Coffee Menu Explained - What the most common coffees are and how to make them

Summary

In this video, the host walks viewers through the preparation of the 12 most common drinks found on any coffee shop menu. From espresso and short macchiatos to lattes, cappuccinos, and even hot chocolate, the tutorial covers a variety of drinks, emphasizing the importance of proper ratios, milk frothing techniques, and cup sizes. The video also offers helpful tips for consistency across coffee shops, as well as insights into the differences between drinks like lattes and flat whites. As a bonus, viewers are given access to a downloadable PDF with recipes for easy reference.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand the importance of using the right crockery and cup sizes for different coffee drinks to maintain consistency in flavor and presentation.
• 😀 A short black (espresso) uses two single shots and takes approximately 30-32 seconds to extract.
• 😀 A short macchiato is made by adding a small amount of milk to a short black, creating a 'stain' of milk on top.
• 😀 A long black is made with a double shot and requires enough room in the cup to allow for crema and water to mix without losing the crema.
• 😀 Milk drinks like lattes and piccolos use a single shot of espresso, with a piccolo having less milk and a latte having more.
• 😀 The difference in froth levels across drinks: flat white (5ml froth), latte (10ml froth), and cappuccino (15ml froth).
• 😀 When making flat whites, add milk with minimal air for a smooth and silky texture, unlike cappuccinos which require more froth.
• 😀 A cappuccino is made with more froth and is typically topped with chocolate powder for presentation.
• 😀 Mocha is essentially a latte with added chocolate. It's best to add chocolate directly to the espresso to maintain proper ratios and avoid machine issues.
• 😀 Hot chocolate is prepared by mixing chocolate powder with hot water and then adding steamed milk, similar to making a latte.
• 😀 A baby chino is a small drink made with frothed milk, served at a temperature safe for children. It's important to avoid overheating the milk to ensure it's comfortable for kids.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on demonstrating how to prepare the 12 most common coffee drinks found on a café menu, while also providing tips on cup sizes, shot ratios, and milk frothing techniques.

How many shots of espresso should be used for a short black?

A short black is made with a double shot of espresso, which yields around 45 grams of coffee.

What is the difference between a short macchiato and a long macchiato?

A short macchiato is made by adding a small amount of steamed milk to a short black, while a long macchiato involves a similar process but is made with a longer shot of espresso and a bit more milk.

How do you prepare a long black coffee?

To make a long black, brew a double shot of espresso into a 170ml tulip cup, then add hot water to preserve the crema and achieve a strong, flavorful drink.

What is the key difference in milk texture between a flat white and a cappuccino?

A flat white has less froth, with the milk being steamed for a smoother texture, while a cappuccino has more froth, typically around 15ml, creating a more airy and fluffy drink.

How is a piccolo latte different from a regular latte?

A piccolo latte is made with a single shot of espresso and served in a smaller glass (90ml), with a milk texture similar to a latte but in a more concentrated form.

Why is it important to control the amount of froth when making a flat white?

Controlling the froth is crucial for a flat white because it should have a smooth, velvety texture with minimal froth, as opposed to a cappuccino, which has more froth for a lighter, airier texture.

What technique is recommended for making a hot chocolate drink in the video?

To make a hot chocolate, add a teaspoon of chocolate powder directly on top of the espresso shot, steam the milk as you would for a latte, and mix it with the chocolate powder to create a smooth, flavorful drink.

What is the best method to prepare a baby chino to avoid burning the milk?

To prepare a baby chino, froth a larger amount of milk, keeping your hand on the bottom of the milk jug to avoid overheating. This ensures the milk stays at a comfortable temperature for children.

How should takeaway cups be adjusted in terms of shot ratios?

For takeaway cups, use a single shot in a 4 oz cup, a double shot in an 8 oz cup, and a triple shot in a 12 oz or larger cup to ensure the coffee is strong enough to balance with the added milk.