What the F@%* Am I Ordering?

"What the F__ am I ordering?" is a common sentiment when one stares at then menu board at a coffee shop. All the names seem to jumble together and who can really make sense of it all? Mocha latte, cappa- what? "Just give me a coffee!" you scream and I don't blame you.

Before we begin our adventure, I thought it would be clarifying if we waded through all the coffee mumbo jumbo and make some logical sense. This will help when you are ordering in the future and it will also assist you so you know what exactly I am going on about. So here are some terms I have put into English for clarification purposes. Again, some of these you may be familiar with, and some you may not. However, learning and experiencing is critical to a proper adventure.

Brewed/Drip Coffee: This is your basic coffee from either a brewer or french press.

Affogato: Espresso shot served over gelato.

Americano: Espresso and hot water.

Breve: A beverage made with half and half cream.

Cappuccino: 1/2 espresso, 1/2 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam.

Corretto: Coffee with a shot of liquor.

Doppio: Double shot of espresso

Solo: Single shot of espresso

Espresso con Panna: Espresso with whipped cream.

Frappe: An iced coffee topped with whipped cream.

Frappuccino: Blended ice or coffee beverage specifically at Starbucks.

Cafe Latte: Espresso based beverage with steamed milk and topped with foam.

Caramel Macchiato: Macchiato means "stained". A Caramel Macchiato (specific to Starbucks) is like a vanilla latte except the shots of espresso are poured over top, not inserted in the bottom. The drink is then topped of with caramel drizzle in a cross- hatch pattern.

Mocha: Latte with chocolate syrup and whipped cream on top.

Red Eye: Brewed coffee with a shot of espresso.

Ristretto: A shot of espresso with less volume but a stronger taste.

Espresso Macchiato: A shot of espresso topped with a dollop of foam.

Africano: An americano but filled up half way with steamed milk and foam.

London fog/vanilla tea misto: A tea bag steeping in half hot water and half steamed milk with a shot of vanilla syrup.

Lungo: A long shot of espresso measuring more than the traditional ounce.

Cupping: A brewed coffee tasting, much like a wine tasting.

Barista: Your friendly neighbourhood "bar star", one who makes the espresso beverages.