Coffee Ordering 101 for Coffee Shop Newbies!

Ordering something from anywhere new can be intimidating, but ordering coffee might be the most scary of them all. Even more so if you have to order for someone else! There are so many different names, flavors, add ins, temperatures and of course the sizing doesn't always make sense! BUT PLEASE DON'T LET THIS STOP YOU FROM ENJOYING A DELICIOUS HANDCRAFTED BEVERAGE!

I'm here to give you a quick little guide on basic coffee-based beverages, what their contents are and generally, what their flavor profile would be (of course, this may vary by coffee shop due to the variation in beans and their exact recipe). This is far from an exhaustive list of drink choices, but it gives you a good starting point. Let's begin with the most sweet and work our way to more bold coffee flavors:

Blended Coffee Drinks

Profile: Sugary Slushie + sweetest of them all

These drinks can go by many names depending on the individual coffee shop. Often referred to as Frappe, Frappicino, Cooler, or Chiller, these drinks are usually really tasty and fun drinks that are filled with sugary flavors and a hint of coffee.

This drink choice is definitely for when you are craving a sweet treat, but maybe not the best option if you are in need of a caffeine boost or a stronger coffee flavor. They also usually do not do well with modifications like sugar-free or some dairy substitutes as it alters the flavor in a way that would make other options better suited for these changes!

Specialty Drinks

Profile: Minimal Coffee Flavor + very sweet

As the name suggests, some coffee shops feature drinks that are unique to their store or brand only. Yes, you may be able to find variations of them from place to place but under brand-specific names. In most cases, these drinks are just special versions of a latte or mocha, just with added flavors (usually syrup) causing them to be more sweet than they normally would be in their traditional sense.

A good example of this are the fall and holiday drinks that everyone goes crazy for such as pumpkin, peppermint and other toasty drinks. Although, many places will have year-round specialty drinks that are permanent menu items, the holiday drinks give you a better idea about what style of drink you are getting into!

If you are looking for an espresso drink for the higher caffeine content, but also one that will satisfy your sweet tooth, you would most likely enjoy one of these drinks in your cup! They are also great go-to's if you are surprising someone with coffee and aren't sure what to get them!

Mochas

Profile: Rich Chocolate Flavor + fairly sweet

Although they are the most common drink to be modified into the specialty drinks mentioned above, a mocha drink, in general, is still a sweet choice. Standard mochas consist of espresso, steamed milk, chocolate, and are commonly topped with whipped cream. I would describe them as a hot chocolate on steroids.

Mochas are a great choice if you are a chocolate lover as they are creamy-chocolatey goodness. Beware that some places do offer different types of chocolate mochas such as standard milk, dark or white chocolate. If it's your first time ordering, I suggest sticking with milk chocolate or the standard to see if you even like them. But If you're feeling bold, try one of the different options! I highly recommend trying a "zebra" or "Black and White" version which combines dark and white chocolate (you can thank me later)!

Lattes

Profile: Creamy Coffee Flavor + sweeter options available

In my opinion, the term "latte" is probably the most known coffee term and I'm sure almost everyone has heard it at least once in their lifetime. Lattes are one of the most modified drink on the menu. They can be made with any flavor option, milk alternatives, and can even have add ins like honey, cinnamon and even lavender!

But this seemingly complicated drink choice is pretty basic at its core. The standard build for a latte is espresso shots that are topped with steamed milk and approximately an inch of milk foam (froth) on top. This basic build allows for you to customize lattes to your exact liking whether that is sweetening them up with a flavored syrup or just adding a little cinnamon sprinkle.

Lattes do allow for more of the coffee taste to present itself so they are great options if you enjoy a creamy, milky, foamy, espresso flavored drink. I recommend trying a simple flavored latte for your first time, like vanilla or caramel. You will be able to get a sense of what a latte is, alongside a flavor that you are more than likely familiar with!

Cappuccinos & Macchiatos

Profile: Bold Coffee Flavor + sweeter options available

These two drinks, in my experience, are the most confusing and misleading drinks of them all. There are so many variations which lead people astray. So for the purpose of this article, I will describe them in their traditional forms but be aware that they can be very different from place to place.

Cappuccinos: Usually the first thing people think about are the machines at a convenience store or maybe the quick powder you can buy at most grocery stores. This is far from what you'll find in a coffee shop. Standard cappuccinos are broken down into thirds: 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk foam.

Macchiatos: Also among the heavily modified drinks is every shops version of a macchiato. Many places will make a version of it that is mostly ice and milk with a few shots of espresso delicately poured over the top to give it an ombre effect. In contrast, most traditional versions are served hot and it is simply shots of espresso with a dollop of milk foam. Sounds a little underwhelming, but sipping on creamy espresso can make you feel like royalty (don't knock it until you try it).

On their own, both of these drinks are for the more adventurous of souls due to their intense espresso presence that is paired with creamy milk and/or milk foam. But, as has been the trend in this whole article, you can always add a flavor syrup like raspberry or marshmallow to sweeten them up a bit!

Americanos

Profile: Watered-down Espresso + customizable

An Americano is a rather interesting drink choice considering the only elements to it are espresso and, yes, water. By watering down espresso, it gives this drink a similar strength to standard drip coffee but the flavor is rather different. Espresso has a creamy and nuttier flavor profile compared to most drip coffees, as the beans and the brewing process of both are very different.

If you are anything like me, you will look at this and be like "why on earth would anyone drink watered down espresso, isn't that the same as having drip coffee?" But after trying it myself, I understand that espresso is a whole other element of its own. It is much creamier and more flavorful making it way better than just standard drip coffee. Plus you can add cream, sugar, or flavors to make it a creation of your own.

If you enjoy black coffee at home, this might be a good option for you to try. Americanos have become a favorite of mine, I enjoy them iced with salted caramel and a splash of heavy cream. If you ever get the chance to try it, let me know what you think!

Other Things to Know

Coffee is an art. It really is, from the bean roasting process all the way to the crafting of all the many drinks that will come from them. This is why it is important to remember that drinks and their composition can vary significantly from shop to shop and country to country. The best advice I can leave you with is don't ever be afraid to chat with your Barista about the drink options. Baristas are extremely knowledgeable about how their drinks are made and can give great recommendations, including drinks that may not even be on the menu!

P.S. Keep in mind that these drinks, though typically served hot, may also come in an iced version if you are looking for a refreshing way to enjoy your coffee on a warm, sunny day! Enjoy!