People enjoy coffee for its complex and rich flavor profile, which can include notes ranging from fruity and floral to nutty and chocolaty, and its inviting aroma. The caffeine boost helps increase alertness and reduce fatigue, making it a popular choice to start the day or stay focused. Additionally, the ritual of making and drinking coffee, whether as a morning habit or social activity, provides comfort and enjoyment. The wide variety of coffee beans, roasts, and brewing methods offers endless possibilities for exploration. Coffee also fosters social connections, with coffee shops serving as popular venues for meeting friends, working, or relaxing.
Here are some of the most popular coffee drinks:
Espresso-Based Drinks
Espresso
A concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure. It forms the base for many other coffee drinks. Espresso is one of the most popular coffee drinks globally, ranking #1 in 14 countries including the United States, Germany, and Taiwan.
To make espresso, start by grinding fresh coffee beans to a fine consistency using a burr grinder. Preheat your espresso machine to ensure consistent temperature and pressure. Measure about 18-20 grams of coffee for a double shot, place it in the portafilter basket, and tamp it firmly. Lock the portafilter into the machine's group head and begin the extraction process, aiming for a 25-30 second extraction time to yield 1-2 ounces of espresso with a rich, golden crema on top. Pour the espresso into a preheated cup and enjoy it straight or as a base for other drinks like lattes or cappuccinos. Adjust the grind size, dose, and extraction time as needed for the best results.
Cappuccino
Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, often topped with cinnamon or chocolate powder. Cappuccino tops the list as the world's favorite coffee drink, being #1 in 24 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
To make a cappuccino, start by preparing a shot of espresso using finely-ground coffee beans and an espresso machine. While the espresso is brewing, steam milk using the machine's steam wand, creating a creamy, frothy texture. Aim to have about equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Pour the steamed milk into the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon, then top the drink with the reserved foam. A traditional cappuccino has a ratio of approximately one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third foam. Serve in a preheated cup and enjoy immediately.
Latte
An espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam on top. Latte is very popular, especially in Brazil, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. It consists of espresso and steamed milk with a thin layer of foam.
To make a latte, start by preparing a shot of espresso. While the espresso is brewing, steam milk using the machine's steam wand to create a smooth, velvety texture with a small amount of foam. The key is to achieve a creamy consistency rather than a frothy one. Pour the steamed milk into the espresso, holding back most of the foam with a spoon, and then add a small layer of milk foam on top. A traditional latte has a ratio of about one-third espresso to two-thirds steamed milk, with a thin layer of foam. Serve in a preheated cup and enjoy.
Macchiato
An espresso with a small amount of steamed milk added on top, creating a "mark" or "stain" on the surface. Macchiato is favored in Albania, Australia, and the UK.
To make a macchiato, pour the espresso into a small cup, and then add a dollop of frothed milk on top. The milk "stains" the espresso, giving it a slightly creamy texture without overpowering the rich flavor of the coffee. The result is a balanced and flavorful beverage that showcases the espresso's bold character with just a hint of milk. Serve immediately and enjoy the contrast of flavors and textures in each sip.
Flat White
Flat White, similar to a latte but smoother, is popular in Denmark, Poland, and Qatar.
To prepare a flat white, first pull a double shot of espresso. Meanwhile, steam milk using the machine's steam wand until it reaches a velvety texture with microfoam, ensuring there are no large bubbles. The milk should be smoother and creamier compared to traditional latte milk. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, holding back some of the foam with a spoon to achieve a velvety texture. The milk should create a 'flat' appearance on top of the espresso, hence the name "flat white." The result is a rich and creamy coffee beverage with a strong espresso flavor and a smooth, luxurious texture. Serve in a preheated cup and enjoy the perfect balance of espresso and milk.
Mocha
Mocha, a latte with added chocolate, is enjoyed in Bangladesh, Mauritius, Japan, and Vietnam.
To make a mocha, start by preparing a shot of espresso. Then, melt chocolate pieces or cocoa powder in the hot milk, stirring until smooth and well combined. Pour the espresso into a mug, and then add the chocolate milk mixture, stirring gently to combine. Optionally, top the mocha with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for extra indulgence. The result is a decadent and creamy coffee beverage with the perfect balance of rich espresso and chocolate flavors. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting sweetness of a homemade mocha.
Other Popular Drinks
While espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes are globally favored, many countries and cultures have their own preferred coffee styles, ranging from simple black coffee to indulgent treats like Irish coffee or regional specialties steeped in tradition.
