CoF Barista | Coffee On Fleek

May 11, 2024 By CoF Barista

Cold Brew and Iced Coffee: What’s the difference?

The warmer months whet the appetite for cold coffee beverages. Iced coffee and cold brew both can provide a refreshing caffeinated drink. There is sometimes confusion between iced coffee and cold brew coffee. There is a difference between iced coffee and cold brew coffee.

Iced coffee is coffee that is brewed in the “normal” way, using hot water and then subsequently cooled with ice. It is typically served sweetened and possibly with other flavorings.

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping ground coffee beans in room temperature or colder water. As you might imagine, this requires a longer brew time (perhaps over-night or even longer) and results in a smoother taste.

Is cold brew healthier than ice coffee?

There is increasing evidence that coffee in general is good for your health as it includes beneficial antioxidants. Since cold brew coffee typically tastes smoother, it is more often consumed black—without potentially harmful sugar, etc.

However, there is some concern that cold brewing is less efficient at extracting antioxidants from coffee beans, which might provide a marginal health benefit to hot brewed coffees. But the differences are likely small.

Is cold brew stronger than regular coffee?

Does cold-brew coffee have more caffeine? Typically, cold brewed coffee is brewed with more coffee (vs. water) than hot brewed coffee, so you start with a stronger coffee drink. However, caffeine is water soluble, and hot water will generally be more efficient at extracting the caffeine. The amount of caffeine in your drink is dependent on how you brewed it, the amount of coffee used, and any dilution before consumption.

How long does cold-brew coffee last in the refrigerator?

Since typically cold brew coffee is concentrated, it may be readily stored for later use. Unlike hot brew coffee, cold brew coffee can last 10 to 15 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make cold brew using a French Press?

Here’s an easy recipe for great cold brew coffee made with a French Press:

Put ground coffee into a French press and add room-temperature water.
Place plunger lid on top and press the plunger down only 1-2 inches to fully submerge the coffee.
Do not press the plunger all the way down.
Let coffee steep at room temperature for 16 to 18 hours.
Pour the coffee through a coffee filter and transfer to an airtight container in your refrigerator.
Serve in a glass over ice with equal parts of milk or water.

Want to make coffeehouse cold brew at home?

Do you want the convenience of cold brew that tastes like it came from your favorite coffee house but only takes minutes to make rather than hours or days? You might consider:

Cuisinart DCB-10 Automatic Cold Brew Coffeemaker

View Product on Amazon.com

This Cuisinart machine can produce delicious, smooth, and less acidic cold brew coffee in 25-45 minutes (depending on desired strength). A push of a button can cold-brew up to 7 cups of triple-filtered coffee with your choice of 3 strengths.

Traditional cold brewing methods take 12-48 hours to make delicious cold brew coffee. Now you can enjoy your triple-filtered, sediment-free coffeehouse cold brew in minutes.

The carafe can be used to store your cold brew coffee up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Clean-up is a breeze, as all removable parts are dishwasher safe.

Includes Limited 3-year warranty.

Note that this fine machine produces cold brew that is ready to drink but does not produce concentrate.

How to make bulk cold brew coffee?

Start with the coffee-1 pound coarse grind.
Place ground coffee in a 3-4-quart open container.
Add 1 quart of water and stir enough to wet all the grounds. Then add another quart of water.
Let steep for 24 hours.
Strain into another container with a wire mesh filter and then filter again using a paper coffee filter.

Now you have about ½ gallon of cold brew concentrate.

You can adjust quantities to fit your needs.

Types of cold-brew coffee

Once you have your cold brew concentrate, what do you do with it? There are many options. Most commonly, the concentrate is either mixed with cold water or with milk in equal quantities. Mixing with milk makes for a richer drink, but it is enjoyable both ways.

