Sip it up, Lick it

Coffee may be a bit acidic, but it has a stimulating effect due to the caffeine in it. Though we may perceive Italy to be the country with the largest produce of coffee in it, ironically, it is actually Brazil and Vietnam, which are the top two producers of the world. And while we may be most familiar with the good old Cappuccino, we bring you 8 of the most popular coffees consumed in the world.

South Indian

South Indian filter coffee is brewed in a percolator with a metal device that resembles two cylindrical cups, one of which has a pierced bottom that nests into the top of the “tumbler” cup, leaving ample room underneath to receive the brewed coffee.

How to have it: The coffee decoction is mixed with hot boiling milk and sugar to your taste to enjoy this special coffee that originated in the South of India.

Vietnamese

A Vietnamese drip coffee is strong coffee made simply in a small filter. The coffee is placed in the filter with hot water from where it drips into the cup placed below. The device used to make the Vietnamese coffee is similar to the one used to make South Indian coffee in India.

How to have it: The coffee is usually had black with condensed milk. However, it tastes equally good if you top the coffee with milk as per your choice.

Espresso

Espresso is a strong black coffee made by forcing steam through dark-roast aromatic coffee beans at high pressure in an espresso machine. A perfectly brewed Espresso will have a thick, golden-brown crema (foam) on the surface. If the crema is good, the sugar you add will float on the surface for a couple of seconds before slowly sinking to the bottom.

How to have it: Espresso should be taken either on its own or with a small teaspoon of sugar. Having it “short” means that it has less water and is therefore more concentrated, and “long” conversely, uses more water and does not taste as strong.

Turkish

Turkish coffee is a very flavourful, and strong, coffee. It is prepared in an ibrik, a small pot that holds either one or two servings. Traditionally, the pot was placed in the hot sands of the Mediterranean for cooking.

How to have it: Turkish coffee is best had black, but you can also add milk as an option.

Americano

An Americano is a single shot of Espresso added to a cup of hot water. Having it iced on a hot day can be a treat.

How to have it: Many like to drink it as they would their regular brewed coffee, with milk and/or sugar, but connoisseurs suggest keeping milk to a minimum to get the most flavour from the Espresso.

Cappuccino

This hugely popular coffee drink has become a staple that even the most common of corner coffee shops serve. A true Cappuccino is a combination of equal parts espresso, steamed milk and milk froth. This luxurious drink, if made properly, can double as a dessert with its complex flavours and richness.

How to have it: It is common to sprinkle your cappuccino froth with a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder or grated dark chocolate.

Caffe Latte

A caffe latte is a single shot of espresso to three parts of steamed milk.

How to have it: Sugar your latte to taste and enjoy your latte with cookies or a sponge cake.

Caffe Mocha

This is a cappuccino or a caffe latte with chocolate syrup or powder added.

How to have it: You can top it with cocoa powder or grated chocolate. It can also be garnished with whipped cream.