Coffee types explained: all types of coffee in one overview
It seems like every time we open up a coffeeshop menu, we get more and more blown away by the dazzling amount of different types of coffee. It almost feels boring to ‘just’ order a cappuccino, let alone a black coffee. But then comes the insecurity: what is a flat white? And why have a ristretto instead of an espresso?
No worries - we are here to help you out in the wonderful world of coffee variety that we live in today.
Coffee, no milk please.
For those who like their coffee strong and straightforward, have a look at the following types. It’s all a matter of proportions: the amount of water vs amount of coffee itself.
Espresso
Besides from being a stand-alone drink, espresso is also the perfect base for all things milky, such as the cappuccino or latte macchiato.
How to make an espresso:
1 shot of espresso in an espresso cup
Origin: Italy
Double espresso
A double espresso, also known as a doppio. The drink is highly concentrated and has a stronger taste than the espresso. Fun fact: did you know that doppio is the Italian word for double?
How to make a double espresso:
2 shots of espresso in an espresso cup
Origin: Italy
Drip brewed coffee
Coffee connoisseurs swear by measuring and pouring their own drip coffee. This popular brewing method is called slow brewing and is quite affordable. This method takes a bit of time and practice, but the results are amazingly delicious when done right!
How to make drip brewed coffee:
Add a filter to your pour over
Boil water
Measure 2 spoons of ground coffee per cup and add it to the filter
Pour the boiled water over the ground coffee in the filter
Let the water drip into the coffee pot for 3-4 minutes
Remove the filter and pour the coffee into the cupOrigin: Germany
Flat white
A flat white looks a lot like a cappuccino. Just like its Italian brother, the flat white has a layer of milk on the coffee. It also looks like a latte, but a flat white is slightly smaller and stronger. What makes the coffee unique is the texture of the milk. This is what gives the coffee its name. Beware: the steamed milk of a flat white has no bubbles like the Cappuccino.
How to make a flat white:
1 shot of espresso into a tumbler glass
Add steamed milk
Add a few cm of microfoam on top of the steamed milkOrigin: New Zealand/Australia
Piccolo latte
A Piccolo Latte is the same as a Café Latte but made in an espresso cup or smaller tumbler glass. Therefore, it has a strong but mellowed taste due to the steamed milk and microfoam added to the coffee. A perfect Piccolo Latte is made with Ristretto instead of espresso coffee. The origin myth says that the Piccolo Latte was invented in Syndey by baristas and roasters to check how their brews tasted with milk to prevent dairy bloat during the days.
How to make a piccolo latte:
1 shot of Ristretto in an espresso cup
Add steamed milk into the cup
Add a small amount of microfoam into the cupOrigin: Australia
Breve
The Breve is an Americanized classic of the Café Latte. The Café Breve is made with steamed half-and-half, therefore it is creamier than the classic Café Latte. Half-and-half is a blind of half whole milk and half light cream. So, if you love a little cream added to your morning coffee have a Café Breve!
How to make breve:
1 shot of espresso into a cup
Add half and half steamed milk
Add 1 cm of microfoamOrigin: United States
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