a coMpRehensive guide to coFFee

Kennedy Bustos

To some, coffee is simply a beverage. To others, coffee is a lifestyle. Overall, whether or not you’re a coffee enthusiast, one cannot deny that there is a culture surrounding coffee. Yet, there are so many intricate cogs in the coffee machine—a multitude of different coffee drinks, a vast array of coffee methods and an abundance of plant-based milk alternatives. Here’s a refresher on all things coffee: for coffee addicts and newbies alike!

aMeRicano An Americano is espresso with hot water; the ratio in an Americano is one part coffee, three parts water. If you’re a black coffee fanatic, Americanos are your best bet. Believe it or not, the Americano has quite the origin story. In WWII, American soldiers abroad were craving the drip coffee they knew and loved; they soon discovered that adding water to their shots of espresso mimicked their coffee from home. Americanos are delicious hot or iced!

latte A latte is a shot of espresso topped with steamed milk and foam. In Italian, latte means “milk” — apt indeed, as a latte is three parts milk and one part espresso. If you’re new to the flavor profiles inherent in espresso, a latte is an apt choice as the bitterness of the espresso is balanced with lots of milk. Lattes are especially delightful if you choose to add flavors such as vanilla, hazelnut, caramel or … you guessed it, pumpkin spice. The milk foam on top adds a pleasant texture to the drink.

cappuccino A cappuccino is similar in flavor to a latte, with a one to one to one ratio of espresso, milk and foam. Yes, you read that correctly—there is just as much foam in a cappuccino as there is espresso. If you’ve never tried a cappuccino, you most definitely should—the textural experience of the layered espresso, milk and foam is truly something to marvel. Like lattes, cappuccinos are delicious with vanilla or hazelnut.

Macchiato A traditional macchiato is equal parts espresso and milk. In Italian, macchiato means “stained” — the espresso literally “stains” the milk. If you’re not too keen on milky drinks, or if you simply want the espresso to shine through, a macchiato is the route you should take. However, not all macchiatos are created equal. For instance, some macchiatos lean more closely to “latte macchiatos,” with the ratio of milk being much higher. Be sure to ask your barista before you order!

Mocha A mocha is espresso with chocolate, steamed milk, milk foam and occasionally whipped cream. Chocolate and coffee are a match made in caffeinated heaven. The flavors of chocolate enhance and elevate the flavors of coffee, and vice versa. There are many variations of mochas including — peppermint mochas and white chocolate mochas. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, a mocha might be the espresso drink for you!

espresso drinks breWing MeThods

espResso Machines Now that you’ve been thoroughly acquainted with the various espresso drinks, you may be curious on the difference between coffee and espresso. While the beans are certainly a contributing factor to the distinction — espresso beans are roasted longer than traditional coffee beans, lending a deeper toasted flavor — the method is what makes it espresso. Espresso machines pull highly pressurized hot water through tightly packed espresso grounds.

dRip coFFee Machine Drip coffee machines are the most traditional coffee methods here in the States. Drip coffees are especially useful when preparing coffee for a crowd. Drip coffee is simple to brew and quick to enjoy — simply add water to the reservoir, coffee to the filter, and as the water heats, it will drip down through the grounds, and boom! You have coffee. If you’re new to brewing your own coffee, a drip coffee maker is a simple, affordable place to start.

FRench pRess As a coffee connoisseur, I can say with utter confidence that the French press is a superior brewing method. When brewing coffee in a French Press, the coffee beans steep in direct contact with the water for a longer period of time, allowing the coffee to have a more well-rounded flavor. Heat your water – an electric kettle makes this step much easier, but use what you’ve got! — and grind your beans to a coarse texture. Allow the coffee to steep for about five minutes, then press the filter. Enjoy your French pressed coffee with the knowledge that you took an extra bit of time to make your coffee a little more blissful. If you’re a fan of ritualistic mornings, a French Press might be the next quintessential part of your routine.

pouR-oveR coFFee If you enjoy the ritual of French Press coffee, pour-over coffee might be your next favorite brewing method. Pour-over coffee is quite versatile—you can make it with or without an external device. Pour-over coffee is a simplistic, yet slightly more pretentious version, of traditional drip coffee. To prepare pour-over coffee, simply pour hot water over coffee grounds arranged in a filter over your mug of choice. Again, you can use a speciality ceramic pour-over device, but there are ways to prepare it without equipment as well. Pour-over coffee is a delicious way to elevate your next cup of coffee.

cold BRew Believe it or not, cold brew coffee is more than simply letting hot coffee cool down. Cold brew requires a different process, different equipment and a bit more patience, but the resulting iced cup of joe is very much worth it. For cold brew coffee, simply steep coarsely ground coffee beans in water for 12-24 hours; the longer you steep, the stronger the coffee. Then, strain the coffee with a fine mesh strainer, ideally layered with cheesecloth to ensure that minimal grounds make the final cut. There are plenty of cold brew coffee devices to choose from, but you can just as easily prepare it with minimal equipment. (If you have a French Press, that will also do the trick!) Cold brew coffee is a particularly efficient caffeinated option for those with busy schedules. Prepare a big batch at the beginning of the week, and it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks.

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Graphics by Sanne Peek/The Paisano. Page layout by Seva Hester.