Here's where we pull everything together and talk about what goes into building coffee drinks. A balanced Espresso is the key ingredient and anything else we add should be complimenting it. With a balanced espresso we don't need to add large amounts of other ingredients for the drink to taste good.
As far as sweeteners go, remember that simple is better. Great sweeteners to start with are honey, brown sugar or chocolate.
Now, let's build a few popular drinks.
flat white
An Australian classic and super simply to make. Smooth and silky in its texture, flat whites can be served in a glass or cup (traditionally no larger than 180mL).
recipe:
- Espresso shot
- 150mL micro-foam
cappuccino
A denser and foamier version of the flat white, a cappuccino is traditionally served with a thick dense-foam in a cup no larger than 180mL.
recipe:
- Espresso shot
- 150mL dense-foam
americano
An Americano can be any size depending on how strong we want it to be. We recommend starting with 200ml of hot water. A good barista always asks if the customer wants room for milk and sugar. Iced versions of this are also popular, starting with a little less water, knowing that some of the ice will melt once added.
recipe:
- Espresso shot
- 200mL water (either hot or iced)
mocha
Mochas are a delicious, sweet and chocolatey take on the classic latte, and just as easy to make. Begin by smoothly steaming 200mL of milk to start. To the espresso shot, add a small amount of rich chocolate and stir so that it can melt together, then combine with the milk. Iced lattes are quite good too, just add cold milk instead of steamed!
recipe:
- Espresso shot
- 30mL chocolate
- 200mL micro-foam (or cold milk if making an iced mocha)
two single shot macchiatos
Looking for something that reminds you of Italy? Try making two macchiatos! Utilize the versatility of the new Linea Micra portafilter to split an espresso shot, and because macchiatos only need a small amount of milk we can steam enough milk for both dinks in one pitcher. A pair of single shot macchiatos are the perfect thing to share!
recipe:
- Espresso shot split into two demitasse cups
- 30mL micro-foam added to each
We aren't just making delicious drinks here, we're building a shareable experience. Creating something enjoyable takes practice and time but it'll be worth building up to the moment of enjoying it with friends and family!