Underrated Coffees: Coffee is the fuel we need to power our days. Fuel that can either keep us awake and alert or lull us into the drowsiest form of procrastination known to man.
Some people even say that coffee gives them the kick they need to be successful in life. But many people don’t know that there’s more than one type of great coffee out there — there are actually a lot of underrated coffees which you might have never heard of before!
Let’s talk about some of them.
1. Cortado
The Cortado is a smaller, more concentrated version of a latte. Made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, it allows drinkers to experience the full flavor of the espresso while also receiving a hint of sweetness.
2. Miel latte
Miel lattes are a great option for those who want sweetness and flavor in their coffee but prefer not to use sugar-based syrups. The beverage is a delicious combination of espresso, honey, cinnamon, and creamy milk. It is indeed one of the most underrated coffees you can drink.
3. Espresso and Tonic
The drink is composed of a shot of espresso mixed with tonic water; however, the flavors are more complex than one might initially believe. The sweetness of the tonic combines with the carbonation of the chilled tonic water to deliver an effervescent and aromatic combination of espresso and gin.
Unlike other drinks with tonic water, this one will not get you fired for drinking it at work.
4. London Fog Latte
Among the many menu items at Starbucks, one of the most underrated coffees (and perhaps least known) is London Fog Latte, which might strike you as a bit unusual at first glance. However, it might become your new favorite upon further investigation and sampling.
The London Fog Latte, a tea-based beverage, is citrusy and fragrant with notes of lavender and vanilla. Steamed milk and classic Earl Grey flavors are also present. The London Fog Latte was created in Vancouver and gained popularity, which led to its inclusion on the Starbucks menu.
5. Drip Coffee
Good, freshly made drip coffee can accentuate the taste of a good, single-origin coffee. Baristas emphasized that getting your cup of drip coffee fresh is the most important feature of this brewing method because leaving it too long on the coffee heater can make it bitter.
They also noted that people often order an Americano because they perceive drip coffee to be inferior when in fact, freshly prepared drip coffee can be as good or better than an espresso-based beverage.
To check out the best drip coffee makers, click here.
6. Macchiato
Macchiato is an Italian coffee drink made with espresso and foamed milk. The name comes from the Italian word macchia, which means “spot.”
The macchiato is one of the most underrated coffees around the world. It’s not very popular in North America, where people prefer lattes, cappuccinos, or espressos served with just a splash of milk. But in Europe and other parts of the world, it’s a beloved morning drink that’s easy to find at any coffee shop.
7. Flat White
Flat whites are a very popular coffee drink in Australia and New Zealand. They’re made with a blend of espresso, steamed milk, and microfoam (to create the distinctive flat layer on top). The flat white is similar to a latte but smaller and served in a smaller cup.
You can serve the Flat White in a variety of ways: with or without an extra shot of espresso, with or without foam on top, with or without sugar, etc. The only real rule is that you should enjoy it while it’s hot!
8. French toast Latte
The French toast latte is a sweet treat for coffee drinkers who want to replace their usual breakfast with something a little more decadent. The drink features double shot espresso mixed with steamed half and half, along with vanilla and cinnamon.
9. Bulletproof Coffee
Paleo fans will appreciate the energy boost they get from this drink. We blend 3 scoops of grass-fed butter and 1 teaspoon of brain octane oil with the coffee to perfection for a drink that will last throughout the day.
Bulletproof coffee is a creamy drink that some people swear by for its ability to kick one’s metabolism into overdrive and boost cognitive function.
10. Cereal Milk Cappuccino
To make this coffee, soak breakfast cereal in whole milk for 30 minutes before straining and steaming. We combine the resulting cereal milk with only the best espresso for an utterly unique beverage.
11. Horchata Latte
The combination of horchata—sweetened rice milk—and espresso at Seattle’s Señor Moose restaurant is an inspired combination of flavors. The almond-creamy horchata perfectly complements the aromatic flavor of the espresso. Cinnamon undertones lend depth to this drink, which is perfect for a rainy Seattle morning.
Conclusion
While coffee enthusiasts and professional hobbyists may try these, the general public is less likely to buy or drink these lesser-known coffees. Some might even declare that they are not real coffees. But this doesn’t mean that they can’t be delicious; in fact, some people prefer an “acquired” taste to their coffee (i.e., it’s too bitter for others).
You don’t have to stick to the same ol’ blends to enjoy a good cup of coffee. Branch out and try some for yourself!
