
9 Terms Every Coffee (and Espresso) Lover Should Know
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If you’re a coffee lover, you know that every cup is different, and there are so many words to describe it. This guide will help even the most caffeinated person navigate these mysterious new worlds of coffee terminology with ease.
Americano
An americano is an espresso with hot water added. Baristas make it in a traditional espresso machine or with a stovetop espresso maker, and it can also be made in a Moka pot. The americano typically contains 1/2 to 3/4 oz of espresso and 2-3 oz of hot water. Therefore, it’s espresso diluted with water and served in a tall glass.
Cappuccino
Coffee lovers everywhere have been enjoying the mystifyingly creamy drink known as the cappuccino for years. It is a beverage made with espresso and steamed milk, usually 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foamed milk. You can enjoy it in a glass or ceramic cup for an ambrosial treat any time of the day.
The origin of this coffee drink dates to 15th-century Italy when Capuchin friars in Rome prepared their own drinks using beans grown nearby within their monastery grounds. These monks were known for wearing brown robes. The term Cappuccino is named after the robes the Capuchin friars wore.
Caffeine Buzz
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee and tea, as well as many other foods and drinks. It increases your heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism and gives you a slight “buzz.” Caffeine is also addictive. If you’ve ever had to stop drinking coffee because it was too much for you to handle, then you might have experienced cravings for it once you stopped. You may have also felt tired and had a headache due to caffeine withdrawal. Caffeine can cause insomnia or worsen existing insomnia if you sip it after 2 p.m.
However, caffeine has benefits too. According to Harvard Medical School’s site. it could lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease, and there’s evidence it could also lower the risk of liver disease and type 2 diabetes. These are areas that need more research.
Cortado
If you’re not into sweet coffee drinks, a cortado is the perfect drink for you. It’s like a macchiato in that it’s espresso with some milk added, but unlike the macchiato, it has less foam and sugar. If you don’t like your coffee overly sweet, this drink could be for you.
As with other types of espresso-based drinks, there are plenty of ways to customize a cortado. Some people like theirs made extra strong. Others prefer a milder taste (in which case they might want almond milk instead). You can also try adding cinnamon or nutmeg if you want to give this classic drink an edge!
Crema
Crema is the foam on top of your espresso. Its color can vary, but it’s typically a medium brown. Crema forms when pressure forces hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. Good crema should be a medium brown color, with a slightly lighter brown foam on top. The foam should be creamy and thick, with a smooth texture, and have a strong, rich flavor with a hint of bitterness. A nicely colored creme is a mark of a good shot of espresso.
Espresso machine
An espresso machine is a device that heats and forces hot water through finely-ground coffee. The filter basket, also called a portafilter or grouphead (depending on the type of machine), holds the coffee grounds. It sits atop an espresso maker’s boiler (or heating element) and acts as a funnel through which water passes before being dispensed into cups or glasses.
A hopper holds fresh beans ready for the machine to use. You’ll need to replenish these periodically based on how often you use your machine.
Espresso con panna
Espresso con panna is a coffee drink made with espresso and whipped cream. It is popular in Italy and other parts of Europe and is sometimes called a cappuccino con panna. This drink is made by adding whipped cream to a shot of espresso. For added taste and visual appeal, you can garnish it with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.
French press
A French press is also called a ‘press pot,’ ‘plunger pot,’ or ‘cafetière,’ which is French for ‘coffee maker.’ This simple brewing device consists of a metal or glass beaker and a lid with a filter. After you add coffee grounds to the bottom chamber of the press (known as the carafe), you slowly pour hot water over them and allow them to steep for about 5 minutes. You then use a plunger to push all that delicious coffee through its filter into your cup below.
Why French press coffee? Many sources claim French press coffee is more flavorful, but there is a downside. Unfiltered coffee may increase blood cholesterol, as you don’t filter out cafestol, a diterpene molecule in coffee. It is responsible for most of the coffee’s bitter taste and cholesterol-raising tendencies.
Ristretto, lungo, and doppio
Know your espresso shots too. Here’s a rundown:
Ristretto: A short, concentrated espresso shot, usually served in a demitasse.
Lungo: A long espresso shot, usually served in a larger cup.
Doppio: This double-strength espresso is stronger than the norm and must be drunk quickly before it cools down too much.
Learn the lingo to sound like a coffee expert!
There’s A lot to Know About Coffee
Now you can talk more intelligently about coffee and know what to order at the coffee shop when you’re tired of your usual. Coffee is a rich part of culture, so it’s also good to know that knowledge can help you feel more connected with the world and its people.
References:
“Drink up: Health benefits of coffee are numerous | News | Harvard T.H ….” hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/drink-up-health-benefits-of-coffee-are-numerous/.
“The Origin of Cappuccino | Merriam-Webster.” merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/where-do-we-get-cappuccino-from.
Chaudhary NS, Grandner MA, Jackson NJ, Chakravorty S. Caffeine consumption, insomnia, and sleep duration: Results from a nationally representative sample. Nutrition. 2016 Nov-Dec;32(11-12):1193-9. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2016.04.005. Epub 2016 May 10. PMID: 27377580; PMCID: PMC6230475.