Some drinkers use the concentrate mixed with hot water to make a warm drink.
Cold brew concentrate also can serve as the base for many other beverages.
For example, New Orleans Style cold brew coffee calls for mixing ground chicory with the ground coffee for steeping. This beverage is finished by combining the coffee-chicory brew with generous quantities of milk and sweetener.
You can also try a cold brew martini for a little extra kick.

Nitro cold brew?

Infusing cold brew coffee with nitrogen is a relatively recent invention. The nitrogen gas (“nitro”) introduces many very small bubbles into the coffee, which give it a smoother, less bitter taste and a smooth mouthfeel. The nitro gives the drink a foamy top.

Nitro cold brew has been around for about 10 years and really gained notoriety when Starbucks began offering it in 1500 stores in 2016.

There are now pre-made canned nitro beverages and home machine that allow infusion of nitrogen by the home cold-brew maker.

What do you need to make cold brew coffee?

Cold brew coffee is made with only three ingredients: coarsely ground coffee beans, cold or room temperature water, and time. You can make a better tasting cup of cold brew coffee at home quite easily following one of our recipes above. Of course, you will need to plan ahead because of the need to steep the coffee for at least 25 minutes with an automatic Cold Brew Coffeemaker, and 12-24 hours without one, to extract the flavors.

July 11, 2023 By CoF Barista

What is espresso?

Espresso is a coffee drink made by forcing high pressure hot water through a tightly packed container (called the doser or porta filter) of finely ground coffee. This process yields a concentrated coffee beverage that is strong and flavorful. It also results in an espresso drink topped with “Crema,” which is a tasty foam that forms on top of the coffee.

espresso-drinks-in-espresso-glasses — Image credit: Flickr

Espresso might be thought of as the national drink of Italy, where it is enjoyed daily at home, in cafés, and in restaurants. Espresso drinks can be made from any coffee bean; what makes espresso unique is the method of preparation and the fineness of the coffee grind.

Espresso originated in Italy where it is not only a beverage but an inherent part of the social fabric of the country. Espresso delivers a caffeine punch to the drinker; it’s consumed as a wake-up beverage first thing in the morning, like an energy drink during the day, and with meals.

Typically, espresso is served in small cups or glasses that hold only 1 to 2 ounces.

Even though these may resemble a shot glass, the proper way to drink espresso is to sip it–not to drink it all down at once. Espresso is usually consumed unsweetened, but it may be sweetened with sugar or other sweetener, and it may be consumed with a sweet biscuit like biscotti.

Espresso is typically consumed as a single shot (1 ounce) for a double shot (2 ounces). The double shot is called a doppio. Some espresso drinkers prefer a more dilute drink called a lungo (or long) espresso. The lungo is made with the same amount of coffee but with twice the water.

Specialty drinks

Over time, we have developed quite a set of espresso-based drinks that many espresso drinkers prefer.

cappuccino-is-an-espresso-drink — Image credit: Flickr

Coffeehouses have a rich menu of such drinks which helps attract customers. Some of these favorite drinks include:

Cappuccino – espresso topped with steamed, frothed milk — often decorated on top.
Caffe latte – a double shot of espresso topped with steamed milk.
Caffe Americano – a shot of espresso diluted with hot water.
Caffe Mocha – add chocolate to a latte.
Caffe Macchiato – espresso with a small amount of usually foamed milk (literally translates as “stained” or “marked” coffee.
Cortado – equal parts 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed warm milk.

Since espresso is made from “normal” coffee beans but with a more extreme process of high-pressure water passed through very finely ground coffee, it should be no surprise that all the characteristics of coffee can be found in espresso. However, these tastes and characteristics are amplified by the process of making espresso as are the taste characteristics of your coffee.

Espresso and caffeine

Because of its strong distinctive flavor, espresso has earned a reputation of being high in caffeine, but that is not necessarily so. He single shot of espresso contains approximately the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. The actual amount of caffeine delivered depends on the variety of coffee in the method by which it is brewed.

