Espresso, cappuccino, latte, mocha… We order them almost without thinking, but do you really know what goes into each cup?
From a bold black coffee to a pumpkin spice latte, every drink has its own personality. And contrary to what you might think, it’s not all about the beans: the grind, the water, the milk and even the brewing method can completely transform the taste of your coffee.
Surprising origins, differences between the most popular coffee drinks, brewing secrets, coffee machines and a few barista tips: here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your next coffee break!
In this article
- Coffee: A Story That Begins in Ethiopia
- Light or Dark Roast: What’s the Difference?
- Does Espresso Have More Caffeine Than Drip Coffee?
- The Secret to Perfect Milk Foam
- Ground Coffee Quickly Loses Its Aroma
- Which Coffee Machine Should You Choose for Your Home?
- Which Coffee Should You Choose Based on Your Taste?
- What’s Your Favourite Coffee?
Coffee: A Story That Begins in Ethiopia
It’s hard to imagine our mornings without coffee. Yet this drink, now enjoyed around the world, has a history that goes back centuries.
The coffee plant originated in Africa, particularly Ethiopia. According to a famous legend, a young shepherd named Kaldi noticed that his goats became especially energetic after eating the red berries of a certain shrub.
While this story is more folklore than confirmed historical fact, it reflects coffee’s ancient origins.
It was in Yemen, around the 15th century, that coffee began to be widely consumed as a beverage. From there, it spread throughout the Middle East, Europe and eventually the rest of the world.
Today, there are countless ways to prepare coffee, each influenced by local traditions and habits.
Light or Dark Roast: What’s the Difference?
Roasting involves heating green coffee beans to develop their aroma, colour and flavour.
The longer the beans are roasted, the more their flavour profile changes.
Light roasts generally preserve more of the coffee’s original characteristics. They often feature fruity, floral or bright, acidic notes.
Medium roasts offer a balance between acidity, sweetness and flavours developed during roasting. They can reveal notes of caramel, nuts or chocolate.
Dark roasts develop deeper roasted flavours that can sometimes be smoky or bitter, with acidity that is generally less noticeable.
Contrary to popular belief, dark roast coffee does not necessarily contain more caffeine than light roast coffee. The amount of caffeine depends on factors such as the type of coffee, the amount used and the brewing method.
Does Espresso Have More Caffeine Than Drip Coffee?
Espresso is often associated with particularly strong coffee. And for good reason: its concentrated flavour and small serving size give it plenty of character.
But when it comes to caffeine, things are a little different!
Espresso generally contains more caffeine per millilitre than drip coffee. However, because it is served in a much smaller quantity, a large cup of drip coffee can contain more caffeine overall.
As a general guide:
| Type of Coffee | Approximate Caffeine Content |
|---|---|
| Single espresso (30 ml) | 60–75 mg |
| Drip coffee (240 ml) | 80–120 mg |
These values can vary depending on the beans, proportions and brewing method.
So the next time someone tells you that espresso always contains more caffeine than a large cup of drip coffee, you’ll know what to say!
The Secret to Perfect Milk Foam
Dreaming of recreating your favourite café cappuccino at home?
It all starts with the texture of the milk.
When milk is heated and air is incorporated using a steam wand, its proteins help stabilize the tiny bubbles that create the foam.
For a smooth, velvety texture, it’s generally best to heat the milk to around 55–65°C without letting it boil.
A cappuccino is known for its generous layer of foam, while a latte has a smoother texture with only a thin layer of microfoam.
And good news: many plant-based beverages can also be frothed! Versions specifically designed for baristas generally produce a more stable texture.
Ground Coffee Quickly Loses Its Aroma
Have you ever noticed that incredible smell when you open a fresh bag of coffee?
It comes from the many aromatic compounds found in coffee beans.
Once coffee is ground, its surface area exposed to air increases significantly. Its aromas then begin to dissipate, while some compounds gradually oxidize.
That’s why it’s best to grind your beans just before brewing your coffee.
For proper storage, keep your beans in an airtight container away from light, heat and moisture.
And contrary to what you might think, the refrigerator generally isn’t the best place to store coffee: it can absorb surrounding odours and be exposed to moisture.
Which Coffee Machine Should You Choose for Your Home?
Do you prefer a strong espresso to start your day or a large cup of coffee to sip slowly?
With so many machines on the market, choosing the right one isn’t always easy! Yet each brewing method has its own characteristics and can bring out very different flavours from the same coffee.
Espresso machine, drip coffee maker, French press or capsule machine: here are the main options to help you find the one that best suits your habits.
Espresso Machine: Become Your Own Barista at Home
Breville The Barista Express Espresso Machine
Love espresso, cappuccino and lattes? An espresso machine might just become your new best friend!
It uses pressurized hot water to quickly extract flavour from finely ground coffee. The result is a small amount of concentrated coffee, usually topped with a thin layer of crema.
Manual and semi-automatic models allow you to control several variables, including grind size, coffee dose and extraction. Some also feature a steam wand for frothing milk.
