If you’re new to coffee and feeling a bit overwhelmed by the endless options on the menu, you’re not alone. Coffee culture can seem complex, with its specialized drinks, brewing methods, and unique terminology. This guide is here to help you navigate the basics so you can confidently step into any coffee shop and order something you’ll enjoy. From understanding popular espresso-based drinks to picking the perfect brewing method, this beginner-friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to start your coffee journey with ease.
Understanding the Basics: What is Coffee?
Coffee is made from the seeds (beans) of the fruit of the Coffea plant. Coffee crops are native to tropical regions of Africa but are now grown all over the world, including South America, Asia, and Central America. The beans are harvested from the fruit (cherries) of Coffea plants and then roasted to create either single-origin coffees or blends, which can then be brewed using various methods.
Types of Coffee Beans: Robusta vs. Arabica
There are two main types of coffee beans: arabica and robusta. These two crops grow in distinctly different regions and have very different flavor profiles when roasted. As its name suggests, robusta beans come from sturdy coffee crops and often have a strong, bitter flavor commonly associated with coffee. Arabica beans, on the other hand, come from a more delicate coffee crop and tend to have more nuanced flavors.
Coffee Roast Levels: Light, Medium, Dark
When ordering coffee or shopping for coffee beans, you might notice the selections are labeled as either dark, medium, or light roasts. Knowing the difference between roast types and how they align with your flavor preferences is very important when selecting which coffee to buy.
- Light roasts: Bright and acidic with a complex, delicate flavor reminiscent of citrus fruits and berries.
- Medium roasts: The most beginner-friendly with a balanced, smooth taste. Often has tasting notes of chocolate, nuts, baking spices.
- Dark roasts: Bold, rich flavor with pronounced roasted, smoky notes. Particularly dark coffees will remind you of the char on grilled food.
How to Taste and Appreciate Coffee
To taste and appreciate coffee properly, begin by observing its aroma, as much of the flavor experience comes from scent. Bring the cup close and inhale deeply to note any immediate hints of fruit, chocolate, nuts, or spices. Take a small sip and let the coffee sit on your tongue for a moment, allowing the flavors to unfold. Pay attention to the acidity (brightness or sharpness), body (texture or mouthfeel), and flavor notes (such as floral, earthy, or smoky). Notice the finish, or aftertaste, as it can reveal subtle flavors that linger. For the best experience, sip slowly and let each characteristic reveal itself with each taste.
Learn more: Coffee Cupping: A Step By Step Guide
Brewing Methods for Beginners
The coffee brewing method you choose can significantly influence your entire coffee experience, particularly the taste, aroma, and mouthfeel. Here’s a breakdown of all the different ways you can brew–and enjoy–coffee.
Automatic Drip Coffee Maker
You’ve seen these before. A drip coffee maker is an electric machine that brews coffee by heating water and dripping it over a basket of coffee grounds. They’re usually very simple to use and they make it easy to brew large or small quantities. The flavor of drip coffee is typically balanced but less robust compared to other methods due to the paper filters that trap oils.
French Press
The French press is a classic coffee brewing method beloved by many for its simplicity and distinct taste. A French press coffee maker is a glass or stainless steel carafe with a plunger and metal or mesh filter. The French press method is both easy and relatively inexpensive. Since no paper filter is used, this means you’ll get more oils in the coffee, resulting in a full-bodied, rich cup of coffee with a heavy mouthfeel.
To brew coffee with a French press, you add coarsely ground coffee to the carafe, pour in hot water, and let it steep for about 4 minutes. After steeping, press the plunger down slowly to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee, then pour and enjoy.
Pour-Over
The pour-over method is another analog coffee brewing method that involves pouring hot water manually over coffee grounds in a filter, allowing the brewed coffee to drip into a carafe or cup. Pour overs offer greater control over the brewing process (water flow, temperature, and timing), and produce a cleaner, more nuanced cup. Coffee brewed with the pour over method typically has a bright flavor with more subtle flavor notes.
Moka Pot
A moka pot is a stovetop coffee maker that brews by passing boiling water pressurized by steam through ground coffee. This method creates a strong, concentrated brew similar to espresso with a bold, intense flavor and mouthfeel. Many coffee lovers use moka pots because they are an inexpensive alternative to espresso machines.
AeroPress
The AeroPress introduced a slightly more complicated analog brewing method to the coffee scene. The AeroPress is a plastic device that brews coffee using water and air pressure. An Aeropress is very versatile (can brew a concentrated espresso-like shot or regular coffee), portable, easy to clean, and quick to brew. The flavor of Aeropress coffee is smooth, less acidic, and full-bodied.
