Explaining Coffee Terminology
A recent coffee-related post has offered some clarification on confusing coffee terminology and plethora of coffee.
Not only is the variety of mixes, blends and beans becoming increasingly complex, different types of coffee drinks, as well as varying measures, are adding to the confusion.
In terms of the choice of coffee drinks available, an espresso distinguishes itself as a single or double shot offering, which is created with hot water and finely ground coffee beans. Meanwhile an Americano is the same espresso shot, but with mixed with hot water. Moving up the scale in terms of complexity is the latte, an espresso shot combined with steamed milk and topped with foam, whilst a cappuccino –stronger than the latte – has less steamed milk and more foam.
Options which add more than hot water and milk to the equation include the caramel macchiato, frappuccino and café mocha offerings of the coffee world. The first, as its name implies, is essentially a vanilla latte but with a little more foam and a little less vanilla, topped with caramel sauce drizzled over the foam. A frappuccino combines espresso coffee with ice, whereas the café mocha is an indulgent espresso shot mixed with chocolate syrup, steamed milk and whipped cream.
As for quantities, a ‘short’ 8oz measure (approx. 250ml) is usually a special request, with the ‘tall’ option actually considered a small volume of liquid (12oz or approx. 375ml) and the ‘grande’ the larger choice at 16oz (approx. 500ml). If drinking a half litre of coffee is not enough, a ‘venti’ is either 20oz if hot or 24oz if cold.