Types of coffee and their characteristics: which is your favorite?
Coffee is a very rich drink and its different preparation methods offer you an infinite variety of flavors and experiences for the senses. Each of the types of coffee has its own characteristics, which you should know. Choose your favorite!
The main types of coffee you should know
We present you a list of some of the coffee varieties.
1. Types of coffee : espresso
First we have the espresso, which is the basis of many coffee drinks. This is a drink that is characterized by its fast preparation and high pressure. This is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans at high pressure. It is one of the types of coffee most basic, which has the following characteristics:
- Taste and aroma: the espresso It is known for its strong and concentrated flavour. It has a layer of cream on the surface that adds a velvety texture and an intense aroma.
- Sensory experience: Due to its concentration, the espresso offers a robust flavor and a notable acidity. It has notes of cocoa , walnut and a touch of bitterness.
2. Cappuccino
Then there is the cappuccino, an Italian drink that is prepared with a espresso , evaporated milk and a layer of milk foam. The typical proportion is one third of each component. Its characteristics are:
- Taste and aroma: the cappuccino It has a balanced flavor between the espresso strong and creamy milk. The foam adds a light texture and a sweet aroma to the milk.
- Sensory experience: the combination of espresso and evaporated milk with foam offers a smooth and creamy experience with a top layer that retains the aroma of the coffee.
3. Types of coffee : pot coffee
This traditional Mexican method involves boiling coffee beans with cinnamon and piloncillo (unrefined brown sugar).
This coffee is prepared in a clay pot and provides the following flavor:
- Taste and aroma: It stands out for its sweet and spicy flavour. The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a rich and aromatic drink, with a profile that can be reminiscent of Christmas.
- Sensory experience: warm and comforting, with a taste that evokes the tradition and comfort of family gatherings.
4. Cut type
It is one of the types of coffee which is composed of a small amount of espresso cut with an equal amount of evaporated milk. Its details are:
- Taste and aroma: just like the espresso , the cortado has an intense flavor, but the evaporated milk mellows the profile, leading to a balanced and less bitter experience.
- Sensory experience: the combination of espresso and milk creates a robust, yet approachable drink with a creamy texture that doesn't overpower the flavor of the coffee.
5. Types of coffee : mocha
Then there is the mocha , a combination of espresso with evaporated milk and chocolate syrup. It is often served with whipped cream and sprinkled with cocoa. Its characteristics are:
- Taste and aroma: This drink is known for its sweet and chocolatey taste. The chocolate syrup complements the intensity of the espresso .
- Sensory experience: the mocha It is perfect for those who enjoy a coffee drink with a hint of sweetness and a more complex flavor profile.
6. Carajillo
Originally from Spain and Latin America, carajillo is a drink that mixes espresso with a liqueur, such as brandy or coffee liqueur. Its characteristics are:
- Flavor and aroma: the carajillo combines the intensity of the espresso with the flavor of the liquor. This creates a drink with a deep and aromatic flavor profile.
- Sensory experience: A great option for special occasions or for those looking for a coffee drink with a twist that adds complexity and warmth.
7. Types of coffee : Irish coffee
Irish coffee combines coffee with Irish whiskey and is topped with whipped cream. Its characteristics are:
- Flavor and aroma: The blend of coffee and whiskey creates a drink with a warm and comforting flavor, while the whipped cream adds a rich and sweet texture.
- Sensory experience: an alternative for a special occasion or to enjoy after dinner. If you have a sweet tooth, this is for you.
8. Aztec coffee
This coffee is made with a blend of coffee beans and spices (cloves, cinnamon and vanilla, often with a hint of liqueur, like caramel). Learn what makes it special:
- Flavor and aroma: Aztec coffee has a spicy and sweet flavor profile. Its aroma is reminiscent of Mexican festivities.
- Sensory experience: It is perfect for those looking for a coffee drink with a distinctive flavor and a blend of spices.
9. Types of coffee : American
The American is prepared by adding hot water to a espresso , then diluting its intensity to create a drink similar to filtered coffee. Its characteristics are:
- Flavor and aroma: It offers a smoother and less concentrated flavor than the espresso . It maintains the basic notes of coffee, but with a greater quantity of liquid.
