Types of Coffee Drinks and Varieties

Coffee can be had on its own as in Espresso or with added milk, lemon or brandy. EspressoEspresso has no milk, just pure coffee. Most traditional coffee recipes revolve around a single or double espresso shots. If you are a coffee connoisseur then you should try and learn how to make one. It is generally made from a single 1 oz shot of coffee made with 7 Gms of finely ground coffee extracted at between 18 and 25 seconds. There are many recopies and this is small selection to choose from Americano (American) This is espresso shot that is diluted to taste with hot water. The name was given to insult Americans who the Europeans believed were not up to drinking full espressos. Black coffee: Coffee served with no milk.CappuccinoCappuccino usually consists of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk. All this makes the coffee taste more diluted and weaker. Some coffee shops will sprinkle cinnamon or flaked chocolate on top and other will add more milk than others. All shops make some variance to suit the taste of regular customers.

Dry CappuccinoThis is a regular cappuccino but without steamed milk and small amount of foam.Flavored coffeeThese are made to taste and more a local tradition. A great variety exists in different parts of the world. The flavor can be either a mix of syrups, spices (eg. cinnamon), flavorings or nutmegs that are added to the coffee and give coffee a different taste.White coffeeA black coffee with milk added.Cafe LatteCafe Latte has more milk than a cappuccino. It is one part espresso with at least three to five parts ofsteamed hot milk with a small amount of froth on top. Latte in Italian means milk, so be careful ordering one when in Rome.Cafe au LaitSimilar to Caffe Latte with an equal milk to coffee in the ratio of 1:1, It is made from brewed coffee and not from espresso. The taste is milder and less intense due to it consisting 50% milk.

Cafe BrevaA cappuccino made with half and half milk, instead of whole milk. The theory is that the mix gives a richer, creamier flavor. You should be aware, before trying this for yourself, that half and half is much harder to foam.Cafe MacchiatoA shot of espresso with steamed milk added. The ratio of coffee to milk is approximately 4:1.Cafe Latte FredoIt is a type of cold coffee. Cafe Latte Fredo is an espresso mixed with cold milk in similar proportions as a Cafe Latte that is usually shaken well with ice in a cocktail shaker.Cafe MochaQuite popular with the ladies or after dinner coffee. It is one part espresso with one part chocolate syrup and two or three parts of frothed milk. You could also ask for some whipped cream. Mocha was the popular coffee port route in the 17th century. Espresso con PannaAnother espresso that is topped with a small amount of whipped cream.Espresso GranitaA kind of cocktail coffee! It is one shot of espresso that is mixed with a teaspoon of soft brown sugar and on this is added a splash of brandy. It is then frozen, crushed and served in a parfait glass with whipped cream.FrappeThis is a cold espresso and popularly ordered in some cafes in Europe and Latin America during summer months. Generally prepared using 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee with sugar, water and ice. The brew is next placed in a long glass with ice, and milk turning it into a big coffee milkshake.Turkish Coffee or Known also as Greek CoffeeA different preparation from the usual coffee. It is thicker and made usually made in an cezve which is a long-handled, open, brass or copper pot. Finely ground coffee and water are boiled together to making a mix of muddy and thick coffee. Once it is made it is served in smaller cups called Demitasse cups. Sugar and sometimes cardamom pods or spices (more Arabic) are added before it is brewed and all this is left for sometime to allow it to settle before it is sipped. In Greek coffee Chicory is used and cracked cardamom pods to Turkish coffee.Indian (Madras) filter coffeeThe popular South Indian filter coffee is made from fresh ground, dark-roasted coffee Arabica or Peaberry beans. It is left for a few hours to drip-brew in a traditional metal coffee filter. It is served with coffee to milk ratio of usually 3:1.

Instant coffee (or soluble coffee)These have become very popular over the years due more to convenience and some people are not even aware that there are so many other tastes to try out and when served the real coffee fail to appreciate the aroma and its taste. The coffee is available in packets as granules or soluble powder. Hammerhead or Shot in the DarkThis is a mix of espresso and drip coffee in a regular-sized coffee cup. Many cafes rename this drink further to their own names or as per to their needs.Iced coffeeThis is a regular coffee served with ice, and sometimes milk and sugar.

