Coffee Knowledge
Types of coffee explained
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There are so many types of coffee which can make trying something new a little bit daunting. That's why we've created this guide to keep you in the know.
What is a latte?
The latte is a frothy coffee that's cherished all over the world, but what makes a latte so unique?
What is a cappuccino?
The cappuccino is the second most popular coffee in the UK, but how is it different to other coffees?
What is an Americano?
The americano is often mistaken for just a standard black coffee, but it's so much more than that
What is an espresso?
Espresso forms the base of many coffee beverages, but what makes it special?
What is a cortado?
The cortado is relatively new in the world of coffee, but why does it get mistaken for a flat white?
What is a mocha?
Deliciously sweet, nutty and chocolatey. Find out what makes a mocha unique.
What is a macchiato?
The macchiato is an espresso coffee drink, topped with a small amount of foamed milk to enable the espresso taste to shine through.
What is a flat white?
A newcomer in the coffee world that is increasing popular. Learn what a flat white is and where it came from.
What is a decaf?
Many people enjoy decaf coffee as it offers the delicious taste with less caffeine. But what is decaf coffee, exactly?
What is an Irish coffee?
You will recognise an Irish coffee as it is served in a distinctive toddy glass, with a generous layer of cream. But how is it made?
What is an iced coffee?
On a hot summer's day, is there anything better than sipping on an iced coffee? Find out what goes into making the perfect iced coffee.
What is a Café au Lait?
The Café au Lait comes from France and simply means 'coffee with milk', but what makes it so special?
What is cold brew?
Cold brew coffee has taken the world by storm in recent years, but how does it compare to an iced coffee?
What is a frappé?
A frappé is an incredibly popular summertime drink, but where does it come from?
What is drip coffee?
Drip coffee is one of the most popular ways to prepare and enjoy coffee.
What is instant coffee?
Instant coffee is a staple in our lives. It’s quick and easy to prepare and delicious.
Wet Vs dry cappuccino
Know your wet cappuccino from your dry cappuccino to order with confidence!
Long black coffee
A users guide to modern coffee. Know your long black coffee from your flat white and much more.
Cortado vs flat white
Both are delicious, but what’s the difference? Discover all there is to know about a cortado and a flat white.
Latte vs flat white
Some of the most popular coffees on the menu. Are you in love with them both, but unsure what the differences are?
Latte vs cappuccino
Some of the most popular coffee beverages. Finally learn the difference between them to get the exact coffee you’re craving.
What is a latte macchiato?
An espresso-based drink containing sweetened or unsweetened milk and topped with a small amount of foamed milk.
Latte vs macchiato
Latte and macchiatos seem to taste the same, but does that mean that they are?
Flat White vs cappuccino
Two coffee drinks that tend to get mixed up a lot, but they are very different.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many coffee types exist?
There are over 30 combinations of coffee types in the world. We've put together some of our favourite coffee types for you to try at home - easy recipes with NESCAFÉ instant coffee as the starting point. From the well-known cappuccino, espresso, and latte, to the lungo, ristretto, café au lait and cold brew, there are so many types of coffee to enjoy. Which is your favourite?
Which coffee has the strongest taste?
The strongest type of coffee is freshly brewed espresso. It forms the base for most coffee drinks, and is easily enjoyed with added milk, but can be enjoyed by itself if you prefer bold, intense coffee flavours.
Which coffee has the mildest taste?
A latte is generally considered the least intense coffee. Made with freshly brewed espresso, the taste is then made less intense because of the volume of milk added. This also makes it sweeter with a more mellow taste.
Which coffee has the most milk?
A café latte has the biggest milk-to-coffee ratio, with a third being espresso and the remaining two thirds consisting of milk. The cappuccino is close behind which contains equal parts of espresso, steamed milk and milk foam (in a ratio of 1:1:1).
What are the most popular coffee drinks?
The cappuccino, the latte, and the espresso shot are probably the most popular types – or at least, the most well-known!
Different coffee types summarised
Looking for a quick read? Here’s a summary of the different types of coffee.
- Latte - One or two shots of espresso, lots of steamed milk and a final, thin layer of frothed milk on top
- Cappuccino – Espresso, steamed milk and milk foam equally split into thirds
- Americano - It can either be served 1/2 and 1/2 or 1/3 espresso to 2/3 water
- Espresso - Concentrated form of coffee, served in shots and it’s often the coffee base of many other beverages
- Cortado - Made with lightly steamed milk without froth or foam
- Mocha - It is often 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk, with chocolate flavouring
- Macchiato - Espresso coffee drink, topped with a small amount of foamed or steamed milk
- Flat White - A blend of micro-foamed milk poured over a single or double shot of espresso
- Decaf - Made from regular coffee beans that go through the decaffeination process.
- Irish Coffee - Made from coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and cream
- Iced Coffee - A cold version of your favourite coffee, with ice added
- Café au Lait - brewed coffee and steamed milk. One part coffee to one part steamed milk with no froth or foam on top
A world of taste awaits! Enjoy discovering the incredible variety of coffees with NESCAFÉ.
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