With finals week fast approaching, most of us will need that extra pick-me-up provided by coffee. Whether you’re the cup-every-morning-in-order-to-function type or only drink it once in a while, coffee is a large part of college life; even the dining halls here get the memo and offer free coffee during study days and finals. Admittedly, I didn’t drink coffee much before college, but I have since learned the benefits of having a cup every now and then.
Since I consider myself a bit of a coffee newbie, I find I’m kind of intimidated of all the kinds of coffee. I usually just stick to the most basic kinds I know I like and very rarely deviate to other variations. Out of my own curiosity, I decided to look into exactly what makes up some of these espresso drinks that I often hear ordered.
Espresso is a concentrated brew of finely ground coffee beans. It typically has a thicker consistency because a very small amount of water is used.
Americano is the addition of hot water to an espresso, extending the life of the drink. It is the same as the espresso in overall strength but differs in taste.
Macchiato is similar to the Americano, but instead of hot water a small amount of milk foam is added to the espresso shot. The volume of the drink is comparable to that of the espresso, and has a stronger taste than the Americano.
Cappuccino consists of the espresso shot with the addition of steamed milk topped with milk foam, which is the distinct, textured characteristic of this drink.
Latte, similar in components to the cappuccino, has a 1:3 ratio of espresso to steamed milk (more than in a cappuccino) and a little foam on top.
Mocha has the same proportion of espresso to steamed milk as the latte incorporates a chocolate component to the drink. It is often topped with either milk foam or whipped cream.
For the most part, the several other coffee drinks are a variation of those listed above. The difference often lies in the construction of the drink or the addition or extraction of a specific component. However you choose to look at it, coffee is a wonderful drink that can give another wind of energy but also smells and tastes great. Make sure to take some time to enjoy your coffee break(s), Collegiettes!
Sources
http://inumcconnect.org/events/youth-ministry-coffee-chats/
https://31.media.tumblr.com/1963d7c1ba091216ac3a995f269d61f0/tumblr_n2760oJ9Wv1six0yvo1_400.gif
http://www.splashesofcolour.com.au/about-joco-cups/
https://31.media.tumblr.com/eca3b14b63f66ed1942baf289b0477dc/tumblr_n29wge0Vup1s2wio8o1_500.gif
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_coffee_beverages