I’ve got a confession to make. I love coffee. Not just any coffee—the good stuff. And over the years, I’ve learned a lot about how to order it like a pro.
(Okay fine, so I’m not actually that good at ordering coffee like a pro.) But you know what? There are plenty of other people out there who are way better at it than me!
So in this post, I’ll share all my secrets with you: from knowing what’s in your cup of joe, to learning how to ask questions without sounding stupid or annoying your barista (or even getting one in the first place).
| Takeaways |
|---|
| The Ultimate Guide to Ordering Coffee Like a Pro |
| How to Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee at Home |
| The Different Types of Coffee Drinks Explained: A Beginner’s Guide |
| How to Create Your Own Coffee Shop Menu: Ideas and Inspiration |
| The Best Coffee Shops in Every State: A Comprehensive Guide |
| How to Choose the Perfect Coffee Shop for Your Needs |
Start With The Basics
Know what you’re ordering. The coffee world is full of terms and abbreviations, so it can be hard to know what exactly your barista is asking for.
But don’t worry we’ve got you covered! If you’re new to the coffee scene and not sure how a latte differs from a cappuccino, or what the difference between cortado and flat white is (and why it matters), this section breaks down all of the basic categories.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If something’s unclear or missing from your drink order, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification; chances are the person behind the counter will appreciate having their job made easier by someone who actually knows what they want.
Building the perfect cup of coffee at home is an art that requires precision and technique. Learn how to master the process with our comprehensive guide on How to Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee at Home and elevate your coffee brewing skills to pro level.
Drink What You Like
One of the most important things to remember when ordering coffee is to drink what you like. Sure, there are some rules and guidelines that can help you make better choices, but it’s ultimately up to you and your preferences.
You have no obligation to follow these rules blindly they’re just suggestions! If the coffee options at a certain place sound great but don’t align with your tastes, then maybe it’s time for a change in venues. It’s all about finding something that works for you!
This also applies if you’re trying new flavors or blends that aren’t your regular go-to order. Just because they’re new doesn’t mean they aren’t good; sometimes we get so used to one flavor profile that we forget there are other options out there (this could be especially true if all of our friends prefer one type of cup over another).
Maybe try something new! Your taste buds might surprise you—and where else would be better than this wonderful caffeinated life?
Exploring the world of coffee is not complete without understanding the different types of coffee drinks available. Our beginner’s guide, The Different Types of Coffee Drinks Explained: A Beginner’s Guide, will introduce you to the wide array of coffee beverages, from espressos to lattes, helping you navigate the coffee menu like a pro.
Don’t Be Afraid To Change It Up
You’re not going to find a better cup of coffee than you can make at home. But there are still plenty of reasons to go out and buy your morning joe at a café, especially if you’re feeling adventurous.
You might be the kind of person who likes to try new things or wants a break from making your own coffee every morning (and who could blame you?).
Or maybe it just sounds fun! Either way, if you want to step outside the comfort zone of ordering your usual drink order and branch out into something more adventurous, here are some tips on how to do so:
Know what kind of options are available. If all else fails and nothing seems like an option for you on the menu, ask your barista what their favorite beverage is—they might even be willing to share how they make it with such precision!
Ask for recommendations. If there’s no one behind the counter that looks like they’d be willing to chat with their customers about their preferences and tastes in coffee drinks, don’t worry there’s always someone working behind-the-scenes in most cafes these days!
| Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Try Different Roasts | Explore various coffee roast profiles for diverse flavor profiles. |
| Experiment with Blends | Mix different coffee blends for unique taste experiences. |
| Specialty Coffee Shops | Visit specialty coffee shops for unique and innovative offerings. |
| Alternative Brew Methods | Explore alternative brewing methods like pour-over or AeroPress. |
| Flavored Coffees | Sample flavored coffees for a twist of new and exciting tastes. |
| Seasonal Offerings | Embrace seasonal coffee offerings for limited-time flavors. |
| Single-Origin Coffees | Experience the distinct flavors of single-origin coffees. |
| Coffee Tastings | Attend coffee tastings to expand your palate and knowledge. |
| Signature Beverages | Try signature drinks or creations offered by coffee establishments. |
| Customization Options | Take advantage of customization options for personalized drinks. |
Just ask them for help finding something good; after all, they’re always tasting so many different types themselves anyway!
If you’ve ever dreamt of opening your own coffee shop and crafting a unique menu, our guide on How to Create Your Own Coffee Shop Menu: Ideas and Inspiration is a must-read. Discover tips, inspiration, and expert advice to curate a menu that reflects your coffee shop’s personality and captivates your customers.
