So recently, something occurred to me. I realized while creating my last blog post that there is sometimes a sense of confusion when it comes to the components of each basic coffee drinks. Before my obsession with coffee, I do remember the confusion I experienced when trying to order a drink at a local café. So with that said, I want to take this time to explain the general construction of each espresso drink. Also, each of these drinks is made of basically the same few ingredients and tend to build off one another so by simply adding another ingredient, you magically have a different drink! Without further adieu, I present to you, what I’d like to call “The Basics”
Espresso: This is a great option for someone who can wants the caffeine from a cup of coffee but doesn't want to drink an 12oz beverage. If you order a shot of espresso, you will be given a 1oz shot of pure espresso. While espresso is basic, there are also a few variations depending on the boldness and amount of caffeine you want. Some simple variations to the single shot are the Ristretto (Short Shot: ¾ oz.) or a Lungo (Long Shot: 1 ½ oz.) For a little more caffeine, go for the Double Shot (Doppio), which is a longer shot, using twice the amount of ground espresso.
Espresso: This is a great option for someone who can wants the caffeine from a cup of coffee but doesn't want to drink an 12oz beverage. If you order a shot of espresso, you will be given a 1oz shot of pure espresso. While espresso is basic, there are also a few variations depending on the boldness and amount of caffeine you want. Some simple variations to the single shot are the Ristretto (Short Shot: ¾ oz.) or a Lungo (Long Shot: 1 ½ oz.) For a little more caffeine, go for the Double Shot (Doppio), which is a longer shot, using twice the amount of ground espresso.
Macchiato: This is such a simple drink! But somehow, Starbucks has morphed it into a something completely different from what it actually is (refer to my last post “The Macchiato”) Order this and you will get a single shot of espresso topped with a small dollop of milk foam! YUM!
Café’ Breve: This is not as well known as the other basic drinks but I’d thought I would include it anyway. A Café’ Breve is just a single shot of espresso topped with some steamed half and half! Try replacing that half and half with some whipped crème and tada!—you have an espresso con panna!
Cappuccino: This is another one of my favorites due to its classic tendency. This drink is made up of a single or double shot of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk and then foam to top it all off. Simple and Classic—you can’t go wrong with this one!
Latte: Very similar to a cappuccino but you’ll be getting a little more milk. Depending on the size, a latte is composed of multiple shots of espresso, layered with a larger amount of steamed milk and then a thin layer of foam to pull it all together. This is a great drink for someone who is edging his or her way into the coffee world! The milk and rich foam ease the bold flavor of the espresso to combine into a warm and frothy beverage that any coffee lover would enjoy!
Café’ Mocha: For those of you with a little sweet tooth, this is the perfect drink for you! Order this for a sweet blend of espresso, steamed milk, and CHOCOLATE! Don’t forget to top it off with some whip cream! This is one of my favorite ways to sneak chocolate into my day!
After reading about "The Basics", you should have a better understanding about the ingredients in most espresso drinks. So next time you go waltzing up to the coffee bar, be confident in what you are ordering! However, if you still have some questions, don't be afraid to ask your barista! They are there to ensure you order a drink that you will love!
Cheers!
Cheers!