Coffee has become a familiar and indispensable daily beverage for us. Besides traditional pure coffee, there are many popular types of coffee made with traditional coffee beans, such as Espresso, Latte Macchiato, Cappuccino, Cafe Latte, Cafe Macha, Americano, etc. So how can non-experts like us distinguish between these drinks? Early Morning will share some helpful tips below to confidently enter the colorful world of coffee.
Traditional cafe
Figure 1: Traditional coffee
Coffee is a popular and widely chosen beverage today. Black coffee and coffee with milk, brewed from pure coffee beans grown in Robusta, Arabica, and other regions, are considered traditional, rich-flavored coffees. Depending on their needs and preferences, customers can choose a cup of freshly brewed coffee or pre-brewed coffee, served hot or iced. Those who prefer pure coffee often choose a cup of black coffee without sugar, or they may add one or two teaspoons of sugar. Those who like a sweeter, richer, and creamier taste will request a cup of rich, subtly sweet coffee with milk.
Espresso
Figure 2: Espresso
Espresso is a very popular type of coffee in Italy and Spain. To make an “authentic” espresso, dark roasted coffee beans are ground very finely and then brewed using hot water under high pressure. This results in a very strong espresso with a thick, dark brown crema (about 5mm thick) on top, which is fragrant and not bitter. A perfect espresso has a distinctive sweetness and the alluring aroma of freshly ground coffee. The taste is both rich and delicate. Furthermore, the aroma of the coffee lingers in the mouth for several minutes after drinking. Espresso is usually drunk from a thick, preheated cup, with or without added sugar, and is often served with a biscuit.
Latté
Figure 3: Latte Macchiato
Latte macchiato is a very popular hot beverage. Its ingredients include espresso and milk. Essentially, a latte macchiato is similar to a latte with milk, but with more milk. Originally made in Italy for children so they could also drink “coffee” like adults, the caffeine content in latte macchiatos is very low. Gradually, adults also became fond of this drink.
Latte macchiatos are typically served in a tall, thick-walled glass. A proper latte macchiato should consist of three distinct layers, poured in sequential order without mixing. Milk is poured first, creating the lowest, white layer. Then comes the milk foam – the highest layer. Finally, espresso is poured over the milk foam. Because the milk contains more fat and is denser than the espresso, the coffee rises above the milk, forming the middle layer. The foam from high-fat milk lasts longer than that from low-fat milk. Often, cocoa powder, chocolate, or cinnamon powder is sprinkled on top of the milk foam for decoration and added flavor.
Cappuccino
Figure 4: Cappuccino
Cappuccino is an Italian way of drinking coffee. A cappuccino consists of three equal parts: espresso brewed with twice the amount of water (espresso lungo), hot milk, and frothy milk. To enhance the flavor, people often sprinkle cocoa powder and/or cinnamon powder on top of the cappuccino, then use a stencil or toothpick to stir/draw designs to make the cappuccino more visually appealing.
Cappuccino is typically served in a thick-walled, preheated stone or porcelain cup. In its homeland, Italy, it’s almost exclusively consumed at breakfast. In recent years, cappuccino has become one of the most popular coffee drinks worldwide.
Cafe Latte
Figure 5: Cafe Latte
A latte is made from two ingredients: coffee and milk. Those unfamiliar with coffee can easily confuse a latte with a cappuccino because both share the same three basic components: espresso, hot milk, and milk foam. However, the difference is that in a latte, the amount of milk foam is only half the amount of hot milk; instead of equal amounts as in a cappuccino. Therefore, a latte is always less “frothy” than a cappuccino. And traditionally, lattes are served in rather large cups.
Cafe Mocha
Figure 6: Cafe Mocha
Mocha coffee is a popular hot beverage. It’s a blend of steam-brewed espresso and hot chocolate. Unlike cappuccino, which only has a layer of milk foam on the surface, mocha coffee combines the rich, creamy flavor of whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Its strong flavor is refreshing and particularly suitable for those who aren’t used to drinking coffee. Therefore, this drink is very popular, especially in the US, because its low caffeine content makes it suitable for all ages without worrying about feeling hot or having trouble sleeping.
American
Figure 7: Americano
While Italian espresso is often quite strong and somewhat difficult to drink, Americano is modified to make it easier for customers to enjoy.
This drink consists of one or two cups of espresso combined with 300-470ml of hot water. The result of this brewing method is a Long Black. A Long Black can also have a double espresso added to the glass, leaving a layer of crema on top. Adding water to an espresso will remove that crema, and this is called an Americano.
In fact, Americano is essentially Espresso diluted with twice the amount of water. An Espresso is brewed directly with hot water in a cappuccino cup and can be served immediately; or it can be served separately with hot water.
Espresso with cream
Figure 8: Espresso Con Panna
Espresso Con Panna is an espresso with whipped cream on top. It’s an indescribable sensation as you begin to taste the rich, sweet flavor of the fresh cream combined with the subtle caramel notes of the espresso. These seemingly incompatible flavors create an unexpectedly delicious drink.
For those who are fans of espresso or enjoy the rich creaminess of whipped cream on top of their drinks, Espresso Con Panna will be the perfect choice.
Viennese Cappuccino
Figure 9: Viennese Cappuccino
Viennese cappuccino is the perfect combination of cappuccino and whipped cream for coffee lovers. An espresso is served in a cappuccino cup, then hot milk and milk powder are added until the cup is 80% full, whipped cream is sprayed on top, and it is decorated with cocoa powder.
The smooth, creamy, not-too-sweet texture blends perfectly with the subtle bitterness of fresh milk coffee, topped with a touch of cocoa, taking you on a journey of sensations.