Complete Beginners Guide To Coffee

A guide to coffee for beginners: lattes, mochas, and everything in-between!

If you are new to the world of coffee, walking into a coffee shop and knowing what to order can be a challenge! This blog will give you the lowdown on everything from a classic espresso to a mocha and everything in between. By the end of this, you'll be a coffee connoisseur!

The first thing to know about the different drinks available at a coffee shop is that they are all about the ratio of coffee to milk. For some drinks, this also includes the ratio of milk to coffee to milk foam, but don't worry, all will become clear. This blog has you covered whether you prefer a black coffee, a milky coffee, or a dairy-free milk alternative in your coffee.

Let's start with the classics and work our way through to the drinks that are a little more complicated.

• Espresso: An espresso is simply a single or double shot of coffee served with or without milk. Espressos are generally stronger than other styles of black coffee, so it's worth keeping this in mind when you order.
• Americano: If you are a fan of black coffee but want a longer drink or something a little less strong than an espresso, then this is for you. An Americano is 1 part coffee to 2 parts hot water.
• Latte: Perhaps the most well-known type of coffee, this one is ideal if you are trying coffee for the first time or prefer something less intense. A latte is 1 part coffee, 3 parts milk, and topped off with foam. You're also likely to see a range of flavoured lattes available, particularly around Halloween and Christmas.
• Cappuccino: A cappuccino is one of our personal favourites. A cappuccino is the perfect mix of milk and coffee. 1 part coffee, 1 part milk, and 1 part foam. It is a great option if you are looking for a white coffee with a little more coffee flavour.
• Flat White: This one is nice and simple, and you are definitely going to be able to taste the coffee with this one. A flat white is a double shot of espresso topped with milk and finished with foam.
• Macchiato: this one could be labelled the "new kid on the block" and is less well known amongst those new to the world of coffee. For those who are in a hurry or looking for a coffee that is like an espresso with a touch of milk then this is for you! A single shot of espresso topped with froth, simple!

Fake It ‘Til You Make It: Coffee Terms to Impress Your Friends

New to the coffee world but want to sound like a seasoned aficionado? Here are some key terms and phrases that can help you "fake it" until you gain more experience. Drop these into your coffee chats, and you’ll blend right in with the coffee connoisseurs!

Key Coffee Terms

• Acidity: In coffee, "acidity" refers to the bright, tangy, or tart taste that often comes from higher-altitude beans. Try saying, “I love the acidity in this light roast; it really brings out the fruity notes.”
• Body: This term describes the weight or thickness of the coffee on your palate. A "full-bodied" coffee feels rich and heavy, while a "light-bodied" coffee feels more like tea. Use this phrase: “I prefer a full-bodied coffee; it has more depth.”
• Floral: Often used to describe coffees with delicate, flowery aromas or flavors, especially from regions like Ethiopia. Impress by saying, “The floral notes in this coffee remind me of jasmine!”
• Balance: A well-balanced coffee has a harmonious blend of acidity, body, and sweetness. It’s a great term to throw in when a coffee feels just right. Try, “This blend is so balanced—you can really taste all the different flavors without any one dominating.”
• Single-Origin: This means the coffee beans come from a single country or even a specific region or farm. It’s often used to highlight specialty coffees with unique flavors. Say, “I’m really into single-origin coffees right now—they let you taste the unique characteristics of each region.”
• Notes: Flavor notes are the hints of different tastes you pick up in a coffee, like chocolate, berries, or nuts. Try saying, “I love the nutty notes in this Brazilian roast.”

Roast-Level Lingo

• Bright: Describes a coffee with a lively acidity, common in light roasts. You could say, “This roast is nice and bright—perfect for a morning pick-me-up.”
• Bold: Often associated with dark roasts, bold coffee has strong flavors and a full body. Say, “I’m in the mood for something bold today—dark roast sounds perfect.”
• Smooth: A smooth coffee has a gentle flavor with minimal bitterness. When you taste something that’s easy to drink, try, “This is such a smooth blend, really easy on the palate.”

Coffee Snobbery Basics

• Cupping: The coffee equivalent of a wine tasting. To sound like a pro, mention, “I’d love to attend a cupping session to compare different origins.”
• Complex: This means the coffee has multiple layers of flavors. Say, “This Ethiopian is so complex; I keep picking up new flavors with each sip.”
• Finish: The taste left in your mouth after you swallow. A "long finish" means the flavor lingers, while a "short finish" disappears quickly. Drop this line: “It’s got a long, chocolatey finish—really satisfying.”
• Extraction: The process of pulling flavors out of the coffee grounds during brewing. Over-extraction can make coffee taste bitter, while under-extraction can make it taste sour. Impress by saying, “I think this coffee is slightly over-extracted; it has a bit of bitterness.”

When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with: “I really appreciate how nuanced this coffee is.” This one-size-fits-all phrase makes you sound like a true coffee enthusiast without getting too specific. Just take a sip, pause thoughtfully, and deliver your line with confidence!