Ideal for: Those who enjoy specialty coffee and want to recreate their favourite café drinks at home.
Automatic Espresso Machine: Freshly Ground Coffee Made Easy
JURA Z10 Automatic Espresso Machine
Want an espresso made from freshly ground beans without having to master every barista technique?
An automatic espresso machine, also known as a bean-to-cup machine, takes care of almost everything!
Thanks to its built-in grinder, it grinds beans on demand, measures the coffee and prepares your drink in seconds. Some models can even make milk-based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes.
Ideal for: Those who want the freshness of whole-bean coffee with the convenience of automated preparation.
Drip Coffee Maker: The Classic Choice for Large Cups
KitchenAid 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Spiral Showerhead
A timeless classic, the drip coffee maker remains a convenient option for brewing several cups at once.
The process is simple: hot water gradually passes through the ground coffee before dripping into a carafe.
There are also manual versions, such as pour-over coffee makers, which allow you to control the water flow and extraction time.
Depending on the beans and brewing method, drip coffee can reveal delicate, fruity or chocolatey flavours.
Ideal for: Those who enjoy large cups of black coffee or regularly make coffee for several people.
French Press: For Rich, Full-Flavoured Coffee
Also known simply as a French press, this coffee maker requires neither electricity nor paper filters.
Coarsely ground coffee is placed in the pot, hot water is added, and the coffee is left to steep for a few minutes before the plunger is slowly pressed down.
Unlike a drip coffee maker, its metal filter allows more of the coffee’s natural oils to pass through, generally resulting in a rounder, fuller-bodied cup.
Ideal for: Those who enjoy rich, aromatic coffee and a simple brewing method.
Moka Pot: Concentrated Coffee Without an Espresso Machine
With its instantly recognizable shape, the moka pot is a true classic.
Used on the stovetop, it relies on pressure created by steam to push hot water upward through the ground coffee.
It produces a concentrated, intense coffee that is generally stronger than drip coffee but different from true espresso.
Ideal for: Those who enjoy intense coffee and want a compact option without investing in an espresso machine.
Capsule Machine: Convenience Above All
For busy mornings, it’s hard to beat the convenience!
Capsule machines use pre-portioned coffee capsules to prepare a drink at the touch of a button.
Depending on the system, they can make espresso, longer coffees and even certain milk-based drinks.
Their biggest advantage? Fast, consistent preparation with very little effort.
Ideal for: Those who prioritize speed and simplicity in their daily routine.
Which Coffee Should You Choose Based on Your Taste?
Now that we know a little more about the secrets of coffee, let’s get to the most delicious part!
Although many coffee drinks use espresso as their base, their proportions and ingredients give each one a very different character.
Americano: For Black Coffee Lovers
An Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso. This dilution creates a longer, less concentrated drink while preserving the flavours of the espresso.
What’s in it: Espresso + hot water.
Ideal for: Those who enjoy black coffee and want a smoother alternative to straight espresso.
Cappuccino: The Perfect Balance of Coffee and Foam
With its combination of espresso, steamed milk and generous milk foam, a cappuccino offers a texture that is both light and creamy. The coffee flavour remains noticeable without overpowering the drink.
What’s in it: Espresso + steamed milk + milk foam.
Ideal for: Those who enjoy a balanced coffee with a rich, foamy texture.
Latte: Smooth and Velvety
A latte contains more steamed milk than a cappuccino and only a thin layer of foam. The higher proportion of milk softens the coffee flavour and gives the drink its signature velvety texture. It’s also a great base for adding flavours such as vanilla or caramel.
What’s in it: Espresso + plenty of steamed milk + a thin layer of milk foam.
Ideal for: Those who prefer mild, creamy coffee drinks.
Mocha: When Coffee Meets Chocolate
Part coffee, part hot chocolate, a mocha combines espresso, chocolate and milk. You can also add a touch of whipped cream for an even more indulgent version.
What’s in it: Espresso + chocolate + milk + whipped cream (optional).
Ideal for: Chocolate lovers who enjoy rich, comforting coffee drinks.
Drip Coffee: The Everyday Classic
Unlike espresso, drip coffee is prepared by allowing hot water to gradually pass through ground coffee.
This method creates an aromatic drink whose flavours vary depending on the origin of the beans, roast level and grind size.
What’s in it: Ground coffee + hot water.
Ideal for: Those who like to take their time enjoying a large cup of coffee.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: The Ultimate Fall Coffee Break
You can’t talk about indulgent coffee drinks without mentioning this fall classic! A pumpkin spice latte combines espresso, steamed milk and pumpkin flavour with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.
Top it with a little whipped cream for an even more comforting treat.
What’s in it: Espresso + steamed milk + pumpkin spice syrup + spices.
Ideal for: Those who enjoy smooth, sweet and aromatic coffee drinks.
What’s Your Favourite Coffee?
Whether you love black coffee, can’t resist a frothy latte or are always ready to try a new flavour, part of the joy of coffee is discovering something new.
A new type of bean, a different brewing method or simply a touch of spice can completely transform your usual cup.
