A Guide to Understanding Coffee Lingo 

If you’ve ever ordered a cup of coffee from your favorite cafe, you may have noticed that there are many different names for the same type of beverage. Yesterday, we covered what the differences are between a cappuccino and a macchiato. What about an americano or a latte? In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of coffee drinks and what makes them unique. 

Cappuccino vs Macchiato 

Though these two types of coffee drinks are often confused for each other, they do have some distinct differences. The main difference is that cappuccinos contain more foam than macchiatos. A cappuccino typically contains equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam while a macchiato contains less foam and more espresso than a cappuccino. Another difference is that cappuccinos have a sweeter flavor due to the addition of steamed milk while macchiatos have a stronger espresso taste. 

Americano vs Latte 

The main difference between an americano and a latte is the amount of milk used in each drink. An americano is made with one shot of espresso and then hot water is added to create a larger cup with less intensity in flavor. On the other hand, lattes use two shots of espresso and are made with more steamed milk than an americano so it has less caffeine but also more sweetness due to the extra milk used in its creation. 

Mocha vs Frappe 

A mocha and frappe are both cold coffee drinks but they differ in ingredients. A mocha is typically made with chocolate syrup or cocoa powder along with espresso, steamed milk, whipped cream, and topped off with chocolate shavings (optional). On the other hand, frappes are blended beverages made with ice cubes, flavored syrups such as vanilla or caramel, sweeteners like sugar or syrup, some sort of creamer like half & half or non-dairy creamer; then finished off with whipped cream on top (optional). 

Whether you’re just starting out trying different types of coffee drinks or you’re already an expert barista, understanding the lingo associated with different types of coffees can help you order exactly what you want when visiting your local cafe. From cappuccinos to macchiatos to mochas to frappes – now you know all about them. So next time you’re at your favorite cafe ordering up something delicious take this guide into consideration.

Of course, this post just scratches the surface of the many types of coffees. A fun way to remember is this poster to visually see the drinks and their make up. I’m still looking for a pocket version. Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, I will get a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going.

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What is the Difference Between Cappuccino and Macchiato? 

Whether you’re a seasoned coffee drinker or just getting into the world of craft coffees, it can be overwhelming to understand all the different types of coffee drinks. There are so many coffee lingos and words that describe different coffee drinks that it can be difficult to keep them all straight. In this blog post, we’ll cover the differences between two popular coffee drinks—cappuccino and macchiato—so you can order with confidence next time you’re at your local cafe. 

Cappuccino vs. Macchiato 

At first glance, cappuccino and macchiato might look like the same type of drink. While they both involve espresso, there are a few key differences between these two popular Italian drinks. Let’s take a closer look at each one. 

Cappuccino – A cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk. It’s served in a larger cup than espresso, usually 6-8 ounces. The foam helps keep the drink hot longer and adds a creamy texture to the liquid. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want something more substantial than an espresso but still want to get their caffeine fix. 

Macchiato – A macchiato is also made with espresso but has less milk than a cappuccino (usually only ¼ cup). The primary difference between a macchiato and cappuccino is that macchiatos don’t have any foam on top; instead they are topped off with just a bit of steamed milk that sits on top of the espresso shot (hence why it’s called macchiato which means “marked” in Italian). This makes for a stronger flavor than cappuccinos as well as allowing for more control over sweetness since no sweetener is used in making this type of drink. 

No matter which one you prefer—cappuccino or macchiato—you now know what sets these two popular Italian drinks apart from each other. Both offer robust flavors and make for perfect afternoon pick-me-ups when you need some extra energy or just want to take a break from your day-to-day routine. With this new knowledge of coffee lingo under your belt, you’ll be able to confidently order either one wherever your travels may take you.

We have enjoyed our cappuccino in an older version of these dual wall glass mugs. With the outside cool and the inner part staying warm, it can actually be a weird experience. But, always too much fun to see the drink mix through the clear sides. Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, I will get a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going.

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