Coffee, a delicious and powerful drink that has a long culinary history. From the ancient Egyptians to the modern Italian barista, coffee has been an important source of energy and pleasure for many. Below we'll lay out the various types of coffee available, how to make the best coffee at home, and some interesting facts about roasting and grinding coffee beans.

Espresso

Espresso is one of the most popular types of coffee in Italy and has become a common drink around the world. Prepared using an espresso machine, it produces a creamy liquid with an intense and rich flavour.

American coffee

The americano is a drink suitable for those who prefer a less strong flavor than the espresso. Prepared by adding hot water to the espresso, creating a larger glass than the classic espresso.

Coffee with milk

Milk is added to espresso to create this deliciously smooth and creamy drink.

Macchiato

An espresso with a small amount of frothed milk on top.

Long coffee

The long is similar to the americano but requires the prolongée (longer lasting) espresso to come out of the machine, without the subsequent addition of hot water.

Double coffee

A double espresso is simply two espressos served together in one cup.

Coffee with alcohol

Laced coffee is served with an addition of alcohol, usually grappa or brandy.

Making coffee at home

Start with whole, freshly roasted coffee beans for the best flavor possible. To obtain a perfect coffee it is important to understand that roasting and grinding are two critical elements of the preparation. The coffee beans should be roasted for about 10-15 minutes at the right temperature, in order to obtain the maximum possible flavor. The grind must be suitable for the preparation of the chosen coffee, since each type has its own tolerance for the water pressure and therefore a different size of the granules.

Italian mocha

The Italian mocha is a popular tool for making coffee at home and doesn't require an expensive machine like espresso. Excellent results can be obtained with the moka by following a few simple tips. First of all, fill the lower part of the mocha with cold water up to the level indicated on the boiler. Then add the previously ground coffee beans inside the filter positioned over the water, without pressing them too much, then tighten the moka and place it on the gas flame. Wait for the water to heat up and rise through the coffee. When you hear the characteristic cry of ready coffee, remove the mocha from the heat and serve.

Coffee capsules

Coffee capsules are a quick and easy solution for those who want to enjoy an excellent espresso coffee at home, without having to make too much effort. The capsules are inserted into a special machine which dispenses the coffee, subject to the necessary supply of water.

Preparation of cold coffee

Iced coffee is another option for making this popular drink. Start with roasted coffee beans like making your usual espresso and then let them cool to room temperature

Coffee beans

Coffee lovers often prefer Arabica beans over Robusta for their delicate yet complex aroma. The taste of Robusta, on the other hand, is stronger and more bitter. To obtain the best results from the types available on the market, it is important to know which degree of grinding to use. For example, for espresso, a particular degree of grinding is required, with a smaller size of the granules than a coffee prepared with an Italian moka.

Conclusions

Coffee is a popular drink that can be prepared in many different ways. The taste and aroma of coffee depend on the quality of the coffee beans and the way they are roasted and prepared. Choose your favorite type of coffee from those listed in this article, use the tools that suit your needs and enjoy this wonderful drink!