How to Order Coffee Like a Pro

It just seems so not-cool to ask the barista what is t on the menu

and risk getting the ‘duhh’ look.

Thank to Starbucks, holding a cup printed with green mermaid

logo has translated into style, coolness and status no matter where
you are.

For most of us who grow up drinking coffee off packets or getting

kopi from kopitiam, standing in front of a never ending coffee
menu board seems like a daunting scenario.

We are in a huge dilemma where we think ristretto sounds exotic

but we don’t want to spend big bucks getting something we don’t
like. Sometimes we are shy to ask the barista and risk getting the
‘don’t you know’ look.

So, how to order coffee like a pro?

First, get this right: Coffee≠espresso

Espresso is a type (or subset) of coffee brewed under super high

pressure (9 bar) using an espresso machine which yield about 30
ml of extraction with 7–10g of coffee for a single shot.
Basically, all coffees in our standard cafe start with an espresso
base.

If you are lactose intolerant/on

diet/ simply do not like milk, go for
black coffee:
Espresso – On its own, it is strong, flavourful, sharp and slightly
acidic if extracted correctly. Espresso needs to be consumed
quickly while its hot to enjoy the full flavour.

Long black/Americano – Espresso with water. This is a diluted

version of espresso with more volume, a good choice when
you prefer milder black coffee.

The difference between a long black and Americano lies in crema.

To make a long black, espresso is extracted straight into hot
water while retaining its crema. An Americano is made by adding
hot water into espresso.

Ristretto – Espresso with half the extraction hence half the

volume. Think half sized espresso. It is sweeter than standard
espresso without the bitter end. Coffee connoisseurs claim a
ristretto reveals the skilfulness of barista who prepares it.
They say given good beans, good roaster, good machine and
good barista, coffee is best enjoyed black to experience the
flavour of origin. So if you are ordering coffee to impress, take
this into consideration.

Quote to sound pro: Once you go black (coffee), you never go

back.

If you like milk and prefer milder

coffee, choices are:
Caffe latte – Direct translation from Italian means coffee
(espresso) with milk. This is the safest choice of milk coffee with
moderate amount of foam — smooth and easy coffee.

Cappucino – Espresso with milk plus extra thick foam. A

traditional Italian cappuccino consist of equal part of espresso,
milk and milk foam. This is for those who like foamy and creamy
coffee.

Flat white – Espresso with milk and very very little foam.
Rumour has it that it originated from the down under (New
Zealand or Aussie) just to satisfy demand of people who do not like
milk foam in coffee.
Piccolo latte –Basically a mini latte, where there is same amount
of espresso but lesser milk. If you like stronger coffee but not as
strong as espresso, this is awesome!

Macchiato – Means ‘stained’ in Italian. It is an espresso with a

dollop of milk foam that form the white stain, giving a slight
sweetness to a strong espresso.

Caramel Macchiato – Pure invention by Starbucks. More detail

explaination on the myth of macchiato here.

Caffe Con Panna – Espresso topped with whipped cream. Rich

and luscious.

Café Mocha – Espresso with milk and chocolate powder or

chocolate sauce. When coffee meets chocolate, you get the best of
both world.

If you are a sweet tooth and have

no diet concern
Feel free to explore addition of syrup flavouring, chocolate chips or
candy in your coffee. Yoy have the freedom to indulge and get
creative with your coffee concoction.
On a hot day
Get an iced coffee or ice blended coffee, there is a reason Starbucks
Frappuccino becomes our guilty pleasure.

If you are a coffee addict or couldn’t

get out of sleepy mode
Go for extra espresso shot in your caffeine fix.

If you can’t consume caffeine (too

bad)
Order any coffee that you like but go for decaf coffee beans. You
can find more information about Swiss Water Decaf process here.

Recap — Basically, first, decide if you want black or milk

coffee, then the volume/strength of coffee (amount of
water/milk added to espresso), afterthat comes the
sweetness (addition of syrup/sugar/chocolate), whether
you need extra shot or decaf; and depending on your
mood and weather, decide if you want to get hot or cool
down.
At the end of the day, we consume coffee for the beauty of moment
that it brings, for the connections that it builds, and the goodness
that it creates. Just appreciate the cuppa and explore!

Don’t know how to order coffee? Just pick one and pay. Easy.
Simply Coffee
Stories of coffee, from many dimensions
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