Americano
An Americano is a simple yet satisfying coffee beverage made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water. It's similar to brewed coffee but has a richer flavor profile thanks to the espresso base. Americanos are enjoyed worldwide for their bold yet smooth taste.
Black Coffee
Black coffee refers to brewed coffee that is served without any milk or cream added. It's a straightforward and classic way to enjoy coffee, allowing the drinker to fully experience the pure flavors of the coffee beans. Black coffee can be brewed using various methods such as drip, pour-over, French press, or espresso.
Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is a refreshing coffee beverage served cold over ice. It can be made using any brewing method, such as drip, pour-over, or cold brew, and is then chilled before serving. Iced coffee is perfect for hot summer days or whenever you crave a cool and invigorating caffeine boost.
Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is a delightful and indulgent cocktail consisting of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with a layer of whipped cream. It's a warming and comforting drink with a perfect balance of rich coffee flavor, smooth whiskey, and sweet cream. Irish coffee is often enjoyed as a dessert or after-dinner treat.
In addition to the these popular coffee drinks, there are a plethora of regional different coffee types cherished in various parts of the globe:
Turkish Coffee
Renowned in Turkey and neighboring regions, Turkish coffee is prepared by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water and sugar in a special pot called a cezve. The result is a strong and aromatic coffee served in small cups, often accompanied by Turkish delight.
Café de Olla
A beloved Mexican tradition, Café de Olla is brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), giving it a unique and comforting flavor profile. It's typically served in clay pots, enhancing the warmth and richness of the drink.
Yuanyang
Originating from Hong Kong, Yuanyang is a delightful blend of coffee and Hong Kong-style milk tea. This harmonious fusion of robust coffee and creamy tea creates a smooth and indulgent beverage enjoyed throughout Hong Kong and beyond.
Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is renowned for its use of robusta beans and a unique brewing method using a Vietnamese drip filter. Condensed milk is often added to create a sweet and creamy contrast to the strong coffee flavor, making it a favorite indulgence in Vietnam and among coffee enthusiasts worldwide.
Greek Frappé
Popularized in Greece, the Greek Frappé is a frothy and refreshing coffee drink made by shaking instant coffee, sugar, and water together with ice. It's often served in a tall glass with a straw, providing a cooling caffeine boost during hot summer days.
Swedish Fika
While not a specific coffee drink, the Swedish tradition of Fika involves enjoying coffee alongside sweet pastries or sandwiches as part of a social gathering or break. It's a cherished cultural practice that emphasizes relaxation and social connection over a cup of coffee.
There are also numerous types of coffee drinks beyond those based on espresso. Here are a few examples:
French Press
French press coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in hot water for several minutes before pressing down a metal or mesh plunger to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. This method produces a rich and full-bodied coffee with a robust flavor profile.
Pour-Over
Pour-over coffee involves pouring hot water over medium-coarse coffee grounds in a cone-shaped filter. The water slowly drips through the grounds, extracting flavors as it goes. This method allows for precise control over brewing variables, resulting in a clean and nuanced cup of coffee.
Aeropress
The Aeropress is a versatile brewing device that combines elements of immersion and pressure brewing. Coffee grounds and water are mixed together in a chamber before being pressed through a filter by hand. This method produces a smooth and clean cup of coffee with a wide range of brewing possibilities.
Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, usually 12-24 hours. The result is a smooth and mellow coffee with low acidity and a naturally sweet flavor profile. It's typically served over ice and can be enjoyed straight or with milk and sweeteners.
Moka Pot
Also known as a stovetop espresso maker, the moka pot brews coffee by passing boiling water pressurized by steam through ground coffee. It produces a strong and concentrated coffee similar to espresso but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Turkish Coffee
In Turkish coffee, finely ground coffee beans are simmered with water and sugar in a special pot called a cezve. The mixture is heated until it froths and is then poured into small cups, grounds and all. Turkish coffee is known for its strong flavor and thick, muddy texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coffee is a beloved beverage enjoyed worldwide for its rich flavors, inviting aromas, and stimulating effects. From classic espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes to indulgent treats like mochas and Irish coffee, there's a coffee drink to suit every taste preference. Additionally, regional specialties such as Turkish coffee, Vietnamese coffee, and Greek frappés offer unique and cultural coffee experiences. Whether you prefer the boldness of an Americano, the simplicity of black coffee, the refreshment of iced coffee, or the indulgence of Irish coffee, coffee lovers have a diverse array of options to explore and enjoy. So, next time you're craving a cup of coffee, why not try something new and expand your coffee horizons? With over 20 types of coffee to discover, there's always something new and exciting to try in the world of coffee!