The acidity of espresso, like brewed coffee, depends on the roast of the beans you are using. Lighter roasts generally taste more acidic than darker roasts.

Buying espresso beans

Like with other coffees, you want to buy fresh roasted, whole, high-quality coffee beans. While these beans may be available from a number of sources, you may find the best results by developing a relationship with a local coffee bean supplier or grinder.

If you find a merchant that you trust and with whom you can develop a personal relationship, you are likely to be able to get the high-quality beans you want.

Storing espresso beans

Coffee beans are best stored in a cool dark place. There is a debate as to whether it’s best that they be stored in the freezer or not. Some people feel that storing them in a freezer result in the beans picking up more water than they should have. Our personal experience is that freezer storage works well. We leave the beans in their heavy, original packaging, which seems to protect them from freezer or water damage.

Aficionados suggest that once the beans are opened, they have a relatively limited shelf life of one to two weeks. Again, our personal experience is that being stored well in the freezer will last longer than that.

June 7, 2023 By CoF Barista

Visiting a Coffee Cooperative: how do those beans get to my espresso machine?

We recently had the opportunity to travel with our extended family on a trip from Los Angeles to Miami in which we traversed the Panama Canal. Being coffee fanatics, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit a number of Central American coffee plantations and cooperatives.

Coffee Bush to Coffee in Your Cup

Producing that great shot of espresso in your cup is a long and labor-intensive process that is also becoming increasingly sophisticated in making sure the coffee tastes just right. One of the more impressive tours we went on was of a coffee cooperative in Costa Rica.

Coffee Cooperative

Growing coffee is most economically done at a large scale. This initially led to very large corporations dominating because they could afford the very large plantations necessary to grow the coffee and also the large expenditures on processing and marketing. More interesting to us is the growth of coffee cooperatives. Coffee cooperatives are formed by often large groups of small growers banding together to gain the economies of scale of the large corporations. However, they still maintain critical unique aspects of the individual small growers.

For example, the cooperative that we visited in Costa Rica provided both shared land where individual growers could have their plot on a much larger property and also shared processing equipment and labor where small growers could gain the economies of scale of large growers but still be processing their own unique coffee product (perhaps even grown on the grower’s small plot of land).

These cooperatives operate not only for the growing and processing of the coffee but also to provide financing and marketing resources for the growers. Interestingly, it’s not just the small growers that participate, we also noticed that massive coffee retailers use the co-ops to experiment with new products and new growing methods.

Coffee Growing

Growing coffee starts and ends with the coffee bean. Coffee beans are initially planted in small, cup size containers where they germinate and produce the first sprout of a coffee bush.

Growing coffee requires a temperate, almost equatorial climate with lots of sun (although the coffee bushes or trees themselves are typically grown under a taller canopy of trees that provide some shade). Along with a reasonable amount of rain, coffee bushes seem to grow best in rich, volcanic soils.

After planting, the coffee plants grow rapidly to a size ready for transplantation.

Typically it takes a coffee bush 3 to 5 years to begin producing fruit. It may then stay in its productive phase for 25 or more years. The fruit forms as reddish “cherries” on the plant-each of which has two coffee beans inside.

When the cherries are harvested, they are transported to a sorting and separating machine. The cherries then start a long and mechanical process that sorts them by size and density and begins the long process of stripping away the portions that we don’t want in our coffee. Initially the cherries are dumped in a large vat of water and sorted by density-those that float in those that don’t float! Incidentally, this coffee cooperative has virtually no waste. The layers of the coffee cherries that are stripped away are turned into compost (on the Coop’s property) and used to enrich the soil for the coffee bushes.

Moving through several very specialized machines the outer layers of the cherry are progressively removed to get down to the beans. During this whole process, the beans are kept separated by grower, type, quality, etc.

The beans are initially dried by being spread out in a large concrete courtyard (sometimes enhanced by drying machines). They then get more intensely dried in rotating ovens (although not roasted yet) and are moved on to individual storage rooms by grower.

