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Welcome to the wonderful world of coffee! Here in this little corner of the internet, we’re all coffee addicts, and we’re here to help you get your fix. Whether you’re just starting out in the coffee world or you’ve been a coffee addict for years, we’ve got all the coffee terms, jargon, and slang you need to know to feel like a true coffee lover.
So, what do you need to know? Well, first of all, there are a lot of different types of coffee. You’ve probably heard of espresso, cappuccino, and latte – those are just a few of the most popular ones. But there are also a ton of different variations, each with their own unique flavor profile.
If you want to get really into it, you can start trying out different types of coffee and learn to make them yourself. But even if you don’t want to get that technical, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy coffee. You can go to your local coffee shop and order a specialty drink, or you can buy some beans and make your own coffee at home.
No matter how you enjoy it, there’s no doubt that coffee is a delicious and fascinating drink with a rich history and culture all its own.
This guide is meant to help you navigate the many terms, synonyms, and slang associated with this beloved beverage.
So, strap on your coffee bean backpack and let’s get started!
Coffee Terms From A to Z
A:
Acidity– Acidity is one of the four main flavor profiles found in coffee. It is often described as a bright, tangy, or tart taste and is a desirable quality in many coffees.
Affogato– A delicious mixed coffee drink made with a shot of espresso and a scoop of ice cream.
Aftertaste– The flavors and sensations that you experience after swallowing coffee. Aftertaste can include both positive and negative flavors, and it can help you determine the quality of a coffee.
Americano– A type of coffee made by diluting espresso with hot water. This results in a coffee that is less strong than espresso but still has a lot of flavor.
Arabica– One of the two main varieties of coffee plants. Arabica coffee beans make up the vast majority of coffee consumed around the world and are generally considered to be of higher quality than Robusta coffee beans.
B:
Balance– Balance is the term used to describe a coffee that has all four main flavor profiles in harmony
Barista– A professional who makes and serves coffee drinks. To be a barista, you need to have extensive knowledge about coffee and how to make different drinks.
Bean– Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee plant. They are roasted, ground, and used to make coffee.
Blend– A coffee that is made with a mixture of different types of beans. Blends are created to achieve a specific flavor profile.
Body– “It has a silky texture. It’s smooth as silk.” Coffee connoisseurs describe the sensation of coffee in your mouth using this tasting term. Coffee can have a thin or thick mouthfeel, and it is sometimes referred to as mouthfeel.
Brew– The process of making coffee by extracting the flavors from ground beans using hot water.
Burr Grinder– A coffee grinder that uses ceramic or metal burrs to crush and grind coffee beans for brewing.
C:
Cafe Au Lait– A blended coffee beverage made with one-third espresso or coffee and two-thirds frothed milk.
Cappuccino– A type of coffee made with espresso, steamed milk, and foam. A cappuccino is usually served with a dusting of cocoa powder on top.
Cold brew– A type of coffee made by brewing grounds in cold water for a long period of time. This results in a coffee that is less acidic and has a different flavor profile than regular coffee.
Complexity- (or “flavor complexity”) is a term used to describe the variety and sophistication of coffee tasting notes. The more distinct tastes there are to distinguish, the more intricate the coffee is.
Crema– The thick, creamy foam that forms on top of espresso. Crema is a sign of a well-made espresso.
Cupping- This is a technique often utilized by coffee professionals to taste and evaluate different coffees or roast profiles from the same coffee. By adding hot water straight to grounds, you can make tiny amounts that may be tasted and compared.
D:
Decaf– Decaffeinated coffee is coffee that has had the majority of the caffeine removed. There are a few different methods for decaffeinating coffee, and the process can result in a slightly different flavor profile.
Doppio– A double shot of espresso. This is a strong coffee that is usually only meant for sipping.
Drip– A type of coffee made by pouring hot water over grounds that are in a filter. Drip coffee is the most common type of coffee made in the US.
E:
Espresso– A type of coffee made by forcing hot water through tightly packed, finely ground beans. Espresso is a strong coffee with a lot of flavor.
Extraction– The process of extracting the flavors from coffee beans using water. This can be done with hot or cold water, and it results in coffee.
F:
Fair Trade– A system that is designed to help farmers in developing countries get a fair price for their coffee. Fairtrade coffee is usually more expensive than regular coffee.
Filter– A coffee filter is a paper or metal sieve that is used to brew coffee. It allows the liquid to pass through while trapping the grounds.
Finish– The aftertaste of coffee. The finish can linger on the tongue for a long time and is often used to describe the overall quality of coffee.
Flat White– A type of coffee made with espresso and steamed milk. A flat white is similar to a latte, but it has less foam and is served in a smaller cup.
Flavor profile– The specific combination of flavors that is found in a coffee. This can be affected by the type of bean, the roast, and the brewing method.
Frappuccino– A type of coffee made with espresso, milk, and ice. A frappuccino is usually served with whipped cream and chocolate on top.
French press– A type of coffee maker that uses a plunger to push water through grounds. French press coffee is usually stronger and has more sediment than drip coffee.
G:
Grind– The process of breaking coffee beans down into smaller pieces. The grind size can affect the flavor and strength of coffee.
Grounds– The small pieces of coffee that are left after grinding beans. Grounds are used to make coffee.
H:
Half-caf– A type of coffee that is half decaffeinated and half regular. This allows for a moderate amount of caffeine.
