Have you ever wondered ? - The different types of coffee explained

Many can’t start their day without this dark and magical brew, but with so many different types of coffee, available not only in Ireland but around the world it can become a little confusing.

Here Laurann O’Reilly owner of Nutrition by Laurann explains some of the more common coffees as well as the less well known.

1. The Espresso

The bold flavour of the espresso shot is born when coffee beans are finely ground and high-water pressure is applied to create a much more concentrated drink than black coffee. Espresso is the base for many different types of coffee drinks including cappuccinos, macchiatos and lattes, but it can also be drunk on its own.

2. The Black Coffee

This is the simplest coffee drink there is and it has become a cherished part of the morning routine for people all over the world. The classic black coffee is made from ground coffee beans soaked in water and served hot. The special thing about this type of coffee drink is that it doesn’t have any sugar, milk or extra flavourings. Just the awesome flavour of pure coffee offering you a nice caffeine jolt when you need it. Black coffee drinkers know the importance of high-quality beans because that’s all their favourite drink is about.

3. The Americano

A shot of espresso diluted with water is the secret behind the Americano flavour. So, if you’re not used to the strong taste of the espresso, this type of coffee drink allows you to taste the complex flavours of the beans while reducing their intensity.

4. The Latte

One shot of espresso, steamed milk and topped with a little bit of foam. This is the milky version of the cappuccino, featuring less intense flavours, ideal for first-time coffee drinkers

5. The Cappuccino

This one is made of equal parts of espresso, steamed milk and foam. Often topped with a sprinkling of chocolate, this combination makes it a popular choice anywhere in the world.

6. The Macchiato

With Macchiato meaning ‘stained’ in Italy, that’s exactly what it is. Made with one shot of espresso with the tiniest bit of steamed milk on top.

7. The Mocha

If you can imagine the combination of a creamy cappuccino with hot chocolate, you then have the Mocha. This includes layers of espresso, chocolate, steamed milk, followed by a sprinkling of chocolate powder on top.

8. The Flat White

A flat white is a blend of micro-foamed milk poured over a single or double shot of espresso. This micro-foam is steamed milk infused with air, which creates a smooth and velvety texture and creamy taste. Precise pouring and steaming of the micro-foam is essential in making the perfect flat white.

9. The Cortado

The Cortado is a Spanish coffee drink made by using equal parts espresso and warm milk. Cortado means ‘cut’, referring to the splash of milk used to ‘cut’ the bold coffee flavour, in turn diluting the acidity of the beans.

10. Decaf

Decaf coffee is made using coffee beans that have been processed by roasters to remove most of the caffeine. However, you should still expect the full flavour of coffee to kick in whenever you enjoy this drink.

11. The Iced Coffee

This one is pretty self-explanatory to be fair, and is made by simply adding ice to a cup of black coffee.

12. The Frappe

Similar to our iced coffee but often topped with whipped cream and flavoured syrups. It’s then shaken until it becomes frothy.

13. The Cold Brew

The newer cool coffee kid in town, with this one coffee grounds are slowly steeped in room-temperature water. The result is a refreshing drink, which is less bitter.

14. The Bulletproof Coffee

Bulletproof coffee looks just like a latte, but it's creamy look and taste isn’t down to milk. It combines coffee, butter and oil to create a foamy, low-carb, high-calorie drink. This is definitely on the heavy and rich side of coffee types. Many keto diet fans love it, although due to the amount of fats included in a cup, it’s not a drink for everyone.

15. Iced Espresso

Another brilliant way to enjoy your espresso is by adding ice to it. Perfect for hot summer days and so easy to make, this is a drink you will wish you tried earlier. Milk, sugar and flavoured syrups make a wonderful combination with the iced espresso, so don’t hesitate to customise this drink and make it your own.

16. Nitro

Coffee with a frothy, beer-like texture is what sets apart Nitro cold brews. Nitrogen bubbles are added to the mix to create the signature foamy look. They are infused into the classic cold brew using a pressure valve. This is another type of coffee drink that has low acidity, perfect for people exploring the world of coffee for the first time.

17. Affogato

Is it a coffee or is it a dessert, maybe it’s both, who knows? This coffee drink combines both coffee and ice cream, so a little sweet coffee treat.

18. Irish Coffee

This is quite a skill to make and is bordering on a cocktail. Made by combining espresso, Irish whiskey, cream and sugar, Irish coffee is served in the instantly recognisable toddy glasses with handles.

19. Vietnamese Coffee

Just a warning, this one is very sweet and very calorific. It is brewed and cut with sweetened condensed milk.