- Sensory experience: ideal for those who prefer a lighter coffee, but with the character of the espresso .
10. Types of coffee : flat white
He flat white It is similar to cappuccino, but with a thinner layer of foam and a higher proportion of evaporated milk. Its characteristics are:
- Taste and aroma: creamy experience with a stronger coffee flavor than cappuccino . All thanks to its lower amount of foam.
- Sensory experience: It's a balance between milk and coffee, and without the thick layer of foam.
11. Cold brew
Then there is the cold brew. This is prepared by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water. All for a prolonged period, usually 12-24 hours. Learn about its characteristics:
- Taste and aroma: This method produces a less acidic and smoother coffee. It is notable for a flavour profile that is often sweeter and less bitter.
- Sensory experience: one of the types of coffee Great for hot days. Also for those who prefer a refreshing and smooth coffee drink.
12. Types of coffee : nitro coffee
Is cold brew infused with nitrogen, which gives it a creamy, bubbly texture, similar to that of draft beer. Its characteristics are:
- Taste and aroma: similar to cold brew , but with a richer texture.
- Sensory experience: perfect for a refreshing experience. It also provides a touch of creaminess and effervescence.
13. Turkish coffee
In this case, it is prepared by cooking the ground coffee in a special container called cezve with water and sugar (optional). Learn its details:
- Flavor and aroma: This method produces a thick, strong coffee with a sediment at the bottom. It has a robust and concentrated flavor profile.
- Sensory experience: Ideal for those who enjoy a strong, traditional coffee drink with a rich texture.
14. Types of coffee : filtered coffee
Then there is filtered coffee, also known as drip coffee. It is prepared by passing hot water through ground coffee beans in a paper or metal filter. Its characteristics are:
- Flavor and aroma: It offers a clean and smooth flavor. It has less body than the espresso , but with flavor notes that may vary depending on the bean and filtering method.
- Sensory experience: Those who prefer a light and clear coffee drink will love it.
15. French press coffee
On the other hand, for the French press, coarsely ground coffee beans are immersed in hot water; then, the plunger is pressed to separate the beans from the liquid. Consider these details:
- Flavor and aroma: produces a full-bodied coffee with an intense flavor profile. This is because the metal filter allows the coffee oils to pass into the drink.
- Sensory experience: Are you looking for a robust texture and a depth of flavour that reveals the nuances of the bean? Then you can't miss it.
16. Types of coffee : Viennese coffee
Of course, you can't miss the Viennese coffee, a blend of espresso with whipped cream instead of milk. Garnish with cocoa powder or cinnamon for an extra touch. Its characteristics are:
- Flavor and aroma: this coffee combines the intensity of espresso with the smoothness and sweetness of whipped cream. Create a rich and decadent drink with a tempting aroma.
- Sensory experience: If you like cream, you will find it to be a very delicate flavour. Plus, it can usually be customised, either with cinnamon or cocoa. Choose your favourite!
17. Ristretto
Finally, there is the ristretto, a shorter, more concentrated espresso, made with the same amount of coffee but less water. It will give you a stronger, richer drink with the following characteristics:
- Flavor and aroma: it is more intense and less diluted than the espresso It has a deep and complex flavor profile, with less bitterness and more sweetness.
- Sensory experience: did you like the espresso ? So, here you will find a much more concentrated flavor.
Tips for choosing the ideal types of coffee
Ideally, you should choose your coffee based on the experience you want to find. For example:
- Intense experience: If you are looking for a strong and concentrated drink, the espresso , ristretto or the mocha are ideal options.
- Creamy texture: On the other hand, if you prefer a drink with milk, the cappuccino or the flat white they are great.
- Sweet and spicy flavor: Café de olla, Aztec coffee, and Viennese coffee provide spicy and sweet flavors.
- For hot days: the cold brew and the nitro coffee They are refreshing and smooth options.
In short, each preparation method offers a unique experience, and each person adds their own “special” touch. Therefore, we invite you to experiment until you find your favorite preparation.