Ah....Espresso
or, What is a Latte anyway?
Espresso is steam brewed from the darkest roast of the bean. The proper espresso shot is from roughly 15-20 seconds in the brewing and is exactly one oz. Caramelly and smooth, it has a balanced flavor and a slightly sweet finish. This can be enjoyed on its own or any number of the "foo-foo" drinks you see offered in coffee bars. This page is to explain those drinks and their basic ingredients.
Espresso: ordered on its own as a solo, dopio, tripio, etc., depending on the the number of shots desired. may be served hot or iced.
Americano: a term for espresso shots diluted with water, may be served hot or iced., for those who prefer the taste of espresso, but prefer a weaker coffee.
Macchiato: espresso shots served drizzled through the foam from steamed milk.
Espresso con Panne: espresso shots served drizzled through whipped cream.
Latte: any espresso drink to which steamed milk is added, the amount of milk depends on the number of shots or the size of the drink in oz. can be made with whole, skim, or 2% milk, half and half or soy. any number of flavored syrups can be added andmay be served hot or iced.
Mocha: a latte to which a bittersweet chocolate syrup has been added and is usually topped with whipped cream. Any number of flavored syrups may be added here as well. I prefer vanilla syrup added to mine (not *French vanilla,* please). Some like caramel or mint syrup added.
Misto: this is drip-brewed coffee to which steamed whole milk, 2%, skim, half and half or soy is added as opposed to cold milk, etc. Some prefer this to espresso drinks as they may prefer a milder blend of coffee. This is also known as Cafe au Lait.
Cappacino: an espresso drink in which only half the normal amount of steamed milk (etc.) is added. The remainder of the cup is filled with foam from the steamed milk. (I steam excellent foam, btw; I've been complimented on it (-:). Do remember if you don't want this much foam, you want a Latte.
There, that wasn't so difficult, was it? Now all you need to do is try the different drinks and variations and discover your personal addiction. So visit your local coffee bar of Sunday morning, pick up the paper, your favorite drink and enjoy a leisurely hour or two...meet friends, do the crossword puzzle and relax...
