Coffee may seem simple at first glance, but it has an array of preparation styles, blends, flavors, and strengths. To understand how to drink it, you first need to know which one works the best for you, as one flavor may be best for others but may not be your cup of tea.
Also, choosing the best type of beans, the roasting type, and additives affect the taste, which is why some places leave a lasting taste and make you keep coming back for more, so how to drink coffee?
The best way to drink coffee is to drink it black so you can avail all its benefits and savor it by sipping it in proper style. If it is too bitter for you, try to add some milk or cream until you can handle the unadulterated taste of coffee.
Here, we will discuss how to get acquainted with coffee, different types of coffee, roasting methods, and its benefits, so you can get the necessary know-how about this day-to-day drink and enjoy it for what it is worth.
How To Drink Coffee
For first-timers, coffee may seem like a bitter black liquid without a delectable flavor, so to start on coffee, first introduce the taste of coffee to your taste buds through different coffee-flavored products.
If you’ve already acquired the taste, read on to get inspiration on how you can make your next coffee drinking experience more exciting.
Coffee Ice Cream
It is easily the most palatable dessert in the world; even people who avoid coffee can handle this because of the sweet and cold creamy texture. You can check out how to make homemade coffee ice cream here.
Try making a milkshake with coffee ice cream if the taste is still too strong. The velvety texture and sweetness of milk will dampen the bitterness further and get you used to the taste of coffee.
Coffee and Gummies
Coffee gummy bears are another way to get acquainted with coffee flavor. This chewable product is a great way to relish the taste of coffee, even if coffee is not to your liking. It also contains caffeine (a minuscule amount), which provides the punch you need to energize yourself.
Check this article to get more insight into the different flavors and details.
Coffee Cake
Another great way to get your tongue accustomed to coffee is by eating coffee-flavored cake. This dessert is a delicacy for sweet tooths and can be enjoyed with tea or coffee. While most coffee cakes do not have a coffee taste, here is a cake recipe that tastes like coffee.
Coffee Candies & Gums
These products do not contain as much caffeine but have a deeper coffee taste, so if you want a more intense coffee flavor, coffee candies or gums are your go-to items. These are good to try when you have gotten accustomed to coffee flavor for a while (not a starter item).
Other Coffee Products
There is a massive list of coffee-flavored products because of the popularity of coffee in various countries. Some other coffee-flavored products include:
- Coffee-flavored sodas
- Coffee-flavored chocolates
- Coffee-flavored beer
- Coffee spreads
- Coffee yogurt, and the list goes on.
Types of Coffee
To know more about different types of coffee, you first need to know about their beans. The two most common of which are Arabica and Robusta. Check more details on various types of coffee beans here.
Following are the most common types of coffee:
Black Coffee
Simply a coffee without any additives and is very bitter. To make it, you need to boil water and put instant coffee powder/plain grounded beans in warm water before mixing with boiling water and stirring, and your coffee is ready.
Espresso
This coffee packs an intense punch compared to your day-to-day coffee. The reason is that the beans are finely grounded, and the coffee-water ratio is 1:2, which results in a thicker liquid with a sharp flavor. To learn how to make espresso check this article out.
Latte
This drink is brewed using one part espresso and two parts steamed milk with foam as a topping. That is not all; you can make an iced latte (sweet and cold) and top it up using vanilla flavor, my favorite blend. You may be familiar with coffee having various arts latte is used for that.
Mocha
It also uses espresso as a starter but contains more ingredients such as whipped cream, cocoa powder, and chocolate (usually melted). Their ratio (espresso-milk) may vary depending on the shop it is brewed in or to your liking.
Cold Brew
It contains more caffeine than your regular coffee and is brewed in cool/room temperature water. It has a longer shelf-life and is less bitter. Check how to make cold brew here.
Excluding these, there are some other popular blends, including Americano, Cappuccino, Macchiato, Flat white, and Frappe.
Roasting Methods
There are three different roasting methods to enjoy the different flavors of your coffee beans, with one category further subdivided into two parts. The roasting methods are based on the color of coffee beans.
- Light Roast: Beans spend the least time roasting, and no oil is visible on the surface. It is best for people who don’t like the bitter taste of the beans.
- Medium Roast: Is subdivided into two small categories (light and dark). A small amount of oil is present in this roast and is more commonly known as American Roast. It provides a balance between bitterness and sourness.
- Dark Roast: Produces the most bitter coffee with a dark shine and oily surface. Also, the natural flavor is undermined by the roasting process.
Health Benefits of Coffee
Coffee is a natural stimulant that keeps you energized throughout the day, but that is not all there is to it. There are numerous health benefits associated with coffee, for example:
- Keeping you active and energized.
- Promoting heart and brain health.
- Less likelihood of depression.
Keeping You Active and Energized
Coffee contains caffeine, which prevents fatigue and keeps you energized. That is why coffee drinkers enjoy coffee with breakfast or usually at the start of their day to prepare for their daily workload. Coffee has even found its uses in sports; according to a study, it boosts performance.
Promoting Heart and Brain Health
There is any authentic evidence whether coffee prevents different brain diseases, but it reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease by promoting brain health.
Also, coffee is associated with a healthier heart, which means lesser chances of different heart conditions. According to a study, coffee can have a neutral or positive effect, but people with blood pressure problems are advised to limit their intake.
Less Likelihood of Depression
Coffee increases the time dopamine is retained by the brain, which alleviates the mood reducing the risk of depression. There is a misconception that coffee increases dopamine levels, but that’s not true. It only changes the time it stays in the brain.
Other Benefits
Coffee has a long list of benefits. It promotes liver health, enhances sports performance, helps weight loss, mitigates the risk of type-2 diabetes, and many more. Check out how to make your coffee super healthy here.
Takeaway
Lastly, coffee is best enjoyed without additives, e.g., milk, sugar, syrup, artificial flavors, etc. Sip it slowly, and savor its taste.
It is a drink with several perks and varieties, so it does not mean you have to follow the implemented rules. There is no need to see it as a drink of adulthood; try different blends and find out what works for you.
