Espresso Coffees: Mochas, Lattes, Macchiatos And Cappuccinos

Nothing has gripped this society more than espresso coffees. But with the busy lifestyle, who can blame us? Starbucks and Caribou Coffees have us tightly in their grasp, but we are quite willing captives. Espresso coffees do more than keep us going--they are relaxants at the same time. In decadent flavors from chocolate to orange creams, espresso coffees are a tongue-titillating sensation. Espresso coffees have done more than awaken the nine-to-fiver, they have brought dimension, style, and status to what was once just morning coffee.

Today, espresso coffees come in various flavors, and these drinks are no longer only high concentrations of ground coffee beans. One of the more popular drinks is the Macchiato. Macchiatos are espresso and heated milk sandwiches. The espresso is topped with steamed milk, that delicious, frothy topping that graces many espresso coffees, which helps keep the coffee warm. The milk also helps to sweeten the drink, as even the best-brewed coffee can taste slightly bitter to sensitive palates.

Slightly similar in name is the Mocha, but this name has two different meanings. One refers to the type of coffee bean, grown in Yemen, that has an extremely smooth flavor. However, the more popular meaning of Mocha is espresso coffee that is mixed with cocoa and milk for a rich, chocolatey taste. This drink is enjoyed even by people who aren't big coffee fans, as it is mostly chocolate.

Another style of espresso coffees that is trying to steal the limelight is Cappuccino. Cappucinos come in numerous flavors, such as brandy, almond, orange, and others. The primary ingredients are milk, sugar, coffee, and vanilla. The recipe is altered with different flavor shots, and sometimes chocolate is substituted for the vanilla. These flavor shots are why everyone enjoys this drink; one might have a brandy confection, while the other has vanilla topped with cream and sprinkled with nutmeg and cinnamon. The opportunities are endless.

And finally, the ever-popular lattes. Lattes are the new espresso coffees sensations that are sweeping the nation. Starbucks sells over four million coffees daily in the U.S. alone, and these are definitely a big factor. Made of any kind of espresso coffees and with milk, cinnamon or nutmeg, and sugar added, this type of espresso coffee is sure to please. The foamed skim milk at the top is the cherry to this sundae, and a sure crowd-thriller.

Espresso coffees are gaining popularity all around the world. Everyone is held captivated by their allure and power, and cannot give them up. Despite the fact that they are a pricey luxury, to many, espresso coffees are worth every penny. Why not try the special of the week and see if this is really true?


Sources:
Bruce Horovitz. "Starbucks aims beyond lattes to extend brand." USA Today. 19 May 2007. 14 July 2007. http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2006 -05-18-starbucks-usat_x.htm

Coffee Latte. Health Discovery. 14 July 2007. http://www.healthdiscovery.net/recipes/beverages/c offee_latte.htm

Johanna Adams. "Mocha Coffee." All Recipes.com. 2007. 14 July 2007. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mocha-Coffee/Detail.a spx

"Cappucino: How to Make this Rich, Dark, Coffee." Coffee Lover's Portal. 2007. 31 July 2007. http://www.coffeeloversportal.com/category/espress o/

What's Macchiato? Palo's Asylum. 26 Dec. 1998. Pochendorfer. 31 July 2007. http://www.pochendorfer.com/macchiato/macchiato.ht ml

Mocha Coffee. Ringsurf. 2003-2004. 31 July 2007.
http://www.ringsurf.com/info/Food/Coffee/Coffee_ Drinks/Mocha/

Hot Cappucino Drinks Recipes. CD Kitchen. 1995-2007. 31 July 2007.
http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/cat/1063/0.shtm l