You step up to the café counter and the menu hits you: latte, cappuccino, americano, flat white, V60, chemex, cold brew, cortado... What's the difference? Which one suits you? The coffee world can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the basics, choosing becomes second nature.
Espresso-Based Coffees
Espresso: Pure, intense, and small, just 30ml of highly concentrated coffee. The foundation of almost every other coffee drink.
Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water. Closer in volume and strength to filter coffee, but with a slightly different flavour. Loved by those who prefer their coffee black.
Latte: Espresso with a generous amount of steamed milk. Smooth, creamy, and mellow. The ideal choice if you're new to coffee.
Cappuccino: Espresso, steamed milk, and a thick layer of foam. More intense than a latte, with a luxurious texture. The Italian classic.
Mocha: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate. A dessert and a coffee in one cup, perfect for those who like their coffee on the sweeter side.
Flat White: The Australian and New Zealand classic. Like a latte but with less milk and a stronger coffee flavour.
Brewed Coffees
Filter Coffee: Familiar, comforting, and served in a large cup. The classic morning coffee. Simple and reliable.
V60 / Pour-Over: A hand-poured brewing method that extracts delicate aromas from the coffee. Favoured by people who want to taste the nuances of a specific bean.
Cold Brew: Coffee steeped in cold water for 12–24 hours. The result is smooth, low-acid, and naturally sweet. Perfect for warm weather.
Choosing by Occasion
- Morning energy boost: Americano or filter coffee
- Afternoon break: Latte or cappuccino
- Sweet craving: Mocha or caramel latte
- Hot weather: Iced latte or cold brew
- Something to savour slowly: V60 pour-over
Spin the Wheel and Try Something New
Instead of ordering the same thing every time, add coffee types to the Decision Wheel and let chance guide your next order. Your new favourite coffee might be something you've never tried before.