All You Need to Know About Styles of Coffee By: Damian Papworth With all the different drinks out there, it's tough sometimes to know the difference between a soy latte and a caffe latte. Besides, who really cares, as it couldn't be that different, right? Wrong. The differences are huge between types of coffee beverages. Here's a cheat sheet for the next time you don't know what to order, or don't quite understand how something is made. First, though, it's important for understanding styles of coffee to recognize some key names for when you're ordering a coffee the next time you're in Italy, or at a great restaurant in your own town. You've probably said at least one of these names before, but maybe you don't know what really goes into the drink. Well, now you're going to: Caffe Latte Also referred to as Cafe au Lait, depending on where you're ordering your drink, this is one of the most popular styles of coffee worldwide, and is really just a fancy way of saying espresso with milk. A single shot of espresso is made with steamed milk, and then served with an extra inch of frothed milk (foam) on top. Americano Americans are known for their version of coffee, which critics say is usually really watered down. But there's a variation that makes everyone happy, and combines styles of coffee to suit everyone's taste. With an Americano, one ounce of strong espresso is combined with some boiling water, usually a cup's worth. Voila. A short drink designed to be taken like a shot now is large enough to be sipped, with not so much added in between. Cappuccino Probably the most popular drink that people order but have no idea what they're actually getting, the cappuccino is simply one third coffee, one third milk, and one third creamy and thick froth, from milk, too. Rather than being a pompous addition to spice up a simple coffee drink, it's named after the Capuchin, which is the white and brown hood that monks wear. It's not just all about the names, though. The process is just as important as the type of drink you're ordering. To understand a little better, a couple of the most popular techniques used in homes are: The French Press It's known but a bunch of different names, but the concept is always the same. A glass container has a wire part and a plunger. The coffee goes in, almost-boiling water goes on top of it, and then you physically press the coffee with the plunger part. You use coffee that's ground a little rougher in here, and basically are filtering the coffee to make a more delicious cup at home. Surprisingly, it really works. The Fully Automatic Espresso Machine From semi-affordable versions given as wedding gifts to machines that literally cost the same amount as sports cars, Italy definitely perfected yet another mechanical device when the guys up in Milan invented this. For over a hundred years, these have made the best coffee you could get your hands on, and families are known for bringing over specific machines for their restaurants to do well. It basically grinds, measures, heats, and makes shots of espresso automatically. Amazing! And of course, the at-home espresso maker produces styles of coffee drinks more similar to those in Italy than, say, your Mr. Coffee ever will. Now that you understand the difference between espresso and drip coffee, you're ready to get out there and start trying some drinks. Remember your word roots, and don't be surprised if you forget to say "cafe" at the beginning of "cafe latte," that a gigantic cup of milk might show up. If so, just take it in stride and do better next time. About the Author: Damian Papworth just purchased a new 2 cup coffee maker, he reviewed it at the One Cup Coffee Makers website. Related Articles Its Almost Turkey Day Italian Recipes for the Crock Pot Wine A Comprehensive Study Making Great Fried Chicken Recipes Consitency and variety for Diabetics Diets An extra bonus from your garden roasted pumpkin seeds. Party For Wine beverage Tasting Beef Tacos de Lengua Compare Espresso Machines To Discover The Best Version Gourmet Food Versus Convenience Food The Festive Nuts Are Loose Kenya Aa Decaf Coffee Drink Your Way To Healthier Life White Wine Basics Features and Types Paleo Meals Revealing A Paleo Meal Recipe That Is Simply Out Of This World Summer vibe Chicken Sticks U line Wine Cooler Free recipe for a profitable cooking