How would you describe coffee?
Mud water? A magical drink that wakes you up in the morning? A smooth, textured, and flavorful drink that is compatible with many different flavors? The one person you could ask is the Barista at your local coffee shop. Yet, ever enter the coffee shop and not know what to ask or how to ask it?
Why are people stumped when it comes to what they want for a coffee?
Because they are not familiar with the terminology of coffee and what is in coffee. Here are helpful definitions that can help you for the next time you walk into the coffee shop for your next cup.
Square One:
Espresso: This is what is used in the majority of drinks made in a Cafe. It is served in 1-2 oz servings in drinks. Using very finely ground beans they use pressure to compact it so the water running through is able to get the high concentrated taste that many in the world today enjoy.
Foam/Froth: Heard the song Taylor the Latte Boy? She has one phrase in the song "and thank you for the extra foam". Ever wonder what she meant? Foam and Froth are the same things. While steaming the milk they "bubble it" to create millions of tiny bubbles increasing the milk capacity. This technique makes the milk smooth and light tasting. It is used in lattes, cappuccinos and any other drink that people want it on.
Drinks
Cafe' : French word for coffeeCafe au Lait: Similar to the Latte expect substitute the strong Espresso with Drip Coffee.
Cappuccino: Yes there is a difference between Gas Stations and Coffee Shops. Some places will call these Italian Cappuccino's. The cappuccino is one of the strongest espresso drinks. Using espresso, a little steamed milk, and mostly foamed milk.
Latte: Similar to the Cappuccino. The only difference is more steamed milk is used with a small layer of foam to finish off the top.
Mocha: Probably the drink that is used to introduce someone to coffee. It is a latte with chocolate powder. White, dark, or milk chocolate.
Tasting: This term is used with what we call drip coffee or brewed coffee.
Acidity: Refers to the bright, tangy, fruity characteristics found in the coffee.
Body: The texture and feel of the coffee. It has a strong, creamy, and pleasant feel if the coffee is full bodied.
Roast: Used as the combination of the many characteristics of coffee. Customers tend to ask for which is the lighter and which is the darker roast of the day. Darker roasts have a stronger taste, while lighter roasts do not have the strong bitter taste found in darker roasts of coffee. The beans roast level does have some effect on the taste yet the acidity and body have contributing factors too.
Taking peoples orders for their coffee can be entertaining. I get to hear many different versions of what the drinks are. This is when the barista's take those moments and get to tell you about what we get to do as a job, make coffee! So next time you go to your local coffee shop, or a Starbucks. Try out a new drink since you now know some more terms of coffee drinks.
