by MARSHALL BONE
You wake up and sluggishly turn off the snooze button. As you stumble out of bed, exhausted and eyes blurry, you wonder how you will ever make it through the day when you can hardly make it to the kitchen. All of a sudden, the familiar smell of coffee grounds tantalizes your nose, and your favorite “black gold” meanders down your throat. Soon enough, you feel alive, as though the coffee has touched your soul.
You’re not the only one who relies on coffee for a jolt of energy every morning. Research shows that 66 percent of people in the United States drink the beverage daily, making it more popular than water from the tap.
Not all coffee drinks are created equal, though. A variety of coffee drinks are available to give every coffee aficionado their fix. Let’s explore the different types of coffee drinks.
1. Espresso
Need a strong hit of caffeine right away on a grumpy morning? Look no further than the classic espresso! A high-quality version of this concentrated coffee can be brewed by using high pressure to send steaming water through specialty coffee beans that have been finely ground (between six and eight grams). Espresso fans especially love the top of the drink—a flavorful, creamy layer known as crema. You can enjoy espresso alone or use it as the foundation for other delectable coffee drinks, such as a cappuccino.
2. Cold Brew
Iced coffee lovers, unite! This coffee drink is ideal for those who love cold coffee beverages on hot summer days or want something less acidic and smoother than black coffee. Make cold brew by steeping coffee beans that have been coarsely ground in ice-cold water for half a day to a full day. Then, serve it over ice for a refreshing, rejuvenating pick-me-up that will energize you all day long.
3. Latte
It’s never too late to indulge in a latte if you love creamy textures. Lattes are made using steamed milk (two-thirds) and espresso (one-third), and topped with milk foam. The smooth coffee is perfect for when you want a milder-tasting coffee than black coffee. Sweeten things up by adding cocoa powder, cinnamon, or brown sugar.
Take it even further, and jazz up your latte with caramel, peppermint syrup, or vanilla to satisfy your sweet tooth while elevating your mood one sip at a time. Turn it into a mocha by adding chocolate syrup, and remember to add whipped cream for a sweet way to top off one of America’s favorite drinks.
4. Cappuccino
This beverage is another way to make your morning euphoric with the help of caffeine, which causes dopamine, a “feel good” neurotransmitter, to be released. Cappuccino mirrors a latte but has the same amounts of milk foam, espresso, and steamed milk. The larger percentage of foam in cappuccino versus a latte makes it stronger and an excellent option for coffee lovers looking for balance and a frothy feel.
5. Americano
Love your coffee black? Take this no-frills coffee to the next level by creating an Americano. All it takes is hot water and espresso. You’ll end up with a drink reminiscent of black coffee.
6. Macchiato
Make it a macchiato morning if you’re craving something bold yet mild. An espresso macchiato consists of foamed milk mixed with a single espresso shot. It’s a robust drink slightly softened with milk.
An alternative is a latte macchiato, which you can create by combining steamed milk (⅓ to ½ cup) with an espresso shot. It’s more milk-heavy than its espresso counterpart, making it the perfect choice when you want something creamier and a better balance of milk and coffee.
Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
With the wide range of coffee options available today, there’s something for everyone looking for a tasty way to wake up every morning. Choose an espresso for a strong jolt of energy, or go the classic route with an Americano. Dress up your coffee experience with a latte, cappuccino, or macchiato, and make a cold brew your go-to on a hot day. Consider all the above-listed types of coffee to find your perfect brew today.
Marshall Bone is a writer, copy strategist and all-around stylish guy who has been following trends in GQ for more than two decades. Voted best-dressed both his junior and senior year, Bone has continued this legacy and can be found covering various topics from men’s fashion to self care and grooming. He enjoys reading and is based in the greater Los Angeles area.
