Coffee Confusion

In line beside the Gloria Jean’s coffee kiosk at my local mall, I hurried to order, never thinking that the $3 “cappuccino” here would not taste like the kind I love to get at Dairy Mart for a mere buck, and that is three times the size. My mistake.

Getting a special coffee these days can take special training. We could take notes while watching Frasier and Niles order their usuals at the café. The following article helps clear some of the confusion, but it doesn’t explain why my economy cup at Dairy Mart comes sweetened while the tiny cup at the mall isn’t sugared unless I ask for it. I deduce that cappuccino isn’t necessarily sweet. Maybe some of you coffee connoisseurs can clue me in.

Decoding the Java Jargon

Are you a java junkie? Can’t start the morning without a sip? Many folks routinely enjoy their favorite brew each day. Maybe you’re ready to try something new but can’t make heads or tails out of all the options. Take this coffee crash course and you’ll be an expert before you get your next caffeine craving.

Cappuccino: one shot of espresso and equal parts steamed and foamed milk, making it 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foamed milk; steamed milk is mixed with the espresso, but the foamed milk is spooned on top

Latte: a shot of espresso in a cup of steamed milk, making it 1/3 espresso, 2/3 steamed milk

Americano: equal portions of espresso and boiling water

Café au lait: equal parts of brewed coffee and steamed milk

Café breve: milk-based espresso where half-and-half is used instead of milk

Café con leche: 11/2 ounces of espresso with steamed milk to fill an 8-ounce cup

Café con panna: espresso topped with whipped cream

Café corretto: espresso with a shot of brandy, cognac or liqueur

Café creme: 11/2 ounces of espresso combined with 1 ounce of heavy cream

Café doppio: A double shot of espresso with one shot of hot water.

Café freddo: chilled espresso served in a glass, often iced

Café latte: 11/2 ounces of espresso in a 6-ounce cup filled to the top with steamed milk

Café latte macchiato: a glass of hot milk with a teaspoon of espresso

Café latteccino: espresso with two parts of steamed milk and one part foamed milk

Café lungo: a long espresso where boiling water is added to 11/2 ounces of espresso

Café macchiato: 11/2 ounces of espresso in a demitasse (a small coffee cup) topped with a dollop of foamed milk

Café mocha: espresso, chocolate syrup and steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder or chocolate shavings

Café romano: espresso served with a twist of lemon or lemon peel