Introduction
The first time I did any real research on coffee, I was blown away by how much there is to learn about this everyday drink. Like most people, I only knew about two types of coffee beans—Arabica and Robusta—which you hear about all the time.
Arabica is the smooth, crowd favourite. Arabica comes to mind when most people think of a “good” cup of coffee. It’s sweet, subtle, and complex, with a flavour that can stand on its own—no need for sugar or milk. But even though it’s the more popular bean, Arabica doesn’t pack as much caffeine as you’d expect.
Robusta, which is the opposite, is strong, bitter, and bold. Robusta is what you turn to when you need to be wide awake—like when Monday morning hits hard, and you need a little extra kick. It’s cheaper, higher in caffeine, and not for the faint-hearted.
The Four Types of Coffee Beans
Until I dug into it, I thought there were only two types of coffee beans, but there are four types of coffee beans –
- Arabica – Sweet, mild, and smooth. Perfect for a black cup.
- Robusta – Strong and bitter, with double the caffeine of Arabica.
- Excelsa – Fruity and tart, often used to add complexity to coffee blends.
- Liberica – Bold and smoky, with a rare and intense taste.
Coffee Drinks: Finding Your Favourite
The way you drink your coffee says a lot about you. I usually switch between black coffee and a latte, depending on my mood. Black coffee is for when I need something simple and straight to the point. No distractions, just the flavour of the beans. But when I need something smoother or more comforting, a latte—with its creamy, milky goodness—hits the spot.
But coffee is more than just those two. There are so many different drinks:
- Cappuccino – Like a latte but with more foam and a punch.
- Americano – Espresso watered down to give it a more familiar, black-coffee taste.
- Red Eye – A cup of regular coffee with an espresso shot, perfect for those extra-tired mornings.
- Mocha – For the chocolate lovers, it’s espresso with chocolate, steamed milk, and whipped cream on top.
Sweet or Strong: The Choice Is Yours
Not everyone loves the bitterness of coffee, and that’s where drinks like the mocha come in. It’s rich and sweet, combining coffee and chocolate for a more dessert-like experience. But if you’re like me and sometimes want something strong, go for a Ristretto. It’s like espresso but stronger and with less water—just pure, concentrated coffee flavour.
The Cold Coffee Craze
I remember the first time I tried cold brew. I thought it would be like iced coffee, but it’s so much more. Cold brew is brewed slowly over several hours, which gives it a smoother, less acidic taste. If you want something trendy and cool, you can go for nitro cold brew, which has a creamy, frothy texture like a Guinness beer.
Other iced favourites include:
- Iced Espresso – Espresso shaken with ice and sweetener for a refreshing, bold taste.
- Iced Latte – Espresso with milk and ice, creamy and light for hot days.
- Iced Mocha – The chocolatey richness of a mocha, served cold over ice and topped with whipped cream.
Brewing Methods: From French Press to Moka Pot
Coffee isn’t just about what’s in the cup, but how it’s made. I’m a big fan of the French press because it’s hands-on and lets the coffee fully bloom. There’s something deeply satisfying about manually pressing the coffee grounds, to get that drink a rich, full-bodied flavour.
Most mornings, I rely on my Moka pot, which brews coffee that’s not quite espresso, but more intense than your usual drip coffee.
Conclusion
Coffee is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a fan of Arabica or Robusta, or prefer your coffee hot or iced, it becomes a personal ritual.
From the beans to the brewing method, every choice you make shapes the coffee you end up with. So, whether you’re sipping on a black coffee to start your morning or indulging in a latte for a midday treat, coffee’s diversity makes it special. Find your favourite, experiment with new styles, and enjoy every sip
Until Next Time,
Happy Brewing.
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