Introduction
The world of coffee is endlessly complex, with dozens of different drinks to choose from at your average cafe. But for coffee novices, the options can be overwhelming. This beginner's guide will walk you through the basic types of coffee drinks and teach you how to order like a pro.
Brewed Coffee
The simplest coffee beverage is regular old brewed coffee. This is just ground coffee beans steeped in hot water, made either manually with a pour over or French press or automatically with a drip coffee machine. Order it black or customize with milk, sweeteners, and flavors. Try a cappuccino for an equal mix of coffee and foamed milk.
Espresso
Espresso is concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through very finely ground beans with high pressure. A standard shot is 1-1.5 ounces. Espresso has a thick, syrupy texture and robust flavor. Order an espresso macchiato for espresso with just a dollop of foam. Or try an americano, which is espresso diluted with hot water.
Lattes
A latte combines espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam on top. Unlike a cappuccino, a latte has more milk than foam. Latte art is fun too - many baristas will pour beautiful ornamental designs! Add flavors like caramel, vanilla or pumpkin spice.
Mochas
Can't decide between coffee and hot chocolate? Get the best of both with a mocha latte. This drink mixes espresso with steamed milk, chocolate syrup, and often whipped cream on top. For white chocolate mochas, mocha sauce is swirled with whipped white chocolate syrup.
Frozen Coffee
During summer, cool down with frozen blended coffee drinks. Frappuccinos blend coffee, milk, ice, and flavors like caramel for a creamy, icy consistency. Or try an iced mocha latte served over ice, or cold brew coffee for a smooth, chilled caffeine fix.
Specialty Drinks
Each cafe offers unique specialty drinks. Chai tea lattes blend spiced black tea concentrate with steamed milk. Red eye adds an extra espresso shot to regular drip coffee. Breve uses half and half instead of milk. Ask your barista for their seasonal creations!
How to Order
When ordering coffee drinks, you can customize based on your preferences. Select your brew method: drip, pour over, French press, or espresso. Choose a roast like light, medium, or dark. Pick your milk: dairy, non-dairy, whole, skim, etc. Add flavorings if desired. Specify temperature - iced or hot. Select a size from small to extra large.
Pro Tips
If a drink sounds unfamiliar, ask your barista for a recommendation or sample. For iced drinks, request less ice to get more coffee. Order shots of espresso on the side to add your own caffeine kick. Specify if you want your foam wet or dry and lighter or darker roast. Don't be afraid to politely ask for a remake if your drink is not ideal.
Conclusion
With an endless array of options, coffee menus can mystify beginners. But armed with knowledge of the basic drink types and how to customize your order, you can get exactly the coffee creation you crave. Experiment with different beans, brewing methods, milk types and flavors to become a coffee connoisseur.