Today marks National Coffee Day, and to celebrate, let’s take a closer look at the coffee menu you might encounter at your local café. For many of us, coffee is an essential part of our daily routine, and sometimes we need to step away from our responsibilities to enjoy a cup. However, the ever-evolving coffee landscape can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Macchiato? Flat White? When did ordering coffee become such a mental workout? It’s easy to point fingers at a certain ubiquitous coffee chain for this confusion.
I suspect I’m not the only one who steps into a coffee shop, glances at the menu, and breaks into a sweat, fearing that I’ll be put on the spot before I’ve made up my mind. Asking a barista about a Cortado can feel intimidating—are they even baristas anymore? I want to blend in, to be part of the coffee culture without looking like a novice. For anyone else who feels this way, here’s a handy guide to navigate the coffee menu on your next visit to a trendy café:
- Espresso: The quintessential small, strong coffee shot often enjoyed by Europeans. It’s easy to make fun of those who sip it from tiny cups, but once you try it, you’ll understand its appeal—truly, only the bold can appreciate its intensity. I personally enjoy three a day.
- Macchiato: Think of this as espresso “stained” with a touch of foamed milk. While it may not sound appealing at first, it’s a delightful mix.
- Cortado: This coffee consists of espresso mixed with equal parts steamed milk. If you’re unclear on what steamed milk means (is it simply hot milk?), don’t worry; we’ll keep it simple.
- Café Americano: Legend has it that American soldiers during WWII diluted their espresso with hot water. This drink became popular and is made with a ratio of 1/3 espresso to 2/3 hot water. Be cautious ordering this abroad; you might get some interesting looks!
- Flat White: Originating from Australia, this drink features a shot of espresso topped with steamed milk. It bears resemblance to the next drink but has its own unique charm.
- Cappuccino: A mix of equal parts espresso, hot milk, and froth. Yes, they are distinct—who knew hot milk and froth were different things?
- Latte: This one can be tricky. It typically consists of 2/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and a layer of milk foam on top. If this feels overwhelming, just grab a cappuccino instead; the differences might be negligible.
- Café au Lait: A French twist on coffee, blending brewed coffee with steamed milk in a 1:1 ratio. It’s important to distinguish this from other coffee styles; it’s not the same as a latte or “white coffee” (which uses room temperature milk).
There’s a lot more to explore in the coffee universe, including hot brewed, cold brewed, and pressed varieties. But for now, all I really need is a good cup of coffee to kickstart my day.
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In summary, coffee culture might seem daunting, but with this guide, you’ll navigate your local café’s menu with confidence. Enjoy your brews, and here’s to finding your perfect cup!