What are the best type coffee in the world?
Ever found yourself in line at your favorite coffee shop, nervously debating the difference between cold brew and classic iced coffee? You’re not alone—I’ve been there too. The good news? This guide has you covered! We’ll explore everything from the distinction between Arabica and Robusta beans to the various brewing methods that transform those beans into your perfect cup of joe. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or an aspiring aficionado, get ready to dive deep into the world of your favorite morning beverage.
What Are the Various types of Coffee Beans?
In U.S. supermarkets, two main types of coffee beans dominate the shelves: Arabica and Robusta. Wondering what sets them apart? Let’s break it down.
Arabica
Arabica is the undisputed favorite among coffee enthusiasts. Known for its smooth, sweet, and complex flavor profile, Arabica beans are often enjoyed as black coffee for their refined taste. Interestingly, despite their popularity, Arabica beans contain less caffeine compared to their Robusta counterparts.
Robusta
Robusta beans, on the other hand, are valued for their strength and affordability. With a bolder and more bitter taste, they’re commonly used in espresso drinks and instant coffee blends. Robusta’s higher caffeine content makes it a robust choice for those who need an extra kick in their cup.
Which Coffee Been Packs the Most Cafeine?
When it comes to caffeine content, Robusta beans take the crown! With significantly higher caffeine levels than Arabica, Robusta is the go-to choice if you need an extra boost to tackle that Monday morning slump. For a powerful pick-me-up, opt for a coffee made with Robusta beans.
How Many Types of Coffee Beans Are There?
While we’ve covered the two most common types—Arabica and Robusta—there are actually four main types of coffee beans. These include Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica. Most coffee brands will label which type of beans they use, so you can easily identify what’s in your cup.
Different Types Coffee Drinks
Lattes, americanos, affogatos—it’s amazing what you can create with just a handful of beans! Whether you’re new to coffee or a seasoned enthusiast, there’s a whole world of coffee drinks to explore. Here are some of the most popular choices that coffee lovers across the country enjoy.
Black Coffee
Black coffee is as straightforward as it comes—ground coffee beans steeped in hot water and served warm. If you’re feeling fancy, you can refer to it by its elegant name: café noir. Without the addition of milk or sugar, the quality of the coffee itself truly shines.
Latte
The latte is the most popular coffee drink for a reason. It’s made with a shot of espresso, steamed milk, and a light layer of foam on top. You can enjoy it plain or customize it with a flavor shot, like vanilla, caramel, or even pumpkin spice.
Cappuccino
A cappuccino is similar to a latte but with more foam than steamed milk, often topped with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon. Some variations use cream instead of milk or include a flavor shot for added sweetness.
Americano
An americano offers a similar flavor to black coffee, made by diluting an espresso shot with hot water. Pro tip: when making it at home, pour the espresso first and then add the hot water.
Espresso
The foundation of most coffee drinks, an espresso shot can be enjoyed on its own or used to create lattes, macchiatos, and more.
Doppio
A doppio is simply a double shot of espresso, perfect for when you need an extra caffeine boost.
Cortado
A cortado strikes the perfect balance between espresso and warm steamed milk, with the milk softening the acidity of the espresso for a smooth flavor.
Red Eye
Named after sleepless overnight flights, a red eye combines a full cup of hot coffee with a shot of espresso for an energizing morning pick-me-up.
Galao
Hailing from Portugal, the galão is similar to a latte or cappuccino but contains about twice as much foamed milk, making it a lighter, creamier option.
Lungo
A lungo, or “long pull” espresso, involves a longer extraction time, resulting in a larger, more caffeinated drink.
Macchiato
The macchiato is an espresso-based drink with a small dollop of foam on top, offering a middle ground between a cappuccino and a doppio.
Mocha
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! The mocha is a delightful blend of espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate, topped with foam for a rich, indulgent treat.
Ristretto
A ristretto is a concentrated espresso shot made with less hot water. This results in a sweeter, more intense flavor compared to the bitterness of a traditional espresso or doppio.
Flat White
Originating in Australia, the flat white is an espresso drink similar to a cappuccino but without the foam or chocolate topping. It’s made with steamed milk for a smooth, velvety texture.
Affogato
The affogato is the perfect excuse to enjoy ice cream any time of day. This dessert-like coffee is made with a scoop of ice cream and a shot (or two) of espresso poured over the top. For an extra indulgence, try it served over a brownie as a Brownie Affogato Sundae.
Café au Lait
For those who prefer a minimalist approach, the café au lait is a simple yet flavorful choice. Just add a splash of warm milk to your brewed coffee for a creamy, comforting drink.
Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is a spirited mix of black coffee, whiskey, and sugar, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for warming up on a chilly evening!
What Type of Coffee Is the Strongest?
If you’re looking for a coffee with a bold, concentrated flavor, the ristretto is your best bet. Made with less water and no added milk or sugar, a ristretto delivers the pure, intense essence of espresso in every sip.
What Is the Sweetest Type of Coffee?
For those who enjoy the caffeine boost but prefer a sweeter taste, the mocha is a great choice. This chocolate-infused espresso drink, combined with steamed milk, balances out the bitterness for a rich, dessert-like flavor.
