The choices run the gamut from robust, strong brews to light, floral infusions. While there are many more that are available, which can’t be accommodated in one article, this guide covers 10 of the most well-known and most widely consumed types of coffee available today. All offer a distinct experience in taste, texture, and preparation.
Espresso: Espresso is made by forcing hot pressurized water through finely ground coffee. It produces a thick, concentrated shot with a bold and complex flavor. It is the foundation for most other drinks.
Where to try: The Espresso Lab
Cappuccino: One part espresso, one part steamed milk, and one part milk foam are used to prepare cappuccino. It gets a good balance between strength and smoothness.
Where to try: RAW Coffee Company
Latte: Contains more steamed milk than cappuccino, making it creamier and less coffee-flavored. It is typically flavored with infusions or syrups.
Where to try: Forever Rose Café
Cold Brew: Produced by steeping coarse coffee in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. It’s served chilled, with a smooth texture and subtle sweetness.
Where to try: Drop Coffee
Macchiato: An espresso “marked” with an overlay of a small amount of steamed milk or foam. It reduces the bitterness but does not change the profile entirely.
Where to try: % Arabica
Flat White: Contains a double espresso base topped by well-textured microfoam. It is more concentrated than a latte but less bitter than a macchiato.
Where to try: Nightjar Coffee Roasters
Americano: Prepared by adding hot water over a shot of espresso. It offers espresso depth of flavor with the amount of regular brewed coffee, and is usually not as dense.
Where to try: The Sum of Us
Ristretto: Same amount of coffee as espresso but with less water – half as much. This results in a more concentrated shot with richer body and slightly sweeter flavors.
Where to try: Mokha 1450
Mocha: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup or cocoa powder. It’s a mixture of the richness of coffee with the sweetness of chocolate.
Where to try: Toby’s Estate
Arabic Coffee: Arabic coffee, or Gahwa, is traditionally served with cardamom and sometimes cloves or saffron. It is consumed in small cups, often served alongside dates, and holds cultural significance across the Gulf.
Where to try: Al Fanar Restaurant & Café
The world of coffee extends much wider than these ten types of coffee, with new regional specialty coffees and innovative roasts emerging all the time. But these are the most available and widespread ones! Each variety has its own appeal, from clients seeking strong robustness to those who find themselves drawn to sweet, comforting roasts. So, the next time you visit a coffee shop, try something new. Your new favorite may be waiting in your cup.
