Walking into a specialty coffee shop or reading a bag of premium coffee beans can sometimes feel like learning a new language. Terms like “single-origin,” “washed process,” and “third wave” might sound confusing to beginners. However, understanding these terms can enhance your coffee-drinking experience and help you make informed choices about what you’re drinking.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most important coffee terminology so you can confidently navigate the world of coffee.
Types of Coffee Beans
1. Arabica
Arabica is the most popular coffee bean, making up about 60–70% of the world’s coffee production. It is known for its smooth, mild flavors with hints of fruit, floral, and chocolate notes. Arabica beans typically grow at higher altitudes and contain less caffeine than Robusta.
2. Robusta
Robusta beans are known for their strong, bold, and sometimes bitter flavor. They have nearly twice the caffeine content of Arabica beans and are commonly used in espresso blends and instant coffee. These beans grow at lower altitudes and are more resistant to pests and disease.
3. Liberica
Liberica beans have a unique, fruity, and woody flavor. They are less common than Arabica and Robusta and are primarily grown in Southeast Asia and West Africa.
4. Excelsa
Excelsa beans, often classified as a type of Liberica, have a tart, fruity profile and are used to add complexity to coffee blends.
Roasting Terms
5. Light Roast
Lightly roasted coffee beans retain more of their original flavors and have higher acidity. They are often described as bright, floral, or fruity. Light roast coffees include names like Cinnamon Roast and New England Roast.
6. Medium Roast
Medium roast coffee has a balanced flavor, acidity, and body. It is often referred to as American Roast or City Roast and is popular among coffee drinkers who enjoy a smooth yet flavorful cup.
7. Dark Roast
Dark roast coffee beans are roasted longer, resulting in a bold, smoky flavor with lower acidity. These roasts include French Roast, Italian Roast, and Espresso Roast. The longer roasting process reduces caffeine content slightly and enhances the body of the coffee.
Brewing Methods
8. Espresso
Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure. It forms the base for many coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos.
9. Drip Coffee
Drip coffee is made by pouring hot water over ground coffee in a filter, allowing it to drip into a carafe. Commonly used in home coffee makers, this method produces a smooth, consistent brew.
10. French Press
The French press (or press pot) involves steeping coffee grounds in hot water before pressing down a metal filter. This method produces a rich and full-bodied cup.
11. Pour-Over
Pour-over coffee is brewed by manually pouring hot water over ground coffee in a filter. Popular methods include the V60, Chemex, and Kalita Wave, known for producing clean and flavorful cups.
12. AeroPress
The AeroPress uses air pressure to extract coffee flavors quickly. It is known for its versatility, allowing for a strong, smooth cup with less bitterness.
13. Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12–24 hours. The result is a smooth, low-acidity coffee that can be served over ice or mixed with milk.
14. Turkish Coffee
A traditional method that involves boiling finely ground coffee in water (sometimes with sugar) in a cezve (a small pot). It is unfiltered, resulting in a thick, strong coffee with grounds settling at the bottom.
Processing Methods
15. Washed (Wet) Process
In the washed process, coffee beans are fermented and washed to remove the fruit before drying. This results in a clean, bright flavor with pronounced acidity.
16. Natural (Dry) Process
In this method, coffee cherries are dried with the fruit still attached before being hulled. This process gives the coffee a sweet, fruity, and full-bodied taste.
17. Honey Process
A hybrid method where some fruit is left on the beans during drying. It produces a coffee with medium acidity and a balanced sweetness.
Common Coffee Drinks
18. Latte
A latte consists of one shot of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a small amount of milk foam. It has a creamy texture and mild coffee flavor.
19. Cappuccino
Similar to a latte but with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. It has a stronger coffee taste with a velvety texture.
20. Flat White
A flat white is made with espresso and microfoam (steamed milk with fine bubbles). It is similar to a latte but has a stronger coffee flavor and a smoother texture.
21. Macchiato
An espresso macchiato is a shot of espresso topped with a small amount of milk foam. A latte macchiato, on the other hand, is a glass of steamed milk “stained” with espresso.
22. Americano
An Americano is an espresso diluted with hot water, creating a coffee similar to drip coffee but with a richer flavor.
23. Mocha
A mocha combines espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup, creating a rich and sweet coffee drink.
24. Ristretto
A ristretto is a short shot of espresso made with less water, resulting in a more concentrated and intense flavor.
25. Affogato
An affogato is a dessert-style coffee made by pouring a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Other Important Coffee Terms
26. Crema
The golden-brown layer of foam that forms on top of a well-extracted espresso shot. It is a sign of freshness and good espresso quality.
27. Third Wave Coffee
A movement that treats coffee as an artisanal product, focusing on high-quality beans, careful processing, and precise brewing techniques.
28. Single-Origin Coffee
Coffee sourced from one specific region or farm rather than being a blend of beans from different places. Single-origin coffees tend to have distinct flavors that reflect their geographic origin.
29. Blend
A mix of coffee beans from different regions, often designed to create a balanced and consistent flavor.
30. Body
A term describing the texture and weight of coffee on the tongue. A coffee with a full body feels thick and rich, while a light-bodied coffee feels more delicate.
Conclusion: Becoming a Coffee Expert
By understanding these coffee terms, you’ll be able to order with confidence, explore new brewing methods, and appreciate the complexity of coffee flavors. Whether you prefer a simple black coffee or a carefully crafted pour-over, knowing the language of coffee will deepen your appreciation for this incredible beverage.
Now that you’re familiar with coffee terminology, which new coffee style or brewing method would you like to try?