Different Types Iced Coffee
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a chilled iced coffee on a hot summer day—or anytime if you’re a year-round fan (like us!). Here are some of the best iced coffee options to keep you cool and caffeinated.
Iced Coffee
Simple and classic, iced coffee is brewed coffee poured over ice and typically served with a splash of milk, cream, or sweetener. While it seems straightforward, perfecting iced coffee at home can be tricky. Consider using a HyperChiller to master your DIY iced coffee game.
Iced Espresso
Similar to iced coffee, iced espresso is a chilled version of your favorite espresso shot. Enjoy it straight or with a dash of milk, cream, or sweetener. You can also ice specialty espresso drinks like lattes, americanos, mochas, macchiatos, and flat whites for a refreshing twist.
Cold Brew
The trendiest option in the iced coffee world, cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 6-36 hours, depending on your preferred strength. Once steeped, it’s often served with cold milk or cream for a smooth, rich flavor.
Frappuccino
Popularized by Starbucks, the Frappuccino is a blended iced coffee drink topped with whipped cream and syrup. Be aware, though—not all Frappuccinos contain coffee, so double-check if caffeine is a must!
Nitro
A nitrogen-infused cold brew, nitro coffee features a frothy, velvety texture reminiscent of a Guinness pour. It’s served via a nitro tap for an elevated iced coffee experience.
Mazagran
A unique and bold choice, Mazagran is a cross between iced coffee, tea, and a cocktail. Typically made with espresso, lemon, sugar, and sometimes a splash of rum, this drink is perfect for adventurous coffee lovers.
Different Types of Coffee Makers
Now that you’re well-versed in all things coffee, it’s time to explore how to brew the perfect cup! From French presses to Moka pots, there are countless ways to create your dream coffee. For an extra touch, serve it in a charming coffee mug—or splurge on an Ember Mug to keep it warm for longer. Pro tip: Use a coffee mug warmer to maintain the perfect temperature.
French Press
The French press is a manual coffee maker that’s as simple as it is effective. Here’s how it works:
- Add coarsely ground coffee to the French press.
- Pour hot water over the grounds.
- Let it steep for a few minutes.
- Press the plunger down and pour your coffee.
This method works well with any coffee bean, but it’s especially favored for darker, richer roasts. Plus, a stylish French press adds a touch of elegance to your morning routine.
Percolator
For a retro twist to your coffee routine, try a percolator—this classic brewing method dates back to the 1880s! Percolators work by cycling boiling water through coffee grounds in a “coffee chamber,” repeating the process until your coffee is perfectly brewed.
Typically used for medium roasts, percolators are most often prepared on the stovetop but are versatile enough to work on any heat source—even a campfire! Perfect for your next outdoor adventure.
Single Serve Coffee Makers
Single-serve coffee makers have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years—and for good reason. Simply measure your desired amount of coffee, add it to the reusable filter, pour in water, and voilà! A freshly brewed cup, tailored just for you, will be ready in minutes.
These coffee makers, like most Keurig models, are ideal for single-person households or homes where only one person drinks coffee. Convenience and customization in one compact machine!
AeroPress
Here’s another versatile manual coffee maker to add to your repertoire. The AeroPress works similarly to a French press but offers even more flexibility. With this compact gadget, you can brew espresso, lattes, cold brews, or a classic cup of coffee—all with ease. A must-have for coffee enthusiasts on the go!
Drip Coffee Maker
Ah, the classic electric coffee maker we all know and love. Making coffee with a drip coffee maker is as simple as it gets: scoop your coffee grounds into the filter, add water, and press start. Then, let the magic happen as your coffee brews and drips into the pot. That satisfying sound? It’s the soundtrack to mornings conquered.
Many drip coffee makers now come with a thermal carafe, featuring a double-layered stainless steel design that keeps your coffee hot and fresh for hours—much longer than traditional glass carafes. While most drip coffee makers still use glass carafes, the thermal option is becoming increasingly popular.
If you prefer grinding your own beans for the freshest flavor, consider investing in a drip coffee maker with a built-in grinder. It’s the ultimate way to elevate your morning brew!
Pour Over
A pour-over coffee maker does exactly what its name suggests: you manually pour hot water over the coffee grounds. Popular options like Chemex boast rave reviews on Amazon, with fans praising the control they offer over coffee strength and their easy-to-clean design. However, pour-over makers require special filters, which can be pricier than standard drip coffee filters—though some reusable options are available.
Cold Brew
If you’re a devoted cold brew enthusiast, a dedicated cold brew coffee maker might be a worthy investment. Using one is simple: add your coffee grounds, brew, and serve. You can even store your cold brew for up to 36 hours. For added versatility, other coffee makers like the AeroPress can also be used to prepare cold brew coffee.
Moka
Often mistaken for a percolator, the Moka pot is a stovetop coffee maker that brews a rich, espresso-like coffee. While both the Moka pot and percolator require a heated surface (even a campfire works!), their brewing processes differ. The Moka pot requires more attention; once the water is used up, you need to remove it from the heat to prevent burnt coffee. On the other hand, the percolator’s strength increases the longer it brews, making it more forgiving for a hands-off approach.