COFFEE
Types of Coffee:
Coffee is a universe of flavors.
At TZB, we celebrate every style, from pure espresso to creative café favorites. Whether you love a sharp shot or a creamy flat white, there’s a Zvegor roast to match your taste.
Here’s a quick guide through the world’s favorite coffee types, simplified for clarity and expanded for flavor.
Espresso
Born in early 20th-century Italy, espresso became a café staple thanks to its intense flavor and quick preparation. It’s typically enjoyed in small ceramic cups while standing at espresso bars. Today, it’s equally beloved at home by coffee aficionados looking for that concentrated, crema-topped kick.
It’s the foundation of most coffee drinks and is served in small shots. Perfect for those who want intensity in a single sip.
Americano
Said to have originated during World War II, American soldiers in Europe would dilute espresso with hot water to resemble the drip coffee they were used to back home.
Today, the Americano remains a go-to drink in both cafés and home kitchens. It’s smooth, unfussy, and offers a less intense way to enjoy espresso.
Espresso
Born in early 20th-century Italy, espresso became a café staple thanks to its intense flavor and quick preparation. It’s typically enjoyed in small ceramic cups while standing at espresso bars. Today, it’s equally beloved at home by coffee aficionados looking for that concentrated, crema-topped kick.
It’s the foundation of most coffee drinks and is served in small shots. Perfect for those who want intensity in a single sip.
Americano
Said to have originated during World War II, American soldiers in Europe would dilute espresso with hot water to resemble the drip coffee they were used to back home.
Today, the Americano remains a go-to drink in both cafés and home kitchens. It’s smooth, unfussy, and offers a less intense way to enjoy espresso.
Cappuccino
Originating in Italy and named after the Capuchin monks (thanks to its light-brown color), the cappuccino is a classic favorite found in nearly every café worldwide. It’s often enjoyed in the morning and has become a daily ritual across Europe and beyond, loved for its creamy texture and balance of strong coffee and soft milk foam.
The foam creates a creamy top layer that balances the strong espresso base. Often dusted with cocoa or cinnamon.
Latte
A staple in coffee shops around the globe, the latte originated in Italy and became wildly popular in the U.S. and UK café scenes. Typically served in tall cups, it’s the go-to choice for those who love a coffee that’s rich, warm, and mellow enough to sip slowly while working or relaxing.
It is topped with a generous amount of steamed milk and a light layer of foam. Creamy and smooth, it’s ideal for those who prefer a milder coffee flavor.
Café au Lait
Popular in France and parts of Europe, this at-home favorite combines equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk, no foam, just smooth simplicity. It’s often served in a bowl-like mug, perfect for cozy breakfasts or slow mornings.
Unlike a latte, it uses drip or filter coffee instead of espresso and skips the foam, offering a smooth, comforting balance.
Cortado
With roots in Spain, the cortado is a minimalist’s coffee dream, just espresso and an equal amount of warm milk. Usually served in a small glass, it’s popular in both specialty cafés and home setups for those who want bold coffee with just enough creaminess.
Mocha
Inspired by the Yemeni port city of Mocha, which once exported beans known for their natural chocolate notes, the mocha blends espresso, chocolate, and milk. Loved worldwide, especially by those with a sweet tooth, it blurs the line between coffee and dessert.
Macchiato
An Italian classic, the macchiato was designed for those who enjoy espresso with just a touch of softness. Popular in Europe and among purists, it’s often sipped mid-morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Flat White
Originating in Australia and perfected in New Zealand, the flat white has become a specialty café mainstay around the world. Its smooth microfoam and bold espresso balance make it a favorite among coffee lovers who want intensity without bitterness.
Affogato
Straight from Italy, the affogato is more than just a dessert, it’s an experience. Usually enjoyed after dinner in restaurants or at home, it blends the heat of espresso with the chill of ice cream for a creamy, bittersweet finish.
Irish Coffee
This cozy, spirited drink hails from Ireland and combines hot coffee with Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream. Traditionally served in a glass mug, it’s a classic in pubs and restaurants, especially during colder months or festive seasons.
Iced Coffee
Now a staple in cafés worldwide, iced coffee is brewed hot and chilled over ice. It’s enjoyed across Asia, the Americas, and Europe, perfect for warm days, afternoon refreshments, or an energizing twist on your daily brew.
Decaf
Decaf coffee has grown in popularity for those who love coffee but want to avoid the jitters. Available in most cafés and easily brewed at home, it offers all the flavor with none of the buzz.
Brewed & Filtered Coffees
Not every coffee type comes from an espresso machine. Some of the world’s most beloved brews come from traditional methods passed down through generations. These coffee types stand on their own as cultural staples, not just brewing styles.
Drip Coffee (Filter Coffee)
First popularized in the early 1900s in Germany with the invention of the paper coffee filter, drip coffee became a household standard in the U.S. and Europe. Known for its clean, balanced taste, it remains the go-to daily brew for millions around the world, in homes and offices.
French Press
Also called a press pot or cafetière, the French Press was patented in Italy in 1929 and quickly gained popularity in France and beyond. Its full-bodied character made it a favorite in both European kitchens and specialty cafés seeking bolder textures.
Pour-Over (V60, Chemex)
Though pour-over has existed for centuries, it gained major recognition through Japanese precision brewing and the rise of third-wave coffee. Used in cafés that emphasize bean origin and flavor clarity, it’s especially revered among baristas and coffee connoisseurs.
Cold Brew
Cold brew’s roots trace back to 17th-century Japan, where Kyoto-style brewing involved slow-dripping coffee over hours. Its modern resurgence began in the U.S. and has become a summer café staple, thanks to its mellow smoothness and refreshing chill.
Turkish Coffee
Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, Turkish coffee is one of the world’s oldest brewing styles. It’s embedded in tradition and often linked to hospitality rituals in Turkey, Greece, and across the Middle East. Served unfiltered, it’s a bold and cultural icon.
Regional and Cultural Coffee Styles
Every region has its signature coffee tradition, a reflection of local taste, climate, and history. These coffee types aren’t just drinks, they’re rituals passed down through generations.
Indian Filter Coffee
Deeply rooted in South Indian households, this aromatic blend of strