If you love coffee and coffee-based drinks, you probably enjoy a daily trip to your favorite coffeehouse. The menu board no doubt lists items such as lattes, mochas, cappuccino and espressos. Coffeehouse owners don't just use these words to sound upscale and sophisticated; they are actual terms that describe what type of drink you are ordering. Here are a few coffee definitions and facts for your enjoyment.
The basis for many drinks is espresso, which many people mistakenly believe is a type of bean. Actually, you can use any bean you like; it just needs to be very finely ground. Espresso is the method used to produce the drink and it is also the name of the drink. An espresso machine forces nearly boiling water through the coffee grounds using a great deal of pressure. The result is generally two ounces of rich liquid with much more caffeine than a cup of coffee.
If you want an espresso drink that is not quite as strong as an espresso, you can order an Americano, which is espresso that has been diluted with hot water. Legend has it that the Americano originated in Italy during the second world war because American soldiers were not used to the strong taste of espresso and preferred that water be added to their drink.
Some like it dark, but some prefer coffee with milk or cream. If you love the addition of steamed milk or foam, there are many options, including the popular French coffee drink caf au lait. This is drink that is half milk and half coffee and very popular as a morning beverage. Lattes and cappuccinos also are popular morning fare. The latte is espresso and milk with a topping of foam, while the cappuccino is espresso and foam.
Another popular drink, especially in North America, is the caf mocha, which is a latte-style drink that begins by topping gourmet chocolate syrup with espresso and then adding steamed milk and perhaps a touch of whipped cream. The macchiato is an interesting drink because a true macchiato hardly resembles the type you get in most coffee shops. What we typically get is a latte with some yummy flavorings added, such as vanilla and caramel. Actually a true espresso macchiato is simply freshly brewed espresso topped with just a bit of foam.
Serious coffee aficionados are always on the hunt for a great place to enjoy freshly brewed espresso drinks, and in the Los Angeles area, that place is Island Monarch Coffee in Culver City. Here the coffee is always made to order, and the beans aren't even ground until you place an order. In fact, the beans aren't even roasted until after they arrive in Los Angeles, and only the finest South American and Kona beans are used. The water is even purified using a special system known as reverse osmosis.
The basis for many drinks is espresso, which many people mistakenly believe is a type of bean. Actually, you can use any bean you like; it just needs to be very finely ground. Espresso is the method used to produce the drink and it is also the name of the drink. An espresso machine forces nearly boiling water through the coffee grounds using a great deal of pressure. The result is generally two ounces of rich liquid with much more caffeine than a cup of coffee.
If you want an espresso drink that is not quite as strong as an espresso, you can order an Americano, which is espresso that has been diluted with hot water. Legend has it that the Americano originated in Italy during the second world war because American soldiers were not used to the strong taste of espresso and preferred that water be added to their drink.
Some like it dark, but some prefer coffee with milk or cream. If you love the addition of steamed milk or foam, there are many options, including the popular French coffee drink caf au lait. This is drink that is half milk and half coffee and very popular as a morning beverage. Lattes and cappuccinos also are popular morning fare. The latte is espresso and milk with a topping of foam, while the cappuccino is espresso and foam.
Another popular drink, especially in North America, is the caf mocha, which is a latte-style drink that begins by topping gourmet chocolate syrup with espresso and then adding steamed milk and perhaps a touch of whipped cream. The macchiato is an interesting drink because a true macchiato hardly resembles the type you get in most coffee shops. What we typically get is a latte with some yummy flavorings added, such as vanilla and caramel. Actually a true espresso macchiato is simply freshly brewed espresso topped with just a bit of foam.
Serious coffee aficionados are always on the hunt for a great place to enjoy freshly brewed espresso drinks, and in the Los Angeles area, that place is Island Monarch Coffee in Culver City. Here the coffee is always made to order, and the beans aren't even ground until you place an order. In fact, the beans aren't even roasted until after they arrive in Los Angeles, and only the finest South American and Kona beans are used. The water is even purified using a special system known as reverse osmosis.
About the Author:
Debrah Elliot enjoys reading coffee blogs. For further details about the best coffee shop Culver City or to find where to get fresh roasted coffee Culver City, please check out the Island Monarch Coffee website now.