What different types of coffee are there?

There are, as mentioned, a huge number of different types of coffee. Which ones are there? We divide them into three categories: coffees without milk, coffees with milk and special coffees.

Coffee without milk

 

Espresso

 

An Espresso is a concentrated type of coffee. It is usually served in a small serving of around 30 ml. Espresso is made by pressing hot water under high pressure (around 9 bar) through finely ground coffee. This results in an intense and concentrated flavour.

 

Ristretto

 

A Ristretto is the superlative of an Espresso. In fact, a Ristretto is an even stronger type of coffee. Ristretto means (in Italian) 'limited', which refers to the fact that less water is added. A Ristretto has a capacity of 20 ml.

 

Lungo

 

A Lungo is a slightly weaker version of an Espresso. As more water is added, the flavour is also slightly weaker as a result. Lungo means 'long'. A Lungo is an extended Espresso: the same amount of coffee is used, only more water is added. A Lungo is on average 70 ml per serving.

 

Doppio

 

A Doppio is a double Espresso. Doppio means double. The strength of the coffee remains the same as for an Espresso, but the quantity is simply doubled. Double the energy!

 

Americano

 

An Americano is popularly known as just a cup of black coffee. An Americano is an espresso supplemented with hot water. The hot water makes it less strong than an espresso, so you drink a larger quantity.

 

Filter coffee

 

Filter coffee is made by slowly running hot water through ground coffee, filtered through usually a paper filter. This ensures a smooth, clear taste, with no coffee particles in your cup. The flavour is less strong than an Americano, but very similar.

 

Cold brew

 

Cold brew is coffee made by steeping ground coffee in cold water for a long time (12-24 hours). This makes the coffee taste softer and less acidic than regular coffee. You drink it cold, straight or diluted with water or milk.

 

Conclusion

 

Based on strength in terms of taste from strong to not so strong, these are the coffees without milk: Ristretto, Doppio, Espresso, Lungo, Americano, Filter coffee, Cold brew. So there are already (more than) seven different types of coffee without milk, based on Espresso. Then to think that you can still add many things to black coffee; read on!

 

Coffees with milk

 

Cappuccino

 

A Cappuccino is very well known. But how do you actually make one? Cappuccinos are pretty evenly divided. 1/3rd part Espresso, 1/3rd part steamed milk and 1/3rd part milk foam. This gives you a smooth taste, but not so smooth that you think you're just drinking milk.

 

Latte

 

A Latte is very similar to a Cappuccino, only the proportions are slightly different. A Latte contains more steamed milk than a Cappuccino. There is also a thinner layer of foam on top. In terms of flavour, a Latte is slightly less strong than a Cappuccino, because of the larger amount of milk mixed through the double Espresso. The Espresso is poured first, then the steamed milk and then the foam.

 

Flat White

 

A Flat White, in turn, is very similar to a Latte. It only contains a double Ristretto, with a thinner layer of foam, but more steamed milk. So a Flat White has a more powerful flavour than a Latte.

 

 

Latte Macchiato

 

A Latte Macchiato is the same as a Latte in terms of ingredients. The only difference is the order in which it is poured. With a Latte Macchiato, the steamed milk is poured first, then the espresso and then the foam. This creates a layered cup of coffee. Macchiato therefore means 'stained'.

 

Espresso Macchiato

 

An Espresso Macchiato contains one shot of Espresso with 10% foam added. This gives an Espresso Macchiato a much more powerful flavour than a Latte Macchiato.

 

Cortado

 

A Cortado consists of 30-50% steamed milk and the rest Espresso. Espresso is poured first, followed by the steamed milk. A Cortado is mainly drunk in Spain and Portugal.

 

Affogato

 

An Affogato is a dessert. A coffee glass holds a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Over this you pour a shot of Espresso. So you get a combination of cold and sweet with hot and strong. A delicious and unique combination!

 

Special coffees

 

Irish coffee

 

An Irish Coffee is definitely special. It consists of 25% whisky, 50% coffee (with sugar) and the remaining 25% whipped cream. How do you make an Irish Coffee? You preheat a glass, by pouring hot water into it. You discard this water. Then you add brown sugar and pour the hot coffee over it. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

 

Then add the Whisky of your choice and stir again. Then carefully pour the whipped cream into the glass, over the rounded side of a spoon, so it floats on top of the coffee. After that, don't stir and enjoy!

 

Mocaccino

 

A Mocaccino is a coffee drink that combines espresso with hot milk and chocolate, usually in the form of cocoa powder or syrup. It has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet taste. It is often topped off with milk foam or whipped cream for extra smoothness.

 

Turkish coffee

 

Turkish coffee is a way of brewing coffee in which very finely ground coffee is boiled in a small pan called a cezve. The coffee is not filtered, leaving a layer of coffee grounds at the bottom. This makes for a strong and full-bodied flavour. It is often served with sugar and a glass of water. In Turkey, drinking this coffee is an important part of the culture.

 

Vietnamese coffee

 

Vietnamese coffee is a strong coffee from Vietnam. It is brewed with a phin filter, which allows it to brew slowly. A phin filter is a small, Vietnamese metal coffee filter. People often drink it with condensed milk (sweet) or black with ice. It has a powerful and unique flavour.

 

Other coffees

 

You also have decaffeinated coffee, coffees with spices and many other types of coffee. You can do what you like with coffee! Read in this blog which type of coffee goes with which type of cup.

 

What determines the taste of coffee?

