Coffee is a wonderful substance, but it can sometimes be difficult to understand the precise differences between different varieties. Discover those distinctions here.
Americano
An instant classic, the Americano is straight, black coffee topped up with water. In many coffee outlets you can choose to have it with either hot or cold milk on the side. This is potentially one of the lowest-calorie coffee options. Depending on what you're used to, what size you order and how much milk you have it can have a fairly strong taste. You can drink an Americano black, with hot or cold milk or with pouring cream.
Cafe Latte
Although it contains more calories than an Americano, luxurious Lattes are a popular choice the world over. A Latte is prepared by making an espresso shot in a large cup or mug and topping it up with aerated hot milk, generally arriving to your table an alluring hazelnut colour. Lattes are perfect for adding flavoured syrups to and can be made with semi-skimmed, skimmed ("skinny") or soya milk.
Cappuccino
The Cappuccino is perhaps the most famous and popular coffee. Made similarly to a Latte, the espresso shot is topped up by half with aerated hot milk, and half by a more solid, foamed milk. Many outlets also add chocolate powder or flakes to add an extra delicious twist. Flavoured syrups can be added to Cappuccinos and they can be made with whole, semi-skimmed, skimmed ("skinny") or soya milk.
Espresso
Espresso is the simplest and strongest form of coffee you can get. Served in small quantities of either one shot ("Single") or two shots ("Double"), it is the perfect morning pick-me-up. Be warned, however, it is very strong. Espresso is also the perfect post-meal coffee; full flavour, minimal intake after a big meal.
Mocha
A truly indulgent treat for lovers of coffee and chocolate alike, this sumptuous drink contains the two. Made similarly to a Latte, chocolate is mixed with espresso and topped up with aerated warm milk. Many outlets also add chocolate sprinkles to this one, to give it an extra naughty edge.
Macchiato
Taking the edge off an Espresso, this one consists of an espresso shot, topped with a small scoop of more solid aerated hot milk.
Decaf
In most coffee outlets, a decaffeinated option is available for any coffee-based drink.
Skinny
A "skinny" version of a drink is one made or served with skimmed rather than semi-skimmed or whole milk.
Syrups
Different flavoured syrups are often available to add to coffee in many outlets. Some flavours include vanilla, caramel, gingerbread, hazelnut and cinnamon, although there are many others.
Different Sizes and Extra Shots
Coffees come in different sizes, usually a smaller size has one shot of straight coffee in, while a larger may have two or even three. A Single Espresso is a single shot, and a Double Espresso is two. In many coffee houses you have the choice of adding an extra shot for a small price, to make the coffee stronger, or to have a single shot in a larger size, making it weaker.
Beth Walley - I am an individual UK-based freelance writer, who has always harboured a great love of books; encompassing an obsessive fascination with ...
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