Cuban coffeeCuban coffee is a type of espresso, which is sweetened with natural brown sugar as it is being brewed. A common method for making Cuban espresso is to add few drops of the espresso to the sugar and mix vigorously till it results in a creamy, light brown paste. The remaining espresso is then added to the light brown paste creating a light brown foam layer, atop the coffee.

Arabica coffeeCoffee Arabica also known as mountain coffee is a species of coffee that is believed to produce the finest coffee beans. The beans from this plant contain less caffeine than any other coffee plants. Coffee Arabica has aromatic tones that offer a smooth, pleasing taste.

Irish coffeeIf you want to have whiskey with coffee try this coffee. It consists of coffee that is spiked with Irish whiskey, with added cream on top. Best suited for a cold winter night to keep you warm.Kopi TubrukIf you visit islands of Java and Bali in Indonesia you can try this coffee. It is similar to Turkish or Greek coffee as it very thick.LungoThis is 2-3 shot of espresso and has more water to pass through coffee grounds.RistrettoThe name means restricted. It is like Lungo, but exactly the opposite as it has less water with 0.75 oz espresso. MelyaCoffee with honey. Made by using coffee that is mixed with 1 teaspoon of unsweetened powdered cocoa and drizzled honey. It can be served with cream.

Vietnamese CoffeeUses more and like south Indian coffee uses a metal mesh. Hot water is dripped through the metal mesh and after this the intense brew is poured over ice and sweetened with condensed milk.If you are a heavy coffee drinker and wish to reduce the number of cuppa, there are also several coffee substitutes available in the market. These include green tea, licorice tea, black tea, ginseng tea, or even decaf. Some have negligible caffeine content while others (like decaf) have much lesser caffeine constituency than regular coffee.

Coffee - Aroma, Flavor and Taste

Coffee depending on the regions where it is cultivated and the type of roasting process can have its own special aroma, flavor and taste making each type a unique drink.

AROMASAnimal like - Used to describe a strong aroma that may smell like wet fur, sweat, leather, hides or even urine. This odour reminds one of the smell of animals and hence the name. AshyThis odour describes the odour similar to smokers finger or ashtray and depends on the degree of roast.Burnt/SmokeyIf you have smelt burnt food than you will immediately understand this odour.It is similar to the odour produced when burning wood and usually it is associated with dark-roasted or oven-roasted coffees. Chemical/MedicinalThis odour is reminiscent of chemicals, medicines and the smell of hospitals.Chocolate-likeThis aroma is reminiscent of cocoa powder and chocolate (including dark chocolate and milk chocolate).CaramelThis aroma descriptor is reminiscent of the odour and flavour produced when caramelizing sugar without burning it. Cereal/Malty/Toast-likeUsed for describing - a grain-type aroma. The aroma is reminiscent cereal, malt and roasted grain (including roasted corn, barley or wheat) or even freshly baked bread and freshly made toast.EarthyThe descriptor is reminiscent of the aroma of fresh earth, wet soil, humus, moulds or raw potato flavor. It is considered as an undesirable flavour when perceived in coffee.FloralIf coffee aroma is reminiscent of fragrance of flowers then it belongs to this category. The flowers include honeysuckle, jasmine, dandelion and nettles.Fruity/CitrusThis aroma has the odour and taste of fruit.Grassy/Green/HerbalThis aroma descriptor includes a freshly mowed lawn, fresh green grass or herbs, green foliage, green beans or unripe fruit.NuttyThis aroma is reminiscent of the odour and flavour of fresh nuts.Rancid/RottenThis aroma descriptor is associated with either Rancid or rotten. Rancid as with nuts and rotten as with vegetables or non-oily products.Rubber-likeDescribes the smell of hot tyres, rubber bands and rubber stoppers and is a negative attribute. SpicyThis describes the aroma associated with usually cloves and cinnamon and not with spices such as pepper, oregano and Indian spices.TobaccoThis aroma descriptor is reminiscent of taste of tobacco but should not be used for burnt tobacco.WineyThis terms simply describe the sensation of smell, taste and mouth feel experiences when drinking wine. WoodyThis aroma is reminiscent of the smell of usually dry wood, an oak barrel, dead wood or cardboard paper.TASTESStandardizing taste is never easy but to give uniformity certain terms are accepted internationally and should be used if one can appreciate the difference between them. The tasters are paid to know the difference and use it normally.AcidityThe taste is sharp and acidic- it is typical of coffee from certain regions.BitternessIn contrast the taste is due to quinine and alkaloids along with caffeine. This taste depends on the degree of roast brewing procedures.SweetnessThis is a basic taste descriptor for sweet aroma that is associated with solutions of sucrose or fructose. The aroma is of fruity, chocolate and caramel. SaltinessA primary taste characterized by a solution of sodium chloride or other salts.SournessIf you have tasted Vinegar then you know this taste. If the solution has a sharp, biting and unpleasant flavor it is sour. Fermented coffee can have this taste. Do not confuse with acidic taste. It is pleasant and desirable taste in coffee.MOUTHFEELMouthfeel describes how the drink feels in the mouth and what kind of after taste does it leave behind. BodyThis attribute descriptor is generally used to describe the physical properties of the beverage that can be either strong but pleasant as opposed to being thin.AstringencyAttribute to describe the after taste sensation. Sometimes there can be a feeling of dry feeling in the mouth and this is not desirable with coffee.

