Top 10 Most Popular Kinds of Coffee from Around the World
For many of us, coffee is more than just a morning ritual; it’s a way of life. There are countless ways to prepare this beloved beverage, each offering a unique flavour profile and cultural history. Here are ten of the most notable coffee types from around the world.
1. Espresso
The backbone of many other coffee varieties, espresso is a highly concentrated coffee. It is made by forcing pressurized, hot water through finely-ground coffee. Originating from Italy, an ideal shot of espresso is characterized by a thick, golden crema on the top. The result is a full-bodied and robust flavour. Do you need a new Cup?
2. Americano
Americano, or Caffè Americano, is an espresso diluted with hot water, making for a lighter, more elongated coffee experience. The name is derived from American GIs in World War II who would dilute espresso to mimic the coffee to which they were accustomed. The strength of an Americano varies with the number of shots of espresso and the amount of water added. Do you need a new Cup?
3. Cappuccino
A cappuccino is an Italian coffee drink traditionally prepared with equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam on top. The key to a great cappuccino is the balance between these layers. The frothy milk foam on the top acts as an insulator to help retain the heat of the liquid underneath, making it an ideal morning coffee. Do you need a new Cup?
4. Latte
A latte is similar to a cappuccino but with more steamed milk and less foam, resulting in a creamier drink. A typical latte includes a shot of espresso and is topped with steamed milk and a small dollop of foam. This coffee is often the canvas for latte art, where baristas create impressive shapes and designs with milk foam. Do you need a new Cup?
5. Mocha
Named after the Yemeni city of Mocha, which was the centre of the early coffee trade, a mocha is essentially a chocolate latte. It’s typically made with one part espresso, two parts steamed milk, and two parts chocolate. Mocha offers a perfect balance for coffee lovers who also have a sweet tooth. Do you need a new Cup?
6. Flat White
Originating from Australia and New Zealand, a flat white consists of a shot of espresso and steamed milk. Unlike a latte, a flat white is served in a smaller cup and has less milk, resulting in a higher coffee-to-milk ratio. It also lacks the foam layer of a cappuccino, giving it a ‘flat’ appearance. Do you need a new Cup?
7. Macchiato
The Italian word ‘macchiato’ means ‘stained’ or ‘spotted’. A macchiato is essentially an espresso ‘stained’ with a small amount of foamed milk. This gives the coffee a strong, robust flavour with a hint of creaminess. It’s a good choice for those who find espresso too strong but still want a full-flavoured coffee experience. Do you need a new Cup?
8. Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is a method of preparation, not a kind of coffee. It is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans in a pot (cezve), usually with sugar, and serving it in a cup where the dregs settle. This method of serving coffee is found in the Middle East, North Africa, Caucasus, and the Balkans. Do you need a new Cup?
9. Café au Lait
Café au lait, French for “coffee with milk,” is made with equal parts of brewed coffee and steamed milk. This method differs from that of a latte, which uses espresso. It’s a staple in many French homes and is traditionally served in a wide-rimmed cup, perfect for dunking your morning croissant. Do you need a new Cup?
10. Irish Coffee
Perfect for those chilly nights, Irish coffee is a cocktail consisting of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, and topped with cream. The coffee is drunk through the cream to fully enjoy the mix of hot and cold, coffee, whiskey, and sweet cream. Do you need a new Cup?
The variety of coffee types reflects the beverage’s global popularity and the creativity of those who love it. From the robust espresso to the sweet and creamy mocha, there’s a coffee for every preference and mood. Enjoy your journey as you explore the rich world of coffee.
“We’ve reached the end of our Top 10 countdown, and we’d love to hear from you! Do you agree with our choices, or is there something we missed that you feel deserves a spot on this list? Let’s start a conversation – comment below with your thoughts and ideas. Your input might just influence our next Top 10!”
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