Coffee drinks and which beans are best for them
The world of coffee drinks is much broader than it might seem at first glance. But what is the most popular coffee? While many people choose the same favorite options every day, different coffee brewing methods and bean origins can radically change the taste sensation. The same drink, prepared from coffee from different regions, can reveal itself completely differently – from bright acidity and fruitiness to a rich chocolate or nutty profile.
It is not only important whether you drink black coffee or a drink with milk, but also the country where the coffee beans came from, the altitude at which they grew, and the taste characteristics they have. Properly selected coffee allows you to highlight the strengths of a particular drink - to enhance the aroma, balance the acidity, or add more body and sweetness.
The combination of different coffee drinks and bean origins is also widely studied in the international coffee community, for example, In the recommendations of the Specialty Coffee Association.
In this post, we will look at the most popular coffee drinks and which coffee beans from which origins are best suited to them, so that each cup is as harmonious as possible and matches the character of the drink.
Black coffee
Black coffee is prepared by steeping ground coffee in hot water or using filter methods such as V60, Chemex or French Press. Since there is no milk or other additives, all the attention is on the beans themselves. Arabica from Ethiopian, with notes of flowers, citrus and light fruitiness. This coffee is suitable for those who want to feel the pure character of the origin and a delicate aroma.
Espresso
Espresso is probably the most popular coffee. Espresso is prepared by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee at high pressure. For a classic espresso, it is perfect Brazilian Arabica, which provides richness, chocolate and nutty notes. This preparation method highlights the coffee's intensity and thick texture.
American
An Americano is made by adding hot water to an espresso, thus reducing its intensity. A balanced coffee from Guatemalan, which maintains the purity of flavor even when diluted. The preparation allows you to preserve the aroma of espresso, but gives it a lighter body.
Cappuccino
Cappuccino is one of the classic Italian coffee drinks (and the most popular coffee with milk), in which the balance between espresso, hot milk and fluffy milk foam is key. Traditionally, this drink is made in equal parts, so the coffee should remain clearly noticeable, but at the same time soft and round. Cappuccino is especially suitable for coffee beans from Brazilian or Peru, which are characterized by natural sweetness, chocolate or nutty notes and medium acidity. Such beans allow the milk to enhance the sweetness of the coffee, rather than overpower it, making the final taste harmonious, smooth and easy to drink, but still with a clear espresso character.
Double
A Doppio is a double espresso made with double the amount of coffee. It is often made with coffee from Colombian, with balanced acidity and sweetness. Double the amount of extraction gives a stronger, but still harmonious taste.
Cortado
Cortado is made by mixing espresso with a small amount of warm milk without thick foam. Best for Peru A coffee whose mild sweetness and nutty notes go perfectly with milk. The preparation maintains the intensity of the coffee but reduces the bitterness.
Red Eye
Red Eye is prepared by adding one shot of espresso to black coffee. This drink is suitable for Vietnamese robusta, which provides a higher caffeine content and a pronounced bitterness. This preparation method is for those looking for maximum energy.
Gallon
Galão is a milky Portuguese drink made with espresso and lots of hot milk. It goes well with coffee from Honduran, which is characterized by mild acidity and light sweetness. The high milk content creates a smooth and easy-to-drink taste.
Lungo
Lungo is prepared by letting a larger amount of water pass through the coffee than for espresso. Coffee from Tanzanian, which retains a bright aroma even during longer extractions. Properly selected beans help avoid excessive bitterness.
Macchiato
Macchiato is an espresso with a small amount of milk foam. This drink is suitable for Salvadoran A coffee with a rich body and a mild sweetness. A small amount of milk only subtly softens the taste of the coffee.
Mocha
Mocha is made by combining espresso, hot milk and chocolate. It is best suited for Nicaraguan coffee with natural cocoa notes. It is important to maintain a balance during preparation so that neither the coffee nor the chocolate overwhelms each other.
Ristretto
Ristretto is a shorter extraction version of espresso, where less water is used. This drink is suitable for Yemeni A coffee known for its rich, complex flavor. The short brewing time brings out the sweetness and reduces bitterness.
Flat White
Flat white is made with espresso and finely steamed milk without thick foam. Perfect for Panama A coffee that delivers a clean taste and subtle sweetness. This preparation method highlights the harmony of coffee and milk.
Affogato
Affogato is a dessert where hot espresso is poured over cold ice cream. It goes well with Dominican Republic A coffee with a smooth, sweet profile. The contrast in temperatures creates a rich and expressive flavor.
Café au Lait
Café au Lait is made with equal parts strong black coffee and hot milk. It is best suited for Mexican coffee that is mild and slightly acidic. This preparation method is especially popular for breakfast.
Latte
Latte is made with espresso and a large amount of hot milk, topped with a thin, fluffy layer of milk foam. The base of this drink is always espresso, so even with a lot of milk, the intensity of the coffee is maintained. Latte is often chosen by those who like a smooth, creamy taste, but do not want to completely lose the character of espresso. It is perfect for balanced mixtures, chocolate or nutty coffee beans that go harmoniously with milk.
The main difference between Latte and Café au Lait is the preparation method and the coffee base. Latte is always made with espresso and steamed milk, while Café au Lait is made with equal parts strong black coffee and hot milk. As a result, Latte has a smoother, creamier, and more balanced flavor, while Café au Lait retains a brighter, more black coffee-like character.
Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee is made by combining hot coffee, whiskey, sugar and cream. It is suitable for Papua New Guinea A coffee that has a rich body and a lingering aftertaste. Strong coffee is essential so that the flavor doesn't get lost among the other ingredients.
If you don't want to use whiskey, a great alternative is whiskey barrel-aged coffee beans. During maturation, the coffee naturally takes on the aromas and flavor nuances of the whiskey, but it does not contain alcohol. This allows the characteristic character of the whiskey to be extracted - depth, warmth and subtle smokiness - without any degrees, while maintaining the mood and flavor direction of the classic Irish Coffee.
Summary
Every coffee drink has its own character, and the right choice of coffee bean origin can enhance it even more. While the most popular coffee may mean different things to everyone, it is the origin of the beans and the method of preparation that determines the final taste. By experimenting with different types of coffee, you can discover new flavors and customize your coffee to suit your needs and mood.
And what kind of coffee do you prefer - classic black, milky or strong espresso?