Skip The Fraps And Other Sugary Drinks
The best coffee is the kind with the least amount of sugar and other additives. We’re talking about the classic Americano: hot water, espresso shots and a bit of sugar.
There’s nothing wrong with ordering this drink when you’re at home, but it’s important to remember that most coffee shops offer more than one type of coffee.
If you want to try something different (and potentially better for your body), ask for an iced latte or another milky preparation instead.
If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to ask what else might be available in terms of non-sugary drinks on the menu the baristas are usually happy to explain their offerings!
Learn From Your Mistakes
If you’re not into coffee, never fear. This is a great way to expand your horizons and learn about something new. If you’re already a fan of coffee, this can be an opportunity for you to try something new in its own right.
The most important thing is not to hesitate or be afraid of asking for help when needed. No matter what your level of experience with coffee may be, there will always be someone who knows more than you do about any given topic and that’s okay! It’s natural to feel nervous when faced with such a task; after all, it’s easy enough to make mistakes when ordering out on a date or asking someone else out on one as well.
But if we were all afraid to ask questions or give advice because we might offend someone else by doing so (or vice versa), none of us would have ever made it through high school prom night without severe emotional scarring from turning down our dates’ dance requests three times straight over the course of an hour-long dinner before finally saying yes just because everyone else had already left the restaurant by then anyway (and besides which they never even asked).
Embark on a coffee shop journey across the United States with our comprehensive guide, The Best Coffee Shops in Every State: A Comprehensive Guide. From cozy cafes to trendy roasteries, this guide will take you on a virtual tour, highlighting the top coffee spots in each state and helping you plan your coffee adventures.
Find A Coffee Shop You Love, And Stick With It
If you’re new to coffee, this might seem like a daunting task but there are plenty of ways to find the perfect place for your tastes.
You can ask friends and family, or look online for reviews of local establishments (reading Yelp reviews is always a good idea). Once you’ve discovered several places that seem promising, try them all out!
As long as they have the same quality beans and equipment as others in the area, no two shops should taste exactly alike anyway.
If at first you don’t succeed: still try another shop! Sometimes we become so attached to our favorite local spot that when they change up their menu or get new staff members with different ideas about how things should be done and sometimes these changes aren’t great at all we start looking around again.
Look up more options in your area; if nothing seems right after trying out several other spots nearby then maybe try somewhere farther away instead (but not too far).
Observe Etiquette
It’s important to know your coffee order before you go in. However, it is also important that you are open to making changes. If the barista asks if you want milk or cream in your drink, don’t be afraid to say yes or no even if what they’re suggesting is different than what you had in mind.
The same goes for ordering an espresso drink as opposed to a latte the more specific and detailed of an order, the better!
In some cases, it’s okay not exactly knowing what you want when ordering coffee at a cafe or coffee shop (they will explain everything).
If this happens to you more than once though…well…maybe take some time out of your day just so learn how these kinds of establishments work?
| Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Respect Queue | Follow the queue system and wait patiently for your turn. |
| Mobile Phone Usage | Minimize phone usage to maintain a peaceful coffee shop environment. |
| Noise Level Control | Keep conversations and noise at an appropriate volume. |
| Table Sharing | Be open to sharing tables during peak hours to accommodate others. |
| Clean Up After | Clean up your table and dispose of trash responsibly. |
| Mind Personal Space | Respect personal space and avoid overcrowding seating areas. |
| Order Accuracy | Double-check your order to avoid confusion and minimize errors. |
| Barista Interaction | Interact politely with the barista and express gratitude for service. |
| Use of Facilities | Utilize coffee shop facilities properly, such as restrooms and Wi-Fi. |
| Mindful of Others | Be considerate of others’ needs and ensure a pleasant atmosphere. |
When In Doubt, Ask For Help – Or Do Some Research First
If you are unsure of what to order, just ask the barista for some help. They will be happy to assist you in selecting a drink that suits your tastes.
You can also do some research before going to the coffee shop and ask them if they have any recommendations based on your preferences.
If things get really tough and no one has been able to recommend something good enough for you yet, don’t hesitate to ask them what their favorite drink is!
Ditch The Straws And Lids If You’re Planning On Sticking Around.
When you’re getting your coffee to-go, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new drink and forget about how long you’ll be sitting there. If you’re planning on sticking around for awhile, don’t bother with straws or lids.
The liquid tends to warm up as the day goes on and can become very hot—and when that happens, a lid might not stay attached for long. It’s also much easier to spill without one (trust me).
