Do you love drinking coffee? Can't imagine starting your day without it? Or perhaps the ritual of savoring its flavor is connected to your gatherings with loved ones? If so, be sure to read our article.
We will answer the question of how to serve coffee elegantly. How to pay attention to details so that such a simple activity as drinking coffee is associated with a truly pleasant experience? We cordially invite you!
A brief history of coffee
Coffee is a unique hot beverage made from cocoa beans. Depending on the method, the beans can be ground or subjected to instantization. This process involves giving the beans the appropriate structure, which allows them to dissolve easily later. The story of coffee has been well-known for centuries — the first mentions date back to Ethiopia and go as far as the 1st millennium BC, when cocoa beans were used to boost energy and reduce feelings of sleepiness. Coffee itself was popularized at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries by Arab merchants.
The first coffee in Europe
When did coffee appear in Europe? Residents of southeastern Europe had access to it much earlier than those from Western countries. It is also worth mentioning that in the 17th century, coffee was not only very elegant but also — consequently — extremely expensive. Despite this, it enjoyed great popularity. Both friends and colleagues would meet for a cup of 'small black'.
Talking about the history of coffee in Europe, it is impossible not to mention Jerzy Kulczycki, who opened the first café in Vienna in 1683. The place was called Dom Pod Błękitną Butelką — because that was the name he gave to the venue — and the menu included, among other things, coffee with milk or sweetened with honey.
What features should good quality coffee have?
When describing coffee, you can say it is good or... not. But is it worth narrowing down the characteristics of this exceptional drink so much? Of course not! Moreover, getting to know the characteristic properties of coffee is not as difficult as it might seem. So, what should you pay attention to when choosing a new coffee? What is important?
• bean roast level
• aroma
• acidity and bitterness
Based on the roast level of the beans, you can easily assess the acidity and bitterness you will encounter. The International Coffee Organization lists as many as 18 different roast shades. Among them, you can find spicy, caramel, or even ash-like aromas! As for acidity, avoid coffees whose smell resembles vinegar. Such an effect could result from incorrect processing. The bitterness of coffee is directly related to its caffeine content.
“– What kind of coffee do you drink?
– Black as night, sweet as sin.” [Neil Gaiman, Anansi Boys]
When buying coffee, make sure to...
• only select beans
• come from verified plantations
• are roasted in reputable and certified roasteries — this way, you can be sure that the blend you choose is of the highest quality.
How to serve espresso?
The most popular coffee undoubtedly includes espresso, which has a volume of about 25-30 milliliters. It is a basic yet very expressive coffee whose taste and aroma cannot be imitated! To enjoy this coffee at its best, remember that it should be tasted immediately after preparation. The small cup should be preheated and placed on a saucer. When serving espresso at home or in a café, it is additionally recommended to serve sugar and a glass of still water.
How to serve americano?
Espresso fans are very eager to try an Americano as well. This particular coffee is made by simply adding hot water to espresso. This allows you to easily determine not only the strength of the coffee but also your preferred size. Depending on this, it can be served in a mug or in a cup.
Proper serving of latte macchiato and cafe latte
Another equally popular beverage is latte macchiato. This is a combination of espresso with hot milk. The characteristic milk foam on top of the coffee and milk layer makes it a drink that brightens up many an afternoon. To fully enjoy latte macchiato, it’s best served in a tall glass with a handle. It should hold at least 300 ml and be made of thicker glass. This way, the coffee will look very appealing, and drinking it will be even more enjoyable.
As for cafe latte, it’s best served in a glass with a capacity of 250 ml. In this coffee, the ratio of milk to coffee is higher.
Other milk-based coffee varieties, or how to serve cappuccino
When describing ways to serve coffee with milk, one cannot forget about cappuccino. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular coffee varieties! The added milk in the form of foam can be served alone or with a sprinkle of chocolate or cinnamon. The cup for cappuccino should be wide, preferably porcelain. As for its capacity, it is recommended not to exceed 200 ml.
Another variation of this exceptional drink is scurro cappuccino/dry cappuccino, which differs from the classic version mainly in the amount of milk foam. It’s worth remembering that it can be served in exactly the same cups as traditional cappuccino — with a saucer and a matching teaspoon.
Serving iced coffees in a beautiful way
It’s hard to deny that on hot days, coffees in... iced versions are absolutely perfect. It’s no wonder that drinks like cafe frappe are very popular. This is a classic iced coffee best served in tall glasses with a handle. To ensure the drink looks impeccable and doesn’t spill, it’s good to place the glass on a matching ceramic saucer. Additionally, the glass is topped with a tall spoon or straw, as cafe frappe is made from a combination of coffee, ice cream, whipped cream, and milk.
The second equally popular cold coffee drink is freddo, which is cold espresso. It is prepared using ice cubes. In some versions, freddo is served with alcohol, usually in the same cups used for classic espresso.
Does serving coffee at home have to be problematic?
Low and high glasses, large and smaller mugs — serving coffee at home often involves using a variety of different vessels. Ground coffee poured directly with boiling water is not very elegant, so it’s definitely worth having at least a basic moka pot at home. For serving, porcelain cups are recommended, with the main advantage being that they retain heat for a long time. Additionally, such vessels do not tend to stain, so their beautiful appearance can be enjoyed for a very long time.
What else to keep in mind when serving coffee?
Choosing a well-made and clean serving vessel for coffee is one thing. However, it is also important to remember that the way the beverage is presented plays a significant role. Make sure to serve the right amount of coffee — neither too little nor too much — so that drinking it is effortless and enjoyable.
In many cafes, it is customary to serve a small piece of chocolate or a spiced biscuit with the coffee. While this is suitable for a café setting, at home it is better to serve sweets separately, for example, on a specially designed tray. Interestingly, it is worth noting that intense coffees do not pair well with cakes and creams-filled tortes, as such flavor combinations often clash.
Serving coffee is a true art, which is definitely worth mastering. This way, the beverage will taste even better, and the pleasure of drinking it will undoubtedly reach a whole new level.
