11 Must Know Drinks For the Coffee First Timer

Hello Friends, I remember my first time at a coffee shop, it was Coffee Bene, a local one at my University. It felt like being in a new country. Campfire Mochas weren’t a thing, there weren’t any photos, AND OVER HALF OF THE COFFEE DRINKS HAD ITALIAN NAMES!I was next in line and had that feeling you felt when you were about to give a speech in front of your class. It was a nerve wrecking moment that nobody should have to go through. Save yourself the panic attack, Here are the 11 must know drinks.

11 DRINKS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GOING TO A COFFEE SHOP

Americano

This was my first drink I ever ordered at Coffee Bene. It’s a classic and one of the simpler drinks that is very close to a black coffee. The Americano consists of a single shot espresso and hot water.

Ratio 1:2 espresso to hot water.

Black Coffee

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This is a good old-fashioned coffee. It is completely fine on its own, although some people add cream or sugar.

Cappuccino

A cappuccino is an espresso with a bit of steamed milk, sometimes frothy at the top.
Ratio: 1:2 espresso to steamed milk

COLD BREW

This is almost the same as a hot black coffee. The difference between the two is well… This one is cold. (Fun fact: cold brews are never exposed to heat when they are brewed)

Cortado

A cortado is a balance of coffee, usually a bit sweeter because more often than not, they use 1-2 shots of ristretto (Short pour of espresso shot that is richer and has more flavor)
Ratio 1:1 espresso to steamed milk

Decaf

Decaf is the joke of the town. It is coffee that has no caffeine. At this point, you’re just drinking bitter water. Don’t do this to yourself. If you ever end up making the effort of going to a coffee shop, please don’t order this.

ESPRESSO

A more concentrated form of coffee. It is measured in a form of a shot and can be added to make your coffee stronger.

“Hi, I’d like an extra shot of espresso in my decaf so it’s normal coffee, “.

LATTE

Your basic white girl drink and low key my guilty pleasure. Lattes are like cappuccino’s except instead of a tiny bit of milk they have quite a bit mixed in.
Ratio: 1:3 espresso to steamed milk

MACCHIATO

These little guys are ones you see in the tiny cups. Don’t be deceived, they pack a punch.

Ratio 2:1 espresso to steamed milk.

MatCHA

This is my favorite thing to drink. Matcha is a higher grade green tea that is ground up into a powder. You whisk it together with hot water and add it to the milk of your choice. My go to is an iced matcha with oatmilk & a shot of vanilla @RHRooftop or the Matcha Tonic @FRGMNT

RED EYE/BLACK EYE/ DEAD EYE

These guys will kick start your day. It is an entire cup of coffee with an extra shot(s) of espresso.

Ratio for Red Eye 4:1 Coffee to espresso.
Ratio for Black Eye 4:2 Coffee to espresso.
Ratio for Dead Eye 4:3 Coffee to espresso.

Those are the main 11 drinks you should have some knowledge on before going in. Nowadays, many shops also offer specialty drinks or give the option to add flavored shots as well. If you ever draw a blank, there’s always a menu to help out too, but I’m confident you’ll be fine.

SPECIALTY DRINKS AND FLAVOR SHOTS

Almost all coffee shops at this point have a specialty drinks. On these menus are drinks that are unique to each shop. Some of them are seasonal and some are year round.

If you are a bit bored of the common 11, you can always add a shot. No no no, not alcohol, we keep it clean on this blog. A FLAVORED shot is a way to enhance your coffee. Some of the most common ones are caramel, hazelnut, or my favorite, vanilla.

It may cost a little bit extra for these, but they are well worth it.

COST OF DRINKS

In the majority of the coffee shops you go to the cost for the flat out coffee without tax or a tip should be anywhere from $3-$6 give or take a dollar based on how the quality of the coffee and the shop. Below is a list of prices directly from one of my top 5 shops.

Cortado: $3.50
Espresso: $3.00
Add Flavored Shot $.75-$1.00
Latte:$4.25
Machiatto: $3.25
Nitro Cold Brew: $4.50
Specialty Drinks: 5.5

That wraps up the 11 must know drinks and their costs. Not as cheap as you thought right? Lucky for us, I’ve got some tips on how to save. As always I hope you’ve learned something new. Take care and for the love of God don’t get decaf!

With Gratitude,

Dil