Type of coffee bean

The taste of coffee starts with the coffee bean. There are two main types: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica has a milder and often somewhat fruity or sweet flavour, while Robusta is stronger and more bitter.

 

Origin of the bean

Where the coffee bean grows influences its flavour. Beans from Ethiopia, for example, often have a floral or fruity flavour, while beans from Brazil can have nutty or chocolate notes.

 

Roasting

The way the beans are roasted determines the flavour. Lightly roasted beans often have a more acidic and fruity taste, while darker roasted beans are more bitter and powerful.

 

Fineness of grind and brewing method

How finely the coffee is ground affects the flavour. An espresso has a short brewing time and therefore an intense flavour, while a filter coffee draws longer and tastes softer.

 

Water quality

The water you brew coffee with affects the taste. Soft water can make coffee taste milder, while hard water can intensify bitterness.

 

Taken together, these factors determine how your cup of coffee ultimately tastes - from fresh and fruity to full-bodied and bitter.

 

The history of coffee

Discovery in Ethiopia

According to an old legend, coffee was discovered in Ethiopia in the 9th century by a goat herder called Kaldi. He noticed that his goats got a lot of energy after eating red berries from a bush. When monks used these berries to make a drink, they noticed that it helped them stay awake while praying.

 

Spread to the Middle East

From Ethiopia, coffee came to Yemen in the 15th century. Islamic monks used the drink to sustain long prayers. Soon, coffee became popular throughout the Middle East, especially in Mecca and Istanbul. In the Ottoman capital, the first coffee houses emerged, where people gathered to talk and relax.

 

Coffee reaches Europe

In the 17th century, traders from Venice brought coffee to Europe. At first it was viewed with distrust, but soon it became a popular drink. Coffee houses appeared in major cities such as London, Paris and Amsterdam. They became meeting places for businessmen, writers and philosophers.

 

Coffee growing in the world

In the 18th and 19th centuries, coffee began to be grown in colonies such as Brazil, Indonesia and the Caribbean. Brazil grew to become the world's largest coffee producer and today still supplies a large share of all coffee.

 

Coffee today

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world today. People drink it in different ways, such as espresso, cappuccino and filter coffee. Whether it is to stay awake or enjoy the taste, coffee plays an important role in the daily lives of millions of people.

 

What are emerging coffee trends?

The coffee market is constantly evolving, with sustainability, technology and a sophisticated coffee experience becoming increasingly important. Here are some of the key trends:

 

1. Sustainable and eco-friendly coffee

More and more people are opting for coffee that is good for the planet. Fairtrade and organic coffee are becoming more popular, as they give farmers a fair price and use less pesticides. New ways of growing coffee that are better for nature and help absorb CO₂ are also emerging.

 

Less waste is also being considered. Compostable coffee capsules and reusable filters are on the rise. Coffee grounds are also being reused, for example as manure or in cosmetics.

 

There are also reusable coffee cups that can replace cardboard cups.

 

2. Plant-based milk and healthier choices

Oat, almond and soya milk are increasingly used in coffee, mainly because they are more sustainable than cow's milk. In addition, sugar-free syrups and extra healthy additives such as collagen or herbs (such as ashwagandha) are increasingly popular.

 

3. Coffee with a story

People want to know more about where their coffee comes from. Specialty coffee, or coffee with beans from a specific farm and unique flavours, is becoming more widely known. Transparency about origins and production methods is becoming more important.

So coffee is no longer just a drink, but a real experience in which sustainability and innovation are paramount!

 

What impact does coffee have on your body?

The benefits of coffee

Coffee is a popular drink that contains caffeine, a substance that gives you energy and improves your concentration. This helps you perform better at school or work. In addition, coffee contains antioxidants, which protect your body from harmful substances. Research shows that coffee can lower the risk of certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

 

The disadvantages of coffee

Too much caffeine can have negative effects. It can cause insomnia, headaches and feeling agitated. Some people get stomach or intestinal problems, as coffee stimulates the production of stomach acid. It can also increase your heart rate and worsen stress. Moreover, your body can become dependent on caffeine, making you tired and irritable without it.

 

The impact on your body

The impact of coffee varies from person to person. A moderate amount (1-3 cups a day) usually has positive effects, but excessive consumption can be harmful. It is therefore important to listen to your body and find out how much coffee is good for you.

 

Why getting coffee cups printed is a good idea

Make your brand more visible

A coffee cup with your logo or name will make people see your brand more often. Every time someone drinks coffee, your company is remembered. This helps create a professional and recognisable image.

 

Useful for hotels, restaurants and offices

In cafés, restaurants and hotels, printed cups create a neat and unified look. In offices, they can strengthen the team spirit and make your company recognisable to customers and visitors.

 

Durable and useful promotional tool

(Printed) coffee cups are often reused and last a long time. This makes them a smart choice as a business gift or advertising item. Unlike disposable cups, they remain in use for years.

 

A personal touch for every occasion

Whether it is a business meeting, an event or a gift, a printed coffee cup makes the moment more special. With a logo, slogan or unique design, you leave a lasting impression.

 

Conclusion: coffee is special

Coffee is more than just a drink. It brings people together, gives energy and comes in many different varieties and flavours. From a strong espresso to a creamy cappuccino, everyone has their own favourite way of drinking coffee.

Besides taste, the experience also plays a big role. The right coffee cup makes that moment even more special. Whether you enjoy your coffee at home, in the office or in a café, a good coffee cup makes all the difference.

 

Looking for coffee cups that match your style or company? Check out the options, contact us and find the perfect cup!