Typically the beans rest for a period of weeks to a few months in the storage rooms and then they are processed and bagged for shipment. At this point in time, a vast majority of the beans have not yet been roasted. The coffee beans will be roasted when they arrive at their destination.

Some beans are roasted as requested in this facility using large hoppers and roasting ovens and coffee roasters.

Finally, the beans are ready to be ground and used. Here we see one of the several large coffee grinders used at the Cooperative. However, the beans are rarely ground at the Coffee Coop, as most of their customers prefer to roast and grind their coffee beans locally. But a few beans are ground at the Coop for local or smaller customers.

We hope this quick trip through world of growing and processing coffee has been as interesting for you as it is for us. We’ve only brushed the surface in this article. If you have a chance to visit a Coffee Cooperative, we strong suggest you do so. Besides, they will have you sample some wonderful coffee at the end of the tour!

June 6, 2023 By CoF Barista

Espresso Machine vs Cappuccino Machine?

If you love espresso drinks, you might be considering whether to buy an espresso machine or a cappuccino machine. What is the difference between the two?

What is Espresso?

Espresso is a coffee drink made using high pressure hot water to extract a concentrated shot of coffee from finely ground coffee beans. This concentrated shot can either be consumed directly (as espresso) or used as the base for various espresso-based drinks, including cappuccinos.

What is Cappuccino?

Cappuccino is typically made by combining equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.

You might also like to read: Our blog on popular espresso-based drinks.

Espresso machines vs Cappuccino Machines

Espresso machines and cappuccino machines are both types of coffee makers, but they serve different purposes and offer different functionalities:

An espresso machine is designed specifically to brew espresso, a strong and concentrated coffee beverage.

It typically uses high pressure to force hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, resulting in a small shot of intense coffee.

Espresso machines often have features like steam wands or frothers to steam milk, which allows users to make various espresso-based drinks such as lattes, macchiatos, and cappuccinos. These machines may come in various types, including manual, semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic, offering different levels of control and convenience in the brewing process.

A cappuccino machine is a type of espresso machine that is specifically optimized for making cappuccinos. While it still brews espresso like a traditional espresso machine, a cappuccino machine usually has additional features tailored for creating frothy milk foam, which is a key component of a cappuccino.

Cappuccino machines often include built-in milk frothers or steam wands that make it easy to froth milk to the desired consistency for cappuccinos.

Some cappuccino machines may have preset or programmable settings for producing specific milk foam textures, making them convenient for users who prefer consistency in their cappuccinos.

Type of Espresso Machines

There are several types of espresso machines available in the market, catering to different preferences, budgets, and skill levels. Here are the main types of espresso machines:

Manual Espresso Machines: Also known as lever espresso machines, these require manual operation to create pressure and extract the espresso. They offer complete control over the brewing process but require a certain level of skill and experience to operate effectively.
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines: These machines automate the water flow, but the user needs to start and stop the extraction process manually. Users can control the shot length, making it easier to brew espresso consistently.
Automatic Espresso Machines: Automatic machines control both the water flow and the extraction time, making the brewing process more convenient. Users can program the machine to dispense a specific amount of water for each shot, ensuring consistency in the espresso.
Super-Automatic Espresso Machines: Super-automatic machines handle the entire espresso-making process, from grinding the coffee beans to frothing milk and dispensing the espresso. These machines are highly convenient and user-friendly, making them suitable for those who want an effortless brewing experience.
Pod or Capsule Espresso Machines: These machines use pre-packaged coffee pods or capsules, eliminating the need for grinding and measuring coffee. They are incredibly convenient and easy to use, making them popular choices for home users who want a hassle-free espresso experience.
Commercial Espresso Machines: Designed for high-volume environments like cafes and restaurants, these machines are robust, durable, and capable of producing numerous shots of espresso quickly. They often come in semi-automatic or automatic configurations.
Single Boiler vs. Double Boiler vs. Heat Exchanger Machines: Espresso machines can have single boilers, double boilers, or heat exchangers. Single boiler machines use one boiler for both brewing espresso and steaming milk, which can be a bit slower when switching between tasks. Double boiler machines have separate boilers for brewing and steaming, allowing simultaneous operation. Heat exchanger machines use a single boiler with a heat exchanger to maintain different temperature levels for brewing and steaming.

