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List of Most Common Coffee Drinks
Exploring the different types of coffee beverages that Americans love to drink every day.
Published January 26, 2022
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Jennie Backteman
Coffee experts@The Coffee Lab
It’s estimated that around 150 million Americans drink coffee every day. This amounts to roughly 50% of the population, meaning it’s safe to say we’re a nation of coffee lovers. Whether a latte is your go to, or an espresso gets you through the day, there is a huge list of coffee drinks that are firm favorites throughout the country.
Before you next wake up and grab a cup of joe, here are some of the different types of coffee drinks and how to make them, which may expand your palate.
Americano
When it comes to the different types of coffee, Americano comes out as one of the most popular. This beverage is a fantastic option if you aren’t the biggest fan of making your coffee with milk. Some of us need something a bit stronger to get us through the day. If this sounds like you, an Americano should be perfect. It is made up of hot water and espresso which is made to be roughly the same amount and strength as a normal cup of drip coffee.
Unlike many kinds of coffee, an americano has a more intense, stronger flavor, which is loved by millions of Americans across the country. One reason why so many people drink americanos is because it’s full of caffeine which can help your body stay alert and keep you wide awake. This means whether a long day at the office awaits, or you have errands to run, a cup of Americano can get your energy levels up.
To make an americano, simply fill your cup roughly two thirds of the way with hot water. Next, brew a single or double espresso directly into your mug containing hot water. And there you have it, a lovely cup of americano!
Cappuccino
Another common coffee drink enjoyed by millions of Americans is a cappuccino. This is the perfect blend of steamed milk, espresso, and foam. Unlike some coffee styles, a cappuccino is all about its structure and an even splitting of every element into equal thirds. There is an array of flavoring options to choose from too. Some people enjoy adding a hint of cinnamon to their cappuccino, whereas others lean more towards chocolate. Whatever your preference, you can have just about any kind of cappuccino you like!
Not only do cappuccinos taste yummy, but there has also been research to suggest the beverage can provide several health benefits too. These include preventing heart problems and lowering cholesterol levels. If you have a cappuccino without sugar, the drink can lower your chance of a stroke by 20%. It’s easy to see why so many Americans favor cappuccino over other beverages.
To make the best cappuccino of your life, you will need a good amount of froth. For this to happen, you will need 1/3 espresso, 1/3 foam, and 1/3 steamed milk. To serve, pour the frothed milk into your espresso and you’re good to go. It’s best to use a latte cup as this will hold the perfect amount.
Espresso
An espresso is a concentrated form of coffee that’s served in strong, small shots. For most coffee drinks, espresso is the base. This beverage is created by using high pressure to push nearly boiling water through finely grounded coffee beans. When compared to normal brew, this method gives a much thicker consistency and quicker extraction.
There are tons of health benefits of drinking espresso too. These include improving concentration, boosting physical activity, strengthening long-term memory, and lowering your risk of a stroke. What’s more, an espresso is low in calories. This means you can sip on the beverage and enjoy the taste without worrying about any effects on your waistline.
If you have an espresso machine, making this beverage couldn’t be easier. Simply grind and measure your beans, distribute, and tamp down your shot, before pulling your shot. Next, prepare milk if you plan to use it, and enjoy your drink.
Café au Lait
Another common coffee drink found throughout the United States is a café au lait. This beverage originated in France, which consists of equal parts of steamed milk and French Press brewed coffee. Traditionally, a café au lait doesn’t have milk foam on the top. However, some coffee shops may serve the drink with a very thin layer. While the French got their hands on this drink first, it expanded in popularity and found its way to America.
One of the key differences between a café au lait and a latte is the former is made with espresso, whereas the latter is made with regular coffee. What’s more, this drink usually has less caffeine than a latte, as well as having a weaker flavor. While there are many different coffees to try out, a café au lait is one of the best.
To make the best café au lait, you’ll need your usual coffee machine and milk. Simply grind your coffee and brew in your machine and froth your milk. Next, pour the coffee into your cup, add frothed milk, and sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Iced Coffee
To put it simply, iced coffee is a cold version of your favorite coffee. However, it isn’t just a coffee that has been left to cool. Normally, iced coffee is a mixture of milk and hot espresso, with ice added on top. There are all kinds of iced coffee names and unique coffee types, including banana milk coffee, cappuccino on ice, and iced caramel macchiato. With so many variations, you’re sure to find an iced coffee drink that will tantalize your tastebuds.
One of the great things about iced brew coffee is that it may help in boosting your metabolism, lifting your mood, and lowering your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Iced coffee is ridiculously easy to make too. Simply pour a 200ml cup of black coffee, allow it to go cold, before pouring it into a blender with milk along with a few handles of ice. Lastly, blend until it’s foamy and serve in a tall, chilled glass.
Flat White
If you’ve looked at a coffee types chart, you’ll have seen a flat white on it. The great thing about this coffee drink is that it’s an espresso-based beverage with a milk and foam distribution that gives off the feeling of drinking thick espresso only, but with it being more drinkable and milkier.
For those who swear by flat whites, you may not realize all the health benefits you are reaping from these types of coffee. For instance, flat white beverages contain antioxidants. These are associated with anti-aging properties and lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes. The greatest health effects can be felt in those who consume between three and five cups of the stuff each day.
If you’re wondering how many types of coffee drinks are there and which provides the best health benefits, a flat white is sure to be one of them. To make a flat white, you’ll need to prepare a double espresso while remembering to make sure a nice even tamp for a pure, smooth coffee extraction. Foam your milk before you brew your espresso and begin brewing your espresso during the latter stages of your milk foaming. Once you’ve frothed your milk, tap the jug gently to get rid of air bubbles. Lastly, pour 100ml of frothed milk into your espresso and enjoy your drink.
Latte
A latte is another espresso-based coffee beverage that’s very popular in the United States and across the globe. Latte is an Italian word that simply means ‘coffee and milk’. Unlike a cappuccino, a latte is different as it contains more steamed milk and only has a tiny layer of microfoam. For those who aren’t keen on coffee that is bold or super strong, a latte may be the perfect option for you. Also, lattes are diluted with steamed milk, which means the amount of caffeine in the beverage is lower when compared to espresso or coffee.
To make the ultimate latte, you need to start by preparing a single or double espresso in a latte glass. Next, fill your milk jug 1/3 of the way (whole milk is advised), before purging your steam arm and attempting to steam the milk. Before you brew your espresso, you need to foam your milk first and pay close attention to help create a nice smooth microfoam. Once you’ve foamed or frothed your milk, tap the jug gently or bump onto a table to get rid of unwanted air bubbles. Next, start pouring the frothed milk into your espresso, and continue pouring while you lower the milk. Make sure there’s a small amount of stiff milk foam that will sit on top once you’ve poured.
While there are many different kinds of coffee drinks to pick from, those listed above are some of the most popular types of coffee. For the coffee lovers who want to switch up their routine and try something different, there are tons of tasty coffee beverages packed with flavor that could be your new staple drink.
About the author
Jennie Backteman
I´m a ultramarathon runner, landscape designer and a coffee lover.
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