CHICORY

It is a plant whose root is roasted and ground for use as an additive to or substitute for coffee. You must be wondering why it is added. Chicory adds a nice, roasted flavor to coffee, which is desirable to camouflage the bitter flavor of over-roasted, low-grade coffee beans. It also tends to darken the coffee. Chicory is currently 10 times cheaper than coffee. No wonder I found pure coffee to be more expensive than the chicory mixed one.

According to an article in The Times of India, chicory content can be up to 90% in the non-branded coffee segment. There are no tests readily available to check for quality, thus putting the consumers at risk. As per food laws, the maximum permissible limit is 49% and the exact percentage in the blend has to be mentioned on the outer pack of the coffee. That is the right of every consumer.

Is Chicory in Coffee Good or Bad?I have jotted down the answer to this question as follows:-

It causes itching, skin inflammation and skin redness to some people.

There is difficulty in breathing and it can also cause wheezing or asthma to certain persons.

It can interact with drugs and decrease the effectiveness of medicines that are used to lower blood pressure and to normalize the heart rate.

Appetite suppression and weight loss are other side effects of its consumption. (Now girls we are talking of healthy weight loss on this blog each day and not something that would harm your body in return. So, dont get dangerous ideas in your mind)

It tends to increase fatigue, lethargy, and drowsiness.

Chicory with coffee may have sedative side effects. What an irony, you probably drink coffee of perk yourself up first thing in the morning!

Chicory is not good for pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Chicory tends to stimulate menstruation and has the ability to induce miscarriages or abortion. According to one study significant contraceptive activity was observed in female rats when they were fed with chicory.

Excessive consumption can cause belching, bloating, nausea, flatulence, abdominal pains, diarrhea, constipation and cramping and a rumbling sound in the stomach.

People taking other herbs or dietary supplements should not use chicory without the doctors advice. People having gallstones need to be extra cautious about consuming this in particular as chicory can stimulate the production of bile.

There are no recommended safe doses of chicory for children, so it is wise to keep them away from the chicory content in the coffee.

Chicory can cause chronic fatigue syndrome which is a medical condition characterized by persistent fatigue that is not caused due to exertion.

Here are 20 dangers of partial and total caffeine overdose, in order from the first symptoms to be exhibited to the severe, later stage ones.

1. Increased HeartbeatCaffeine acts as a stimulant on the central nervous system, increasing your heart rate. This can be expected as soon as 15 minutes after ingesting.

2. Heartburn/RefluxCaffeine has been shown to relax the esophagus, contributing to gastroesophageal reflux. This can either cause or exacerbate heartburn in susceptible individuals.

3. Jitters/RestlessnessCaffeine stimulates hormones, such as adrenaline, sending your body into jitters and tremors.

4. AnxietyThe stimulant effects on the body from caffeine, such as increased heart rate, increased adrenaline hormones, and heightened senses, can combine to produce an overwhelming sensation in some people, making them feel anxious.5. Muscle Twitches and SpasmsA high volume or prolonged use of caffeine in the body can cause the muscles to cramp or move erratically.

