The Ultimate Guide to Coffee

Bean-to-cup coffee machines have revolutionized the way we enjoy coffee. The machines have made barista quality coffee accessible and means that everyone can have easy access to a huge range of different drinks. These machines, which grind fresh coffee beans and brew them instantly, offer a range of coffee drinks that can cater to diverse tastes. But sometimes, the variety of drinks on offer can seem overwhelming. After all, it can seem difficult to know where to start, or which drink is the right one for you.

With that in mind, Westways Vending have put together the ultimate guide to coffee, explaining the various types available.

Let’s dive into the various types of coffee you can brew using a bean-to-cup coffee machine and explore what makes each one unique.

• Espresso

Characteristics:

• Intensity: Strong and bold.
• Flavour: Rich and concentrated.

Description: Espresso is the foundation for many coffee drinks. It’s an intense shot of coffee with a thick, creamy layer of crema on top. This powerful brew is perfect for a quick caffeine boost.

• Americano

Characteristics:

• Intensity: Milder than espresso.
• Flavour Profile: Smooth and diluted.

Description: An Americano is simply an espresso shot diluted with hot water. It’s a great option for those who prefer a longer, more leisurely coffee experience without the intense kick of a straight espresso.

• Latte

Characteristics:

• Intensity: Creamy and mild.
• Flavour Profile: Smooth, with a slight sweetness from milk.

Description: A latte is made with one shot of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a small amount of milk foam. The large quantity of milk softens the espresso’s intensity, making it a favourite for those who enjoy a creamy, comforting cup of coffee.

• Cappuccino

Characteristics:

• Intensity: Balanced.
• Flavour Profile: Rich, with equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and foam.

Description: Cappuccino consists of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. This creates a balanced drink with a strong coffee flavour tempered by the creaminess of the milk.

• Flat White

Characteristics:

• Intensity: Smooth and velvety.
• Flavour Profile: Rich espresso flavour with a creamy texture.

Description: The flat white is similar to a latte but uses less milk and has a thinner layer of microfoam. This results in a stronger coffee flavour and a velvety texture, making it a popular choice for those who want a more pronounced espresso taste.

• Macchiato

Characteristics:

• Intensity: Bold and direct.
• Flavour Profile: Strong espresso taste with a hint of milk.

Description: A macchiato is an espresso “stained” with a small amount of milk or milk foam. This drink is perfect for those who love the intensity of espresso but want just a touch of creaminess.

• Mocha

Characteristics:

• Intensity: Sweet and chocolatey.
• Flavour Profile: Rich espresso combined with chocolate and milk.

Description: A mocha is a delightful combination of espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup or powder. It offers a decadent coffee experience that’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

• Ristretto

Characteristics:

• Intensity: Extremely strong and bold.
• Flavour Profile: Very concentrated, with a richer and less bitter taste than espresso.

Description: Ristretto is a short shot of espresso made with the same amount of coffee but less water, resulting in a more concentrated and intense flavour. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a very strong coffee experience.

Bean-to-cup coffee machines offer an incredible variety of coffee drinks, catering to all tastes and preferences. Whether you crave the bold intensity of an espresso, the creamy comfort of a latte, or the sweet indulgence of a mocha, there’s a drink for every coffee lover.

With a Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine from Westways Vending you can experiment with these different types of drinks. You can enhance your coffee experience and bring the café culture right into your office, canteen – even your staffroom. Why not speak to us today, and find out more about the different coffees you could be enjoying at work?