Happy National Coffee Day! To celebrate, let’s dive into the menus of your favorite coffee shops. For many of us, coffee is a daily necessity. And sometimes we need a break from the grind of work, prompting a visit to our local café. However, what should be a relaxing experience can quickly turn into a confusing game of mental gymnastics when faced with the menu. Macchiato? Flat White? When did coffee get so complicated? I suspect I’m not alone in my bewilderment.
If you’re like me, you might find yourself in a coffee shop, scanning the menu, and feeling your palms sweat at the thought of ordering the wrong thing. Asking a barista what a Cortado is can feel daunting. I want to blend in and exude coffee confidence! So, here’s a simple cheat sheet for your next visit to a trendy coffee spot:
- Espresso: This is your classic, concentrated coffee served in tiny cups, often sipped by those stylish Europeans. You might chuckle at their doll-sized cups until you try an espresso and realize its boldness is not to be underestimated. Fun fact: Before the 1600s, in Turkey and the Arab world, coffee was simply enjoyed as espresso without any milk.
- Macchiato: Think of this as espresso “stained” with a hint of foamed milk. It sounds odd, but trust me—it’s delicious.
- Cortado: I was in the dark about this until recently. It’s espresso mixed with an equal amount of steamed milk. Not sure what steamed milk is? Don’t worry; just roll with it!
- Café Americano: Legend has it that American soldiers during WWII diluted espresso with hot water to suit their taste, leading to this now-popular drink. It’s made of 1/3 espresso and 2/3 hot water. If you order this abroad, brace yourself for some judgmental looks!
- Flat White: This creation hails from Australia. It features a shot of espresso topped with steamed milk. It bears a striking resemblance to the next drink, but don’t tell anyone I said that.
- Cappuccino: This beloved classic is a mix of one part espresso, one part hot milk, and one part froth. Yes, froth is a whole different thing from hot milk—surprise!
- Latte: Here’s where things can get tricky. A latte is made with 2/3 espresso and 1/3 steamed milk, garnished with milk foam. If it’s all too confusing, just go for a cappuccino; you’ll likely enjoy it just as much.
- Café au Lait: Ah, the French twist! This delightful drink combines brewed coffee with steamed milk in a 1:1 ratio. Just don’t confuse it with white coffee (which is just milk at room temperature) or a latte.
This guide is just the tip of the coffee iceberg, and there’s so much more to explore, including hot brewed, cold brewed, drip coffee, and pressed coffee. However, for now, I’m just craving a good cup of joe.
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In summary, while coffee menus can be overwhelming, this guide provides you with the basics to navigate your next coffee order with confidence. Treat yourself to a delicious cup today!
Keyphrase: Coffee Menu Basics
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