Straws are another matter entirely: they take up space in the cup and are messy if they fall out because of an ill-fitting lid or an inadvertent sneeze mid sip (which has happened to me more times than I’d like to admit).
Plus, unless they come in some sort of special holder—which means they’ll add even more clutter straws just seem like extra work as far as cleanup goes when you’re done drinking your coffee!
Choosing the perfect coffee shop that suits your needs and preferences can enhance your overall coffee experience. Our guide on How to Choose the Perfect Coffee Shop for Your Needs provides valuable insights and factors to consider, ensuring you find the ideal coffee shop ambiance, menu offerings, and atmosphere that resonate with your personal taste.
Pay Attention To The Details
Don’t be afraid to use the proper terminology. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, and it will save you from being talked down to by baristas who think that you don’t know what a flat white is.
Know what you want before you get to the counter. If you’re going for an iced coffee, make sure it’s not hot when they serve it to you (this is very important).
Don’t ask for anything with ice if all they have is cold brew or pour-over coffee because there just isn’t enough room in a glass full of that kind of drink and then they’ll probably give up on making it altogether and give you something else instead.”
| Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | Focus on small aspects that contribute to a great coffee experience. |
| Brew Time | Optimize brewing time for desired flavors and strengths. |
| Water Temperature | Maintain appropriate water temperature for optimal extraction. |
| Bean Quality | Choose high-quality coffee beans for superior taste. |
| Grind Consistency | Ensure consistent grind size for even extraction. |
| Equipment Calibration | Calibrate equipment for accurate measurements and results. |
| Brewing Ratio | Follow recommended coffee-to-water ratios for balanced taste. |
| Extraction Time | Control the extraction time to prevent over- or under-extraction. |
| Proper Stirring | Stir coffee evenly to ensure uniform flavor distribution. |
| Milk Frothing Technique | Master the art of milk frothing for creamy and velvety texture. |
Make Sure You Know Your Buzzwords
When you walk into a coffee shop, your first instinct is probably to order whatever you want. But if you want to be like the pros and impress everyone with your ordering abilities, it’s important to know what buzzwords mean what kind of coffee.
Some of these coffee types may seem obvious (espresso), but others are more nuanced (cappuccino).
If being able to order like an expert intimidates you, don’t worry—we’ve got the primer for making sure that you’re using all the right buzzwords:
Espresso: The most basic type of coffee drink on this list! This is basically just brewed espresso mixed with steamed milk and topped with foam.
You can also get variations such as ristretto or macchiato by asking for less water/less foam respectively if that’s what floats your boat.
Conclusion
And that’s it! When you know what to expect, ordering coffee can be a lot less stressful. Even if you don’t order your drink the same way every time, there are always new things to try and discover.
Remember: the best part is that no matter how much experience you have with coffee and its many varieties, there’s always something new out there waiting for you.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to further enhance your knowledge on ordering coffee like a pro:
How to Order Coffee Like a Pro: A comprehensive guide that delves into the intricacies of coffee ordering, providing valuable tips and insights to help you navigate coffee menus with confidence.
How to Order Coffee Like a Pro: College Edition: Tailored specifically for college students, this article offers practical advice and suggestions on how to order coffee like a pro while on campus or studying at local coffee shops.
How to Order Coffee: A Step-by-Step Guide: WikiHow provides a step-by-step guide that covers the basics of coffee ordering, making it a great resource for beginners who want to learn the essentials of ordering their favorite brew.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions related to ordering coffee like a pro:
How do I order coffee like a pro?
Ordering coffee like a pro involves understanding the different types of coffee drinks, knowing the specific terminologies used in coffee shops, and confidently communicating your preferences to the barista.
What are some common coffee ordering mistakes to avoid?
Common coffee ordering mistakes include mispronouncing coffee names, not specifying desired modifications or preferences, and being hesitant to ask questions or seek recommendations from the barista.
How can I customize my coffee order?
To customize your coffee order, you can request modifications such as adjusting the sweetness level, choosing alternative milk options, adding flavor syrups, or specifying brewing methods.
What are some popular coffee drinks I should try?
Popular coffee drinks worth trying include espresso-based beverages like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos, as well as drip coffee, cold brew, and specialty drinks like mochas or affogatos.
How can I expand my coffee knowledge?
To expand your coffee knowledge, you can explore different brewing methods, learn about coffee origins and roasting techniques, attend coffee tastings or workshops, and experiment with various coffee beans and flavor profiles.
Hi, I’m Hellen James, founder of Unified Coffees. I created the platform to fill the gap in coffee blogging by providing tips on brewing coffee, rather than just focusing on beans and grinders.