You might also like to read: Our review on the best super-automatic espresso machines.

Type of Cappuccino Machines

Cappuccino machines, also known as espresso machines with milk frothers, come in various types to cater to different preferences and needs. Here are the main types of cappuccino machines:

Steam Wand Espresso Machines: These machines have a built-in steam wand that allows users to froth milk manually. Steam wand machines are found in many entry-level and home espresso machines. They require some skill and practice to froth milk properly.
Automatic Espresso Machines with Milk Frother: These machines have an automatic milk frother or steam wand that froths and steams milk with the press of a button. Users can adjust the milk froth density and temperature settings based on their preferences. These machines are suitable for those who want the convenience of automatic milk frothing.
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines with Steam Wand: Similar to steam wand espresso machines, these are semi-automatic machines where the user has control over the espresso shot extraction. The steam wand allows manual frothing of milk for cappuccinos. Users can customize the froth and temperature to create the desired milk texture.
Pod or Capsule Cappuccino Machines: These machines use pre-packaged coffee pods or capsules and often come with a built-in milk frother. They are convenient and user-friendly, making it easy to prepare cappuccinos without the hassle of grinding coffee or manually frothing milk.
Super-Automatic Espresso Machines with Integrated Milk Frother: Super-automatic cappuccino machines automate the entire process, including grinding coffee, brewing espresso, and frothing milk. They come with integrated milk frothers that can create creamy milk foam for cappuccinos and other milk-based drinks. Users can customize settings such as milk froth density, temperature, and coffee strength.
Commercial Cappuccino Machines: These machines are designed for high-volume settings such as cafes and restaurants. They often come with multiple steam wands and large boilers to handle continuous milk frothing for a high number of cappuccino orders.

In summary, while both espresso machines and cappuccino machines can brew espresso, a cappuccino machine is specifically designed to facilitate the preparation of cappuccinos by including features for frothing milk, whereas an espresso machine may offer more versatility for brewing various espresso-based beverages beyond just cappuccinos.

You might also like to read: Our recent review on the best cappuccino machines.

Pros and Cons – Espresso Machines vs Cappuccino Machines

When choosing an espresso machine, consider your budget, desired level of control, and the volume of espresso you plan to make regularly. Each type of machine has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to select one that best fits your needs and preferences.

Pros of Espresso Machines

Rich and Concentrated Coffee: Espresso machines produce a strong and concentrated shot of coffee with a rich flavor, often topped with a layer of crema.
Versatility: Espresso machines can be used to make a variety of coffee beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, and more, depending on the machine’s features.
Customization: Many espresso machines allow users to customize the brewing process, adjusting factors such as grind size, water temperature, and extraction time to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Convenience: Having an espresso machine at home or in the office provides the convenience of making your favorite coffee beverages without the need to visit a coffee shop.
Cost Savings: Over time, making espresso-based drinks at home can be more cost-effective than purchasing them from a coffee shop regularly.

Cons of Espresso Machines

Cost: High-quality espresso machines can be expensive, and more feature-rich models may come with a higher price tag.
Learning Curve: Achieving the perfect shot of espresso requires some skill and experimentation. Learning to use an espresso machine effectively may take time and practice.
Maintenance: Espresso machines require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Neglecting maintenance can lead to issues with the machine and affect the quality of the coffee.
Space Requirements: Some espresso machines, especially commercial or advanced home models, can be large and take up a significant amount of counter space.
Initial Setup: Setting up an espresso machine and dialing in the right settings for your preferences can be a bit involved, especially for beginners.