Handcrafted– A term used to describe coffee that is made with care and attention to detail. Handcrafted coffee is often more expensive than mass-produced coffee.
Hard water– Water that contains a high amount of minerals. Hard water can cause problems when brewing coffee, and it can also affect the taste.
I:
Immersion– A type of coffee brewing method where grounds are steeped in water for a period of time. This can be done with a French press or a coffee maker.
Infusion– Another term for extraction. This is the process of extracting the flavors from coffee beans using water.
J:
Java– The term “java,” used frequently to describe coffee, originated on the island of Java in Indonesia.
K:
K-cup– A type of coffee pod that is used in Keurig coffee makers. K-cups are single servings of coffee that can be brewed quickly and easily.
Keurig– A brand of coffee maker that uses coffee pods. Keurig coffee makers are single-serve machines that brew coffee quickly and easily.
L:
Latte– A type of coffee made with espresso and steamed milk. A latte is usually served with foam on top.
Light roast– A type of coffee that is roasted for a shorter period of time than dark roast. Light roast coffee has a lighter color and a more subtle flavor.
Lungo– A type of espresso that is made with more water than a regular espresso. Lungo is a longer shot of espresso and it has a weaker flavor.
M:
Macchiato– A type of coffee made with espresso and steamed milk. A macchiato is similar to a latte, but it has less foam and is served in a smaller cup.
Medium roast– A type of coffee that is roasted for a longer period of time than light roast, but shorter than dark roast. Medium roast coffee has a moderate flavor and color.
Mocha– A type of coffee made with espresso, chocolate, and milk. Mocha is often served with whipped cream on top.
Moka Pot– A type of coffee maker that uses steam to brew coffee. Moka pots are typically made of aluminum or stainless steel.
N:
Nespresso– A brand of coffee machine that makes espresso using capsules. Nespresso machines are single-serve machines that are easy to use.
O:
Organic– A term used to describe coffee that is grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Organic coffee is often more expensive than non-organic coffee.
Over-extraction– This occurs when too much flavor is extracted from the beans during the brewing process. This can make coffee taste bitter.
P:
Peaberry– A type of coffee bean that is smaller and rounder than a regular coffee bean. Peaberry beans are often considered to be of higher quality.
Percolator– A type of coffee maker that uses steam to brew coffee. Percolators can be electric or stovetop.
pH level– The measure of acidity
Pods– A type of coffee that is pre-packaged in a single serving. Pods are easy to use and are available in a variety of flavors.
Portafilter– The part of an espresso machine that holds the coffee grounds. The portafilter is attached to the brew head.
Pour-over– A type of coffee brewing method where hot water is poured over grounds in a filter. Pour-over coffee makers typically use cone-shaped filters.
Pull– The term “pull” refers to the espresso shot being pulled from the machine. A good espresso pull should take 20-30 seconds.
Pump Espresso Machine– A type of espresso machine that uses a pump to create pressure. Pump espresso machines are typically more expensive than steam espresso machines.
R:
Ristretto– A type of espresso made with less water than a regular espresso. Ristretto is a shorter shot of espresso and it has a stronger flavor.
Robusta– A type of coffee bean that is bitter and has more caffeine than Arabica beans. Robusta beans are often used in instant coffee and espresso.
Roast– The process of cooking coffee beans to release their flavor. Roasting can be done using a variety of methods, such as, drum, air, or convection roasting.
S:
Shot– A term used to describe a small amount of coffee. A shot of espresso is typically 1 ounce.
Single origin– A term used to describe coffee that is made with beans from one country. Single origin coffee often has a unique flavor.
Siphon– A type of coffee maker that uses vacuum pressure to brew coffee. Siphon coffee makers are typically more expensive than other types of coffee makers.
Stale– A term used to describe coffee that has been sitting out for too long and has lost its flavor.
T:
Tamper– The tool used to pack the coffee grounds into the portafilter.
Tamping– The process of packing the coffee grounds into the portafilter. Tamping is important in making a good espresso shot.
Taste– The term “taste” refers to the overall flavor of coffee. Taste includes sweetness, acidity, body, and aftertaste.
U:
Under-extraction– This occurs when not enough flavor is extracted from the beans during the brewing process. This can make coffee taste weak.
V:
Varietal– A term used to describe a type of coffee bean. There are many different types of coffee beans, such as, Arabica, Robusta, and Peaberry.
V60– A type of pour-over coffee maker that uses a cone-shaped filter. V60 coffee makers typically use a paper filter.
W:
Wet milling– The process of removing the outer layers of a coffee bean. Wet milling is typically done before dry milling.
Whole Bean– A term used to describe coffee that has not been ground. Whole bean coffee can be ground at home using a coffee grinder.
Y:
Yield– The term “yield” refers to the amount of coffee that is produced from a given amount of beans. Yield can be affected by the grind size, brew time, and coffee to water ratio.
Conclusion
If you’re not familiar with the slang used by coffee aficionados, it can be difficult to understand conversation among them. We created this list of coffee terms to help bridge that gap.
These common coffee terms, synonyms, and slang words will help you understand the terminology and feel more confident discussing this delicious beverage. Coffee should be enjoyed, not complicated! So, relax and enjoy a cup of joe.
Did we miss any key coffee terms? Let us know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading!
Happy brewing! Happy sipping!
P.S. Be sure to check out our other coffee-related articles for more information, as well as more tips and tricks on making the perfect cup of joe and to learn “All About That Coffee!”