India, a land renowned for its rich tea culture, has also embraced the aromatic allure of coffee. Kaapi, a South Indian delight, has firmly secured its spot on breakfast tables across the region. But did you know that the coffee culture in India owes its origins to the British colonial era of the 1890s? Those Brits sure knew how to spread the love for coffee, paving the way for coffee plantations to flourish in South India. As a result, sweet, milky kaapi became a beloved part of the Southern psyche. However, the rest of India took a little longer to warm up to this caffeinated wonder, and it wasn’t until recently that the cafe scene started to bloom in many parts of the country.
Your Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Coffee: 15 Types Of Coffee That You Must Know:
Now, let’s talk about the glorious world of coffee. As you globe-trot in search of your caffeine fix, you’ll stumble upon a delightful bouquet of coffee drinks. Most of these revolve around the espresso, a magical concoction created by passing boiling water through coffee beans under pressure. The espresso boasts three distinct layers – a dark, robust belly, a slightly lighter middle layer, and a foamy crown known as crema.
Also Read: How to Grind Coffee Beans to Make a Fresh Cuppa
15 Different Types of Coffee Drinks Explained:
1. Americano
This is just a shot of espresso with hot water.
2. Latte
This is an espresso with steamed milk, usually with a shallow pool of foam floating on top.
3. Cafe Mocha
Latte with chocolate flavouring and a cloud of whipped cream (a Cafe Borgia is a Cafe Mocha spiked with orange. Delicious!)
4. Cappuccino
This is an espresso with a thick layer of foamy steamed milk.
5. Frappe
A cold coffee that requires shaking to create its froth.
6. Macchiato
This is a sort of latte but more milky, more foamy and served as a ‘layered’ coffee, rather than a fully blended one.
Coffee from the World Over
Much like kaapi (South Indian filter coffee), most countries have their own ways of preparing coffee:
7. Vietnamese Coffee
Served with condensed milk, it is perhaps one of the most well-known preparations.
8. Viennese Coffee (almost a drinkable dessert)
It contains two shots of espresso, infused with whipped cream, which is sprinkled with chocolate.
9. Turkish Coffee
Popularly known as ‘qahwah’, it is prepared from finely ground coffee beans using a small vessel known as fincan.
10. Ethiopian Coffee
It is prepared with hot water (the Ethiopian coffee ceremony is extremely ornate and ceremonial).
11. Kopi Luwak
Believe it or not, this is coffee made from beans that have passed through a civet’s faeces. But, it is known to be very aromatic and flavourful.
12. Indonesian Kopi Tubruk
It is made by boiling coarse ground coffee with sugar.
13. Galao from Portugal
It is made from espresso and foamed milk.
Vietnamese coffee
Exploring the World of Coffee: From Single Estates to Delicious Blends
Coffee isn’t just about your regular cup of joe. There’s a whole world to discover, from single-estate wonders to delightful blends. Let’s take a journey through the aromatic coffee landscape and explore the unique flavours and experiences it has to offer.
14. Single-Origin Coffees
Single-origin coffees, like fingerprints, showcase distinct tastes shaped by factors like altitude, soil, and processing methods. One standout is the Luna Roast from Kodagu’s Ashakiran Estate, known for its fruity and dark chocolate notes, thanks to Black Baza Coffee Co’s eco-friendly farming practices. Another gem is The Indian Bean’s Kaldeva coffee, offering a balanced blend of sweetness and bitterness with hints of cocoa and fruitiness.
15. Coffee Blends
Blends are like coffee symphonies, where different beans create a harmonious masterpiece. While most pre-ground beans are blends, coffee enthusiasts today are experimenting with custom mixes. Whether you prefer chocolatey tones or fruity delights, there’s a blend for you.
For espresso lovers, the Blue Tokai Winter Blend is worth a try. It offers a rich body, a touch of cherry acidity, and a sweet malty finish that’s perfect for chilly days.
While many companies contribute to the rise of Indian-grown coffee, Kaffa Cerrado stands out, offering premium foreign coffees at slightly higher rates. Their Ethiopia-washed Sidamo blend, priced at Rs 425 for 125g, is a real treat. Expect notes of jasmine, lavender, wild cherries, and papaya, all in one extraordinary cup considered among the world’s best.
About the author: Meher Mirza is an independent writer and editor, with a focus on food and travel. Formerly with BBC Good Food India, she loves anime, animals and artsy things but also comics, technology and death metal.
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