There are many different types of coffee. Coffee types have evolved across different cultures and countries where coffee is enjoyed. Different coffee types provide different strength, flavour, and mouthfeel with the end result. It’s good to try the different types of coffee to find what suits you best in terms of flavour and brewing convenience.
Espresso
An espresso is originally an Italian style of coffee. It is made by using finely ground beans put into a small chamber on either an espresso machine or a stovetop device. Steam pressure then sends water through the fine grounds, picking up flavour along the way. This makes a small shot of highly-concentrated coffee. In Italy, this shot is usually how coffee is most popularly consumed. However, there are also a number of coffee types that use an espresso shot.
Cappuccino
The cappuccino is one of the most popular coffee types. Steam is used to heat and aerate milk, creating a foamy addition to the shot of espresso. In most cases, the cappuccino is also given a dusting of cocoa powder on top to give that rich signature look. A good cappuccino is usually layered so that the milk and espresso are not mixed together.
Latte
A latte is another milk-based variant using espresso. A latte uses milk that is steamed, but not foamed up as much as milk is in the case of a cappuccino. The latte has variations. A piccolo latte used equal volumes of milk and espresso. A macchiato is a type of latte that only uses a spoonful of steamed milk over a shot of espresso. Lattes are also usually layered so that the milk and espresso do not completely mix.
Flat White
A flat white also uses steamed milk, but in this case it is only steamed with very little foam. Another trait that separates the flat white from a latte or cappuccino, is that the milk and espresso are completely mixed together. This makes for a velvety mouthfeel with homogenous coffee taste within the milk; a very milky coffee.
Long Black
Also known as an Americano, the long black is a shot of espresso with additional boiling water added to increase the total volume. This makes for a weakened flavour compared to a shot of espresso. The long black is the beverage of choice for the calorie conscious; caffeine to increase metabolism, water to give that full feeling, and no calorie-rich dairy products added.
Mocha
A mocha, also known as a mocaccino, is technically a variant on a latte. It is a latte that is made with the addition of chocolate to sweeten the beverage. In some cases, a mocha may even include whipped cream or other ingredients. It is a popular choice among those with a sweet tooth and those who are new to drinking coffee.
Ristretto
This espresso variant does not have anything added to it, but is instead a smaller shot of espresso made with more finely-ground beans and less water. This means making a shot of coffee that is smaller in volume and stronger in flavour.
Affogato
This desert style of coffee is an after-dinner favourite. A single scoop of ice cream (usually vanilla) is drowned in a single shot of espresso. This creates the smooth and velvety taste of ice cream with the convenient caffeine hit to ensure that you’re not too tired to drive home after dinner.
Other Variations
There are many different types of coffee when it comes to espresso. The French Vanilla Latte, the Cinnamon Mochaccino, the Freddo Cappuccino. Almost every coffee using espresso also has an iced version served cold and often topped with whipped cream. There are many styles that can be tried when it comes to espresso.
Plunger
The coffee plunger, also known as the French press, is a method of making coffee invented in France, but by Italians. Coarsely ground coffee beans are put in a beaker with boiling water for four minutes. A mesh piston-style plunger is then inserted through the beaker, pushing the coffee grounds to the bottom and allowing black coffee to be poured out.
Percolator
The drip percolator is a staple of American diners and households. Medium ground coffee beans sit in a filter above a pot, while water is boiled nearby. The steam collects and is condensed above the coffee grounds slowly dripping water through them. This steady drip fills the pot slowly, making black coffee. The pot usually sits on a heated pad to ensure the coffee does not go cold.
Pour Over
A pour-over coffee is made by having medium-ground coffee beans in a filter above a carafe or mug. Boiling hot water is literally poured over the coffee beans, filling the vessel with liquid as it passes through the filter. A pour-over carafe is usually shaped in such a way that the paper filter will be specially folded and sit in the mouth of the vessel.
Cold Brew
This type of coffee that is increasing in popularity does not involve making coffee hot at all. Coarsely ground coffee beans are combined with cold water and left to sit for a minimum of 12 hours before filtering the liquid from the beans. This cold brewing means that a stronger coffee is produced, with higher caffeine and less bitterness.
Persian Coffee
Persian coffee is a strong coffee and unique in that the coffee grounds are not filtered from the liquid prior to serving. The finely ground coffee beans and water are heated together in a vessel while being stirred. The brew is then removed from the heat, and poured almost immediately. Gravity leaves most of the coffee grounds in the container in which the coffee was made but some grit usually remains in the coffee itself.
Brew for Enjoyment
When it comes to different types of coffee, there are many options to enjoy. The important thing is to find the brew that suits you. This can come back to how it’s made and how it tastes. It’s great to taste and sample all of the coffee types to see what works for you. Who knows, you may find yourself abandoning the espresso for a great cup of Persian Coffee!