Know your coffee

From cappuccinos to macchiatos, coffee lovers out there are very much familiar with the caffeinated drinks' very own lingo. Here is a quick guide, not just for newbies, but also the coffee connoisseurs looking to try out something new.

ESPRESSO (SHORT BLACK)

It is at the core of most espresso-based drinks and consists of a shot of espresso served in an espresso cup. A double espresso (doppio) is simply doubling the shots in one cup and this is two shots in an espresso cup.

SHORT MACCHIATO

As fancy as the name sounds, it is just the addition of a dollop of steamed milk and foam to one shot of espresso in a short, or espresso cup. The hint of dairy helps cut down the harshness from the strong shot.

When served, you can very easily see a trio of different coloured layers; the bottom (the espresso; which is the darkest), followed by the middle layer (which is a mixture of espresso and milk), and the top mostly made up of steamed milk.

Sometimes, coffee menus also offer a long macchiato, which is essentially the same but with a double shot of espresso.

RISTRETTO

An espresso shot prepared with the same amount of coffee, but half the water needed for a regular espresso. If you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, then this concentrated, darker drink will get you through the day.

LONG BLACK (AMERICANO)

Our 'deshi' version of black coffee, i.e. minus the sugar and the milk. But for the sake of technicality, when you order an Americano, the barista extracts a shot of espresso on top of the hot water and mixes it with two-thirds of hot water into a cup.

CAFÉ LATTE

This is a form of espresso-based drink, which is much sweeter than an espresso because of the use of steamed milk. One shot of espresso into a cup or tumbler glass and steamed milk and a centimetre of micro foam on the top finishes off the drink.

CAPPUCCINO

Many think this drink is the same as a latte, but the main difference is that this has more foam and chocolate on the top of the drink, and in addition, is always served in a cup.

FLAT WHITE

It is the same as a cappuccino minus the foam and chocolate sprinkled on the top, hence the name.

PICCOLO LATTE

This is a miniaturised latte served in an espresso cup. Meaning that the strong taste of that one shot of espresso or ristretto is balanced out by the addition of steamed milk and micro foam.

MOCHA

The most popular drink is the love-child between a cappuccino and a hot chocolate. What goes into a mocha is a shot of espresso mixed with a spoonful of powdered chocolatey goodness and finished off with steamed milk and two to three centimetres of micro foam, and a sprinkle of more chocolate powder on the top.

AFFOGATO

Perfect for summer and as a post dinner drink, this concoction includes a big scoop of vanilla ice cream in a cup finished off with a single or double shot of espresso. 

By Supriti Sarkar

Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed