A Bevy of Brews
Now that we have the basics of bean varieties down let's percolate on the most popular beverages that these beans are capable of crafting.
Black Drip Coffee
An irrefutable classic, black coffee is as simple as it gets. There are, of course, a variety of ways to brew your mug of black coffee—where quality counts as much as the quality of the bean itself. Without cream or sugar, the coffee is truly the star of the show in this simple style and invites endless possibilities of flavorful integrations.
Espresso
One of the most traditional and contemporary styles for enjoying brewed beans, espresso coffee can act as a base for milk-infused drinks or be sipped on its own. Due to a higher grounds-to-water ratio, espresso coffee is far more concentrated than regular coffee and offers a slightly bolder flavor than brewed black coffee.
Latte
Moving into the world of espresso-and-milk concoctions, the ever-popular latte is composed of a shot of espresso and microfoam milk. (And a dollop of milk foam, of course.) Lattes are not just a canvas for artistic designs but also offer a range of exciting flavors, like vanilla, caramel, or lavender.
Cappuccino
Settling the ever-popular dispute between a latte and a cappuccino, a cappuccino contains more milk foam than a latte, with the same milk-and-espresso foundation. The cappuccino was first seen in Italy in the early 1900s, with the name itself coming from the Italian phrase meaning “pressed-out.”
Americano
The espresso-based version of black coffee, an Americano, is a shot of espresso diluted with hot water. In Europe, Americanos tend to be more readily available than black coffee and are referred to as a “Long Black.”
To brew your own Americano at home, make sure you:
1. Use a quality espresso machine
2. Pour the hot water into the mug or glass first
3. Brew the espresso directly into the same mug or glass
Cortado
A cortado can be thought of as a miniature latte. With equal parts espresso and steamed milk, they taste similar to a latte but contain less milk, espresso, and caffeine overall. A cortado makes a terrific midday pick-me-up when you only need a little bit of caffeine to boost your energy.
Red Eye
Not for the faint of heart, a red eye mixes the best of both worlds: a cup of black coffee with a shot of espresso. Aptly named, these are welcomed after a long red eye flight for their bolstering abilities in the caffeine department—so don’t drink one before bedtime.
Lungo
A lungo is a long-pulled espresso. It uses the same amount of coffee as a regular espresso shot but about twice as much water, resulting in a larger drink and more mellow flavor profile compared to an espresso or Americano. Sip slowly on a Lungo while lounging at the bookstore or throughout your work day.
Macchiato
The definition of a true macchiato has been clouded over recent years. A traditional macchiato is a simple shot of espresso topped with steamed milk. The term macchiato comes from the Italian word meaning “spotted” or “stained,” so you can remember this beverage by envisioning a “spot” of milk foam on top.
Mocha
Coffee and chocolate are a match made in heaven, and mocha is the pinnacle of the pair. The most common ingredients for a mocha include espresso, microfoam milk, and chocolate powder or syrup. Boost the flavor by using a dark-roast bean to pair with the smooth, dark chocolate.
Flat White
Originating from Australia, this creation is best understood as a cappuccino without the foam—hence the term “flat” in the name. This coffee beverage is for folks who want to go without fluff in their milk to get straight to the delicious espresso.
Cold Brew
A cold brew coffee is more than just black coffee with ice. Beans are steeped at a cold temperature for anywhere between 6 to 36 hours. The result is a mellower flavor with less acidity and bitterness, allowing baristas to create inventive drinks like:
● Vanilla cream cold brew
● Cold brew with honey and cinnamon
● A winter cold brew with mint-infused cream
Nitro Brew
When you infuse nitrogen into a cold brew, you get a nitro cold brew. While similar in taste to cold brew, the nitrogen adds a layer of creaminess, similar in mouthfeel to a Guinness.
