended coffee drink, usually iced and sweetened, with flavors like caramel, chocolate, or vanilla. It’s popular for its cold, creamy texture.
Ordering Customizations
Once you know the basics, you can customize your coffee order. Here’s how to personalize your drink:
- Milk Choices: You can use dairy options like whole, skim, or half-and-half or opt for non-dairy alternatives like almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk.
- Sweeteners: Traditional sugar, honey, or sugar alternatives like stevia or agave are common sweeteners.
- Flavored Syrups: Add-ons like vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, or seasonal options like pumpkin spice can enhance your coffee experience.
- Extra Shots: If you need an extra caffeine boost, add more espresso shots.
- Decaf: For a low-caffeine option, ask for decaf espresso or coffee.
How To Order Like a Pro
Ordering coffee doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a simple guide to ordering with confidence:
- Choose Your Drink Base
Decide if you want a strong espresso-based drink (like a latte or cappuccino) or something lighter, like a cold brew or drip coffee. - Decide on Milk and Sweetener
If you want milk, choose your preferred type. Decide if you want sugar, flavored syrups, or no sweetener at all. - Add Flavor Customizations
If you’re in the mood, try adding flavors like vanilla or caramel to give your drink an extra twist. - Specify Temperature and Strength
If you want a stronger coffee, ask for an extra shot of espresso. For iced drinks, specify whether you want light or no ice.
Specialty Coffee Drinks
Here are some specialty drinks you might encounter in a coffee shop:
- Affogato: An espresso shot poured over a scoop of ice cream, usually vanilla. This coffee-dessert combo is delightful as a treat.
- Irish Coffee: Combining coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream, this cocktail is often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink.
- Doppio: Simply a double shot of espresso, this drink is for those who want a strong coffee experience without any milk or foam.
Tips for Enjoying Coffee on the Go
- Order Ahead
Many coffee shops offer mobile ordering, which saves you time and lets you customize your order in advance. - Use Reusable Cups
If you frequently buy coffee, consider investing in a reusable cup. Many coffee shops offer discounts for using your own cup. - Experiment with New Drinks
Don’t be afraid to try something new. If you usually order a latte, switch it up with a flat white or macchiato. - Explore Seasonal Specials
Coffee shops often offer seasonal drinks like pumpkin spice lattes in the fall or peppermint mochas in the winter. These limited-time offerings add variety to your routine.
Exploring Different Coffee Roasts
The roast level of your coffee affects its flavor profile. Here’s a quick guide to common roast levels:
- Light Roast: Retains more of the original coffee flavor and tends to be more acidic. Popular in drip and pour-over coffee.
- Medium Roast: Balanced, with a slightly sweeter flavor. Often used in American-style coffee.
- Dark Roast: Bold, rich, and smoky. Often used in espresso, dark roasts have a lower acidity level.
Coffee Around the World
Different countries have their own coffee traditions. Here’s a glimpse into some international coffee styles:
- Turkish Coffee: Finely ground coffee brewed with sugar in a small pot. Served unfiltered for a strong, thick drink.
- Italian Espresso: Italy is famous for its espresso, enjoyed in small, intense sips.
- Café au Lait: Popular in France, it’s a mix of equal parts coffee and steamed milk.
- Flat White: This Australian favorite is a small, creamy coffee with micro-foamed milk.
Common Coffee Terms to Know
- Single Origin: Coffee sourced from one region, often offering unique flavor notes.
- Pour-Over: A method of brewing coffee by pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter.
- Bloom: The process of letting coffee grounds release CO₂ before brewing, enhancing the flavor.
- Body: Refers to the texture or weight of the coffee on your palate.
