This is, essentially, a single or double-shot espresso that has had hot water added. The end result is a brew that provides the drinker with the complexities of an espresso but with a much milder taste. Depending on preferences the ratios can vary between a 1:3 or 1:4 mix of coffee to water.
The name is believed to have originated in Italy during World War II where the American soldiers were diluting their espressos, after finding that the flavour was too strong for their taste buds.
2. Ristretto
Answer: Without Dairy
Ristretto, a term that means restricted or shortened, is very similar to an espresso. It uses the same amount of coffee grounds as an espresso but is shortened by using less water - about 15-20 ml, compared to 30 ml for an espresso. The extraction time is also less with the ristretto, 15 seconds, compared to 25-30 seconds.
This provides a more intense flavour. It is bolder, fuller, and possesses far more body but with less bitterness. In a similar way to the espresso, it is traditionally drunk from a demitasse, a half cup.
3. Long Black
Answer: Without Dairy
The long black is a strong flavoured black coffee that is espresso based. It takes a double shot of espresso that is poured over 100 ml of hot water. In this way the prized "crema", the reddish-brown layer of foam that sits on top of a well made espresso, is retained. You may think that I have just described a Caffe Americano but there is a significant difference.
The long black, which is favoured by Australians and New Zealanders, has the shots of espresso poured over hot water while the Americano is the reverse, hot water poured over espresso.
4. Espresso
Answer: Without Dairy
In its basic form, espresso is a brewing method. The coffee is made by forcing hot water under high pressure through coffee beans. The end result is a concentrated beverage that is sought after for its intense flavour, its richness and its crema. It provides the foundation for many other styles of coffee, including lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos.
5. Lungo
Answer: Without Dairy
Lungo is the Italian word for long. Basically, a lungo is a long black coffee, not to be confused with the Americano or the long black that is favoured by those in Australia and New Zealand. The difference is that the Americano has hot water poured over an espresso and the long black is espresso poured over hot water, whereas the additional water in a lungo is done during the extraction process.
A standard espresso is drawn for 18-30 seconds and yields 25-30 ml of brew. A lungo's extraction time is about a minute or more and yields between 50-70 ml of brew. Similar to the Americano, it produces a milder taste but unlike the former, it retains its flavoursome crema.
6. Affogato
Answer: With Dairy
The full name of this beverage is affogato al caffe, which means "drowned in coffee". Technically this is seen in Italy as a dessert and enjoyed after a meal. It is a scoop of ice-cream, usually fiordilatte (plain milk-flavored) or vanilla, topped with a shot of espresso. It is served in a tall glass, allowing the ice-cream to melt and mix with the coffee below. The combination can be either eaten with a spoon or drunk through a straw. Liqueurs, such as Kahlua or Amaretto, can be added for a variation.
7. Cortado
Answer: With Dairy
This is a Spanish beverage that is made up of a ratio of 1:1 espresso to steamed milk i.e. equal parts. The milk is steamed or warmed which means it won't produce the same froth as a cappuccino but, what it does do, is produce a smoother, more rounded flavour. Additionally, the warmed milk does not separate from the espresso which tends to mellow out the acidity of the coffee.
8. Mocha
Answer: With Dairy
The caffe mocha is a wonderful combination of espresso coffee, steamed milk and, the exotic taste of chocolate. The steps involved are, first up, creating a shot of espresso. Then we add chocolate. This can came in either powdered form (cocoa) or syrup and it is stirred into the espresso. Finally, steamed milk is added to the equation to provide a warm, velvety finish.
The drink is usually served warm in a glass rather than a mug, however, it may also be served cold.
9. Macchiato
Answer: With Dairy
Macchiato means "stained" and, essentially, that's what you do to a cup of espresso to produce this drink. To a cup of espresso is added a small amount of steamed milk, emphasis on the "small". This is done to add a soft touch of creaminess or sweetness to the strong taste of the coffee. Don't mistake this for a latte, which is made with a significantly larger quantity of milk.
10. Cappuccino
Answer: With Dairy
The cappuccino, which is usually served in a cup, is made up of equal parts of espresso (either single or double-shot), steamed milk and milk foam. Steamed milk is a warm, textured liquid which, as the name suggests, is milk warmed with steam. Milk foam, on the other hand, is aerated.
A cappuccino is distinguished from a latte by the fact that the three parts of the former create three distinct layers in the cup. In a latte the steamed milk and the foam are blended together. The proportion of foam in a cappuccino will also be greater.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.
