The 11 most popular coffees served at a modern cafe are:
- Espresso
- Americano
- Cappuccino
- Latte
- Flat White
- Macchiato
- Mocha
- Cortado
- Frappe
- Iced Coffee
- Affogato
These each have a unique flavour and way of making as explained below:
1. Espresso
A concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure. It is served in small amounts (usually 1 oz or 30 ml) and has a strong flavor and thick crema.
2. Americano
An espresso diluted with hot water, resulting in a milder flavor and larger volume. The ratio of espresso to water can vary, but it is typically 1:1 or 1:2.
3. Cappuccino
A coffee drink made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The foam on top helps to insulate the drink and maintain its temperature. Cappuccinos are often garnished with a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon.
4. Latte
A coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk, typically in a ratio of 1:3 or 1:4. Lattes have a creamier texture and milder flavour compared to cappuccinos due to the higher milk content. Latte art, created by pouring steamed milk into the espresso, is a popular feature of this drink.
5. Flat White
Originating in Australia and New Zealand, a flat white is similar to a latte but with a smaller volume and a higher ratio of espresso to milk (usually 1:2). It has a velvety texture and a stronger coffee flavor compared to a latte.
6. Macchiato
An espresso “stained” or “marked” with a small amount of steamed milk or milk foam. There are two main variations: the espresso macchiato, which has a small dollop of milk foam on top, and the latte macchiato, which is a layered drink with steamed milk at the bottom, espresso in the middle, and milk foam on top.
7. Mocha
It is one of the sweetest coffee drink, made with espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup. It is typically topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Mochas combine the flavors of coffee and chocolate for a rich, indulgent beverage.
8. Cortado
A Spanish-origin coffee drink made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The milk in a cortado is less frothy than in a cappuccino, resulting in a smoother texture and a balanced coffee-to-milk flavor.
9. Frappe
A frappe is a type of cold coffee beverage that typically consists of coffee, milk, sugar, and ice. It is often blended together to create a refreshing and frothy drink. In a frappe, instant coffee or espresso is commonly used as the coffee base.
10. Iced Coffee
Brewed coffee that is cooled and served over ice, often with milk and sweeteners. Iced coffee can be made with various brewing methods, such as drip, pour-over, or espresso.
11. Affogato
A dessert-like coffee drink made by pouring a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato. The combination of hot coffee and cold ice cream creates a unique contrast in temperature and texture.
These are just a few examples of the many coffee drinks available in modern cafes. Each drink has its own unique flavor profile, texture, and presentation, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
