As the weather begins to cool down, it's time to turn up the heat in your coffee cup. A great espresso-based drink carefully prepared by a seasoned barista is the perfect way to usher in the fall season. Unless you frequent espresso bars, though, it's easy to become intimidated by the range of choices on the menu board. Which one has fewer calories, provides more steamed milk than foam, or comes with half-and-half instead of milk? One option is to ask the barista, but the line of customers behind you—anxious to be on their way—confirms that a long chat with the barista isn't going to endear you to anyone.
THE ESPRESSO DRINK DIAGRAM
The espresso drink diagram above provides a handy reference tool for nine of the most common espresso drinks. The illustration was created by Lokesh Dhakar, a designer from Baltimore. His graphic takes the guesswork out of all things espresso and offers a visual rendition of each drink to help you master the basics. Keep in mind that these drinks may vary from one coffee shop to next. Just the same, a little bit of knowledge goes a long way. The next time you're in line for an espresso drink, you'll be able to place your order like a pro.
The espresso drink diagram above provides a handy reference tool for nine of the most common espresso drinks. The illustration was created by Lokesh Dhakar, a designer from Baltimore. His graphic takes the guesswork out of all things espresso and offers a visual rendition of each drink to help you master the basics. Keep in mind that these drinks may vary from one coffee shop to next. Just the same, a little bit of knowledge goes a long way. The next time you're in line for an espresso drink, you'll be able to place your order like a pro.
If you're interested in brewing up these drinks at home, the diagram is a great place to start. From straight and direct to creamy and chocolaty, there's a drink to satisfy every craving. Keeping in mind that a single shot of espresso equals 1-2 ounces, each illustration suggests an approximate ratio for the remaining ingredients.
Can you identify the drinks below?
Can you identify the drinks below?