Pros of Cappuccino machines

Versatility: Cappuccino machines often come with additional features such as steam wands, allowing users to froth and steam milk. This versatility enables the preparation of various coffee beverages, including lattes, macchiatos, and other milk-based drinks.
Customization: Many cappuccino machines allow users to customize the strength of the coffee, the amount of frothed milk, and the overall flavor to suit individual taste preferences.
Convenience: Having a cappuccino machine at home or in the office provides the convenience of making a wide range of coffee beverages without the need to visit a coffee shop.
Cost Savings: Over time, making cappuccinos and other espresso-based drinks at home with a cappuccino machine can be more cost-effective than purchasing them regularly from a coffee shop.
Consistency: With practice, cappuccino machines allow for consistent results in terms of the coffee strength, milk texture, and overall beverage quality.
Social Aspect: Owning a cappuccino machine can be a focal point for socializing, as it allows you to prepare and share specialty coffee drinks with friends and family.
Quality Control: Cappuccino machines give users control over the entire coffee-making process, from choosing coffee beans to adjusting brewing and frothing parameters, ensuring a high level of quality and freshness.

Cons of Cappuccino machines

Cost: High-quality cappuccino machines can be expensive, and more feature-rich models may come with a high price tag. This initial investment can be a significant factor for some individuals.
Learning Curve: Using a cappuccino machine effectively, especially those with advanced features, may have a learning curve. Achieving the perfect froth and mastering various settings may take practice and experimentation.
Maintenance: Cappuccino machines require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and hygiene. Neglecting maintenance can lead to issues with the machine and affect the quality of the coffee.
Space Requirements: Some cappuccino machines, especially larger or commercial models, can take up a considerable amount of counter space. This can be a drawback for those with limited kitchen space.
Limited Mobility: Cappuccino machines are generally stationary appliances, which may be a drawback for those who prefer a portable or travel-friendly coffee-making option.
Upkeep Costs: In addition to the initial purchase cost, there may be ongoing costs associated with maintaining and replacing parts of the machine, such as filters, gaskets, or other components.
Complexity: Some advanced cappuccino machines with multiple features and settings may be too complex for users who prefer a straightforward and simple coffee-making experience.
Single Functionality: While cappuccino machines excel at making specialty coffee drinks, they are primarily designed for espresso-based beverages. If someone prefers other types of coffee, the machine’s capabilities may be underutilized.

Summary: Should I buy an espresso machine or a cappuccino machine?

Espresso machines or cappuccino machines can produce excellent drinks at the touch of a button. Which should you consider buying? Or, should you buy a machine at all?

Whether you should buy a machine at all is a complex question. How many espressos and/or cappuccinos do you plan on consuming? How much is the added convenience worth to you? See the section on these machines to detail some of the things you may want to consider.

If you are choosing between an espresso machine and a cappuccino machine, remember that cappuccino requires heated and frothed milk. You can make espresso and then use a separate milk frother to make cappuccino, but it is much more convenient to use a cappuccino machine to automate the steps involving milk with a cappuccino machine.

You might also like to read: Our in-depth comparison of the best De’Longhi Espresso Machines.

FAQ’s

Q1: Is Cappuccino just Espresso with milk?

Yes, a cappuccino is made with equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, distinguishing it from plain espresso.

Q2: Difference between Espresso and Americano

Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. It is made from a specific blend of coffee beans and does not contain any added ingredients.

An Americano is made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water. It consists of espresso and hot water, and the ratio of espresso to water can vary based on personal preference.

Q3: Difference between Cappuccino and Latte?

A cappuccino is made with equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The ratio is typically 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk foam.

A latte is made with one or two shots of espresso and steamed milk. It has a small amount of milk foam on top, usually a thin layer to preserve the creamy texture.