If you love coffee and coffee-based drinks, you probably enjoy a daily trip to your favorite coffeehouse. The menu board no doubt lists items such as lattes, mochas, cappuccino and espressos. Coffeehouse owners don't just use these words to sound upscale and sophisticated; they are actual terms that describe what type of drink you are ordering. Here are a few coffee definitions and facts for your enjoyment.
First of all, let's start with espresso. Some people believe it's a drink, some believe it's a method of brewing and others think it's a type of bean. The word espresso is the name of the beverage as well as the way it prepared. Any bean can be used, although many consumers prefer a darker roast. The drink is made by forcing extremely hot water through the grounds, which have been finely ground and compressed. This process creates a liquid with a much higher concentration of caffeine than a typical cup of drip coffee. It's smaller than a cup of coffee, but packs much more of a punch.
If you want an espresso drink that is not quite as strong as an espresso, you can order an Americano, which is espresso that has been diluted with hot water. Legend has it that the Americano originated in Italy during the second world war because American soldiers were not used to the strong taste of espresso and preferred that water be added to their drink.
Of course many people love to have their coffee prepared with warm milk, and there are many variations on this theme. For example, a caf au lait translates to coffee with milk and that is just what it is, half coffee and half warmed milk. A latte is very similar and includes a shot or more of espresso topped with warm milk and foam. On the other hand, if you want a stronger drink, opt for a cappuccino which is more foam and less milk, allowing that espresso flavor to shine a bit more.
There are many other common terms that you probably have heard, such as mocha or macchiato. Technically, a macchiato is just a shot of espresso with a bit of foam on the top, but some coffee shops seem to use a great deal of milk and flavorings and this drink resembles a latte more than a true espresso macchiato. A mocha is basically just a latte with chocolate added and sometimes topped off with a dollop of whipped cream.
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.
First of all, let's start with espresso. Some people believe it's a drink, some believe it's a method of brewing and others think it's a type of bean. The word espresso is the name of the beverage as well as the way it prepared. Any bean can be used, although many consumers prefer a darker roast. The drink is made by forcing extremely hot water through the grounds, which have been finely ground and compressed. This process creates a liquid with a much higher concentration of caffeine than a typical cup of drip coffee. It's smaller than a cup of coffee, but packs much more of a punch.
If you want an espresso drink that is not quite as strong as an espresso, you can order an Americano, which is espresso that has been diluted with hot water. Legend has it that the Americano originated in Italy during the second world war because American soldiers were not used to the strong taste of espresso and preferred that water be added to their drink.
Of course many people love to have their coffee prepared with warm milk, and there are many variations on this theme. For example, a caf au lait translates to coffee with milk and that is just what it is, half coffee and half warmed milk. A latte is very similar and includes a shot or more of espresso topped with warm milk and foam. On the other hand, if you want a stronger drink, opt for a cappuccino which is more foam and less milk, allowing that espresso flavor to shine a bit more.
There are many other common terms that you probably have heard, such as mocha or macchiato. Technically, a macchiato is just a shot of espresso with a bit of foam on the top, but some coffee shops seem to use a great deal of milk and flavorings and this drink resembles a latte more than a true espresso macchiato. A mocha is basically just a latte with chocolate added and sometimes topped off with a dollop of whipped cream.
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.
About the Author:
Debrah Elliot enjoys reading coffee blogs. For further information about the best coffee shop Culver City or to find where to get fresh roasted coffee Culver City, please visit the Island Monarch Coffee site now.
