Around the World in a Coffee Cup

Brewed beverage made from seeds of Coffea genus.

Coffee is a universal language, enjoyed in countless ways across the globe. Each country has its unique way of preparing and enjoying this beloved beverage. In this unit, we will take a journey around the world, exploring a variety of global coffee drinks and their cultural significance.

Americano

The Americano, or Caffè Americano, is said to have originated during World War II when American soldiers in Italy would dilute espresso with hot water to mimic the coffee they were accustomed to back home. It's a simple drink, consisting of a shot of espresso and hot water, but its strength can be adjusted to taste.

Cappuccino

The Cappuccino, named after the Capuchin friars due to the color of their robes, is a classic Italian coffee drink. It consists of equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk. The key to a good cappuccino is the quality of the froth, which should be creamy and velvety, not foamy.

Latte

The Latte, or Caffè Latte, is another Italian invention. It's a milder and milkier version of a cappuccino, consisting of one part espresso and three parts steamed milk, often topped with a small amount of froth. Lattes are often used as a canvas for latte art, where baristas create designs with the milk.

Macchiato

The Macchiato, meaning "stained" or "spotted" in Italian, is an espresso with a small amount of frothed milk on top. The milk "stains" the coffee and takes the edge off the intense espresso.

Mocha

The Mocha, or Caffè Mocha, is essentially a chocolate-flavored variant of a latte. Named after the city of Mocha in Yemen, a historical center of coffee trade, it includes one part espresso, two parts steamed milk, and one part chocolate, usually in the form of sweet cocoa powder or chocolate syrup.

Flat White

The Flat White originated in Australia and New Zealand and has gained popularity worldwide in recent years. It's similar to a latte but smaller in volume and with less frothed milk, resulting in a higher proportion of coffee to milk. The milk in a flat white is also steamed differently to achieve a velvety texture.

Each of these coffee drinks has its unique characteristics, but they all start with a good espresso. The ingredients, proportions, and brewing techniques may vary, but the love for coffee is universal. As you explore these drinks, pay attention to the tasting notes and consider what foods they might pair well with. Enjoy your journey around the world in a coffee cup!