Navigating The Vast World Of Coffee Drinks

By Debrah Elliot


When you ask your barista for a latte or a macchiato or an espresso, those aren't just clever names dreamed up by advertising executives. These are real words that describe not just the drink but the ingredients or process by which the drink has been made. Here is some information about common coffee lingo and what it all means.

The basis for many drinks is espresso, which many people mistakenly believe is a type of bean. Actually, you can use any bean you like; it just needs to be very finely ground. Espresso is the method used to produce the drink and it is also the name of the drink. An espresso machine forces nearly boiling water through the coffee grounds using a great deal of pressure. The result is generally two ounces of rich liquid with much more caffeine than a cup of coffee.

Coffee has long been popular around the world, but not everyone craves the strong flavor of a straight espresso, no matter how beautifully it has been prepared. According to some legends, the caf Americano was invented for just such a purpose. During World War II, it was said, U.S. soldiers preferred their espresso diluted, and this new drink was named after the Americans. Whether or not this is true, the Americano has become popular around the world.

Some like it dark, but some prefer coffee with milk or cream. If you love the addition of steamed milk or foam, there are many options, including the popular French coffee drink caf au lait. This is drink that is half milk and half coffee and very popular as a morning beverage. Lattes and cappuccinos also are popular morning fare. The latte is espresso and milk with a topping of foam, while the cappuccino is espresso and foam.

A few of the other common drink names include the macchiato, which is supposed to be just a shot of espresso topped with a dash of foam. In most American coffeehouses, it resembles a latte more than a true macchiato. If you love chocolate and coffee, you probably have enjoyed your share of caf mochas, which are a type of latte that begins with some rich chocolate at the bottom of the cup, followed by espresso and then the steamed milk.

No matter what coffee drinks you love, the best place in L.A. to get a cup is at Island Monarch Coffee. This Culver City coffeehouse takes its coffee very seriously. Beans are imported from Kona and South America and are roasted after they arrive to ensure the freshest possible flavor. Beans are used within just a few days of roasting, as well, and the water is also special. Island Monarch Coffee uses water that has been purified using reverse osmosis to truly allow the flavor of the coffee come through.




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