If you want to sound like a pro the next time you’re at a coffee shop, listen up, because I’m about to drop some hints on how to order your perfect cup of Joe . . .
1. Order the right roast. Most people don’t know that at coffee shops you can usually specify whether you prefer a light, medium, or dark roast.
Not sure which one you like? If you drink your coffee black, go with a light roast. If you love to load up on the milk and sugar, a medium or dark roast is best.
2. Consider your cold coffee carefully. Since it’s summer, a lot of us switch from drinking hot coffee to the iced stuff. But there’s a big difference between “cold brew” and “iced coffee.”
Iced coffee is hot coffee that’s been cooled down, so it tastes more bitter and acidic. Cold brew is steeped in cold water for hours, which makes it smoother, sweeter, and more caffeinated. Try them both if you don’t know which one tastes better to you.
3. Don’t overdo the flavored syrups. They can muddle the coffee flavor and leave you with a sugar bomb. Which is fine, if that’s what you’re going for. But if you want to actually TASTE the coffee, start with half the usual pumps, and add more as needed.
4. Know the differences between classic coffee drinks. Here’s a quick rundown to get you started:
A latte is mostly steamed milk with a shot of espresso. It’s creamy and smooth, like a gateway drink for people who aren’t sure if they LOVE the taste of coffee.
An americano is espresso with hot water. So it’s got big, bold coffee flavor.
And a cappuccino is kind of in the middle, part espresso, part steamed milk, and frothy milk foam on top.
Oh, and if you’re wondering where Starbucks’ Frappuccinos fall on the list, those are basically just milkshakes. Some of them don’t even have caffeine.
(HuffPost)
