Have you ever been in need of caffeine but completely clueless when it comes to ordering? Is coffee lingo the equivalent of a Latin exam? Trust me, you’re not alone. As the temperature drops and the homework piles up, more and more people emerge who want, nay, need coffee, but can’t figure out what to order because they’ve “never tried coffee” or “never liked the taste of coffee.”
I’ve been working as a barista (fancy-speak for a person who makes coffee) for almost four years, so it might come as a surprise to some that there was once a time I didn’t even know how to spell “coffee,” let alone make it. Now, I love coffee, but not because I like it straight out of the pot but because I know now exactly what to order myself. As this promises to be a pretty bleary winter, I want everyone to feel confident approaching that Starbucks counter and ordering something that won’t feel like a waste of five bucks, and the first step in this endeavor is understand what exactly the menu is offering. So, I’ve compiled a handy-dandy coffee dictionary here of 10 basic drinks for both your enjoyment and your ordering assistance. *DISCLAIMER* Even though I know these drinks enough to explain them, I don’t pretend to know every single drink in existence. Each individual shop is different and will make their drinks in different ways. This is just a loose guide to help you out!
1. “Drip Coffee” (Also “Brewed Coffee” or “Black Coffee” or just plain “Coffee”)
The simplest type of coffee you could probably order. Made by letting hot water drip through ground coffee beans (hence the term “drip” coffee). Has a slightly bitter taste, but can be made less bitter if it’s a flavored coffee or if you put milk/creamer/sugar/flavoring in it. Caffeine Level: 3-5 (out of 10), depending on the type of drip coffee used and the way it’s made.
2. “Iced Coffee” (Also “Cold Press”)
Simplest coffee you could order, only iced. Also, has a bitter taste, but it’s slightly toned down when the ice melts. Caffeine Level: 3-5, depending again on the type and how it’s made.
3. “Espresso”
This drink is the base of most other complicated drinks, like your cappuccinos, lattes,
Frappuccino, etc. It’s made by forcing water through ground espresso beans. It has a sharp, bitter taste, much more bitter than a normal coffee. Caffeine Level: 5-6 (for a single shot, add one for every extra shot
4. “Americano”
A shot mixed with either hot water or cold water and ice. This still has the espresso taste, but it’s bitterness is cut down a bit because of the water. Caffeine Level: 5-6.
5. “Shot in the Dark” (Also “Red Eye”)
A shot of espresso poured into a cup of brewed coffee. Very, very bitter. It also can be made cold with iced coffee. Caffeine Level: 6-7 (for a single shot, add one for every extra shot).
6. “Latte”
A shot of espresso with steamed milk. It also can be made with cold milk for a cold drink. Sweeter than plain espresso, but still with the distinctive espresso taste. You can add a variety of flavors to make it sweeter if you’d like (this is where the “Pumpkin Spice Latte” comes from). Caffeine Level: 5-6.
7. “Café Mocha” (Also “Mocha Latte”).
A latte with chocolate syrup. Can be regular chocolate or white chocolate syrup (this one is usually called a “White Mocha Latte”). Can also be served cold. One of my personal favorites, because I’m a complete sucker for chocolate. Caffeine Level: 5-6.
8. “Caramel Macchiato”
A latte with caramel and vanilla syrup. There’s usually a special way to pour the espresso shot, but I’ve always made it like a latte. Can also be served cold. Caffeine Level: 5-6.
9. “Cappuccino”
A latte with much more milk foam. Can also have flavorings like a latte. Tastes very much like a latte, except the foam, makes the milk fluffier and less liquidy. Can NOT be served cold, as the foam is only made through steaming the milk. Caffeine Level: 5-6.
10. “Frappuccino"
Basically a latte shake. Made with espresso, flavoring, milk, ice, and sometimes ice cream. Much, much sweeter than a normally made latte. Cannot be served hot. Caffeine Level: 3-4. These drinks tend to be larger than the average drink, but they still have the same amount of espresso in them. Espresso is diluted, making a less caffeinated drink.
There ya have it, folks. As I said, most stores will have their own spin on these drinks, and will also most likely have additional drinks that aren’t on this list. Hopefully, this gives you a good base on which to begin your coffee obsession. What other coffee conundrums are burning in your soul? Ask below in the comments, and I’ll attempt an explanation! Good luck, future addicts, and may the caffeine be with you!