6. Rambling Thought and SpeechAlong with many of your other senses, speech and thought speed up in response to the stimulant effect of caffeine. While this can be very useful for concentration, too much can cause confusion and stuttering.

7. Heart PalpitationsCaffeine stimulates the central nervous system. It speeds up the heart rate and can cause the heart to flutter or palpitate.

8. DiuresisCaffeine increases the need to urinate because it increases blood flow through the kidneys and dilates the blood vessels, making the kidneys produce more waste.

9. Gastrointestinal DisturbanceCaffeine acts like a laxative by increasing contraction in the small and large intestinal muscles. This can cause predigested food to move into the intestine, triggering stomach cramps.

10. DehydrationPersistent diarrhea and urination can lead to dehydration, which can upset the bodys fluid balance, depleting it of the water, vitamins, and minerals it needs to order to function.

11. InsomniaCaffeine inhibits the activity of a neurotransmitter called Adenosine, which is one of your brains natural tranquilizers. It puts you to sleep when levels are high enough. By inhibiting Adenosine activity, caffeine inhibits your ability to fall asleep.

12. HeadachesThe combination of diuretic and stimulant pulsing through the body can cause the receptors in the brain to become overloaded, leading to a headache.

13. HallucinationsHallucinations are believed to occur when an overdose of caffeine causes the body to become stressed. This is a result of high adrenaline levels.

14. AddictionCaffeine addiction or dependence begins because caffeine first creates the alert feeling that coffee drinkers crave, and later becomes a chemical that the body needs to prevent withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, lethargy, and depression.

15. Increased Blood PressureCaffeine causes your adrenal glands to release more adrenaline, which causes your blood pressure to increase.

16. Stomach UlcersCaffeine speeds up the process of gastric emptying, which may result in highly acidic stomach contents passing into the small intestine more rapidly than normal, causing injury or ulcers.

17. Cardiac ArrestIncreased blood pressure from high caffeine intake and the effects of the stimulant on the cardiovascular system can have a devastating outcome for people with weak hearts.

18. ComaWhen people consume too much caffeine, they can go into what is known as caffeine intoxication, where they become confused and disoriented. This is when a caffeine coma can occur, as well as seizures.

19. DeathPeople with caffeine sensitivities can die from caffeine overdose. While achieving a lethal dose of caffeine would be difficult with regular coffee, high doses of caffeine pills are a known cause of many caffeine overdoses.

How much is too much?

Up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day appears to be safe for most healthy adults. That's roughly the amount of caffeine in four cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola or two "energy shot" drinks.

Although caffeine use may be safe for adults, it's not a good idea for children. And adolescents should limit themselves to no more than 100 mg of caffeine a day.

Even among adults, heavy caffeine use can cause unpleasant side effects. And caffeine may not be a good choice for people who are highly sensitive to its effects or who take certain medications.

Read on to see if you may need to limit or even end your caffeine routine.

You drink 4 or more cups a day

Heavy daily caffeine use more than 500 to 600 mg a day may cause side effects such as:

Insomnia

Nervousness

Restlessness

Irritability

Stomach upset

Fast heartbeat

Muscle tremors

Even a little makes you jittery

Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than are others. If you're susceptible to the effects of caffeine, just small amounts even one cup of coffee or tea may prompt unwanted effects, such as restlessness and sleep problems.

How you react to caffeine may be determined in part by how much caffeine you're used to drinking. People who don't regularly drink caffeine tend to be more sensitive to its negative effects. Other factors may include body mass, age, medication use and health conditions such as anxiety disorders. Research also suggests that men may be more susceptible to the effects of caffeine than are women.

What Are the Symptoms of Caffeine Overdose?

There are several types of symptoms that come with this condition. Some symptoms may not immediately alert you to the fact that you have had too much caffeine, since they may not seem serious. For example, you may experience:

dizziness

diarrhea

increased thirst

insomnia

headache

fever

irritability

Other symptoms seem more severe, and call for immediate medical treatment. These more serious symptoms of caffeine overdose include the following:

trouble breathing

vomiting

hallucinations

confusion

chest pain

irregular or fast heartbeat

uncontrollable muscle movements

convulsions