Long gone are the days where you would order a coffee from a milk bar with the simple instructions of " medium, white with two sugars, thanks". These days there is an extensive menu of all different styles and strengths and even the option to choose the type of bean to be used. This can become quite over-whelming with so many decisions to make when all you want is a bloody coffee!!!
Coffee has become such a large part of our everyday lives. Many of us stop into a local cafe to order our favorite beverage before we head off to work or even for an excuse to catch up with friends or family. It even comes into play at that important business meeting or even that hot date you have been trying to land for the last few weeks. With this in mind, it is important to know what you want and how to order it.
Here is a basic list of common coffees that will ensure that you avoid the embarrasment and give you a good idea of what to order next time you find yourself in front of the barista at your local cafe.
Espresso/Short Black:
A strong, thick and syrupy shot of coffee brewed by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans.
Double:
Simply 2 shots of Espresso instead of one.
Long Black:
A double shot of espresso with added hot water.
Macchiato:
A shot of espresso with an added dash of steamed milk to basically 'stain' the coffee.
Cappuccino:
Usually equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk, often dusted with cocoa.
Latte:
Essentially, a single shot of espresso in milk topped with a little foam. The ratio of milk to coffee should be about 3:1.
Flat white:
A shot of espresso in a normal size coffee cup topped up with hot milk.
Mocha:
Basically a Cappuccino or Latte with an additional chocolate hit.
Affogatto:
A scoop of vanilla ice cream served in a regular size glass with a shot of espresso coffee.
Irish coffee:
A coffee spiked with a shot of Irish whisky.
Now you can sit back and enjoy the ambience and concentrate on the more important things in life instead of worrying what coffee you have to order.
Matt Clark Culinary Madness, Author, Freelance Writer and Culinary Consultant