Espresso and Espresso-Based Drinks
Espresso is a specialized way of preparing coffee. Espresso machines use high pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee which results in a concentrated shot of espresso. This method offers the benefit of producing rich, intense coffee with a layer of crema, making it a base for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The flavor is strong, bold, and aromatic with a smooth, velvety texture.
There are different types of machines for making espresso, including semi-automatic and automatic. Semi-automatic machines require user control for grinding, tamping, and starting or stopping the shot, while automatic machines handle some of these functions, usually stopping the shot at the right volume.
- Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water, creating a drink similar in strength to drip coffee but with a unique espresso flavor.
- Cortado: Equal parts espresso and steamed milk. This small espresso beverage packs a powerful punch.
- Latte: Espresso topped with steamed milk and a small layer of foam, creating a smooth, creamy drink.
- Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, resulting in a balanced, airy texture with a stronger coffee flavor than a latte.
- Macchiato: Espresso “marked” with a small amount of steamed milk or foam for a more intense coffee flavor with a slight creaminess.
- Flat white: Similar to a latte but with a higher espresso-to-milk ratio and microfoam for a smoother, velvety texture.
- Mocha: Espresso mixed with steamed milk and chocolate syrup, often topped with whipped cream for a rich, chocolatey coffee drink.
How to Order Coffee
If you’re stepping into a coffee shop for the first time and feeling a little unsure about how to place your order, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Ordering coffee may seem a bit intimidating with all the different options, sizes, and lingo, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy and fun. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate your first coffee shop experience with confidence.
1. Know What You Want
The first step is deciding what kind of coffee you’d like to try. Here’s a little cheat sheet to get you started.
- Brewed coffee: If you prefer a classic cup of coffee, ask for a "regular coffee" or a “drip coffee.” We recommend asking about their daily brew (many shops offer single-origin coffees).
- Latte or cappuccino: If you’re looking for something that cuts the bitterness of coffee, ask for a latte or cappuccino. The higher milk content balances the coffee flavor, making for a creamy, delicious cup.
- Iced coffee or cold brew: If it’s a warm day, you might want to try an iced coffee or cold brew for a refreshing caffeine treat.
2. Choose Your Milk or Milk Alternative
If you’re having a latte, cappuccino, or any drink with milk, you can customize your milk choice. Make sure to specify your choice, especially if you want a non-dairy alternative. Here are some common options you’ll find in most coffee shops.
- Whole milk: The classic choice for a creamy texture.
- Skim milk: For a lighter, less creamy drink.
- Non-dairy milks: Many coffee shops offer almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, and coconut milk, which are great options if you have dietary preferences or restrictions.
3. Choose Sweeteners or Flavors
Learning to enjoy black coffee takes time, so there’s no shame in wanting a bit of sweetener or flavor in your coffee. Most specialty coffee shops will include syrups on their menu to add to their beverages, including vanilla, mocha, hazelnut, and more. Some of these cafes will even feature seasonal lattes with various flavors, like pumpkin lattes in the fall or peppermint-based drinks in the winter. Give these a try to ease your palate into the world of coffee.
Expanding Your Coffee Knowledge
Want to broaden your knowledge and refine your coffee palate? Here are some great ways you can learn more about coffee.
Coffee Subscriptions
Coffee bean subscriptions are a great way to learn more about coffee and expand your horizons. There are countless high-quality coffee roasters that offer monthly coffee subscription services, as well as subscriptions that include coffee from multiple different roasters. If you want to try as many different types of coffee as you can, a subscription is the way to go.
Learn about Methodical Coffee Subscriptions →
Local Coffee Shops
Local coffee shops are some of the best places to learn about coffee because they offer a unique, personalized experience that larger chains simply can't match. At a local shop, the baristas are usually passionate and take pride in their craft, eager to share their knowledge with customers.
With a cozy, community-driven atmosphere, local coffee shops often foster a space where you can learn about the origins of your coffee, its roasting process, and the best ways to brew it, making them the perfect environment to expand your coffee knowledge while enjoying a cup made with care.
If you’re local to Upstate South Carolina, consider stopping by one of our Greenville coffee shops! Our team is happy to help you order or answer any questions you might have about our roasting process.
Your Coffee Journey Starts Here
The world of coffee is fun to explore, especially when you start to understand the different types of brews, flavors, and techniques available. With a bit of curiosity and a willingness to try new things, you’ll soon discover the drinks and brewing methods that suit you best. So, the next time you step into a coffee shop, order with confidence, and don’t be afraid to experiment—you might just find your perfect cup. Here’s to enjoying every sip on your coffee adventure!
If you don’t want to commit to a subscription box, try grabbing a bag of beans to start. Our Blue Boy roast is one of our best sellers because of its balanced flavor and versatility. If you’re looking for a good place to start, it’s with a cup of our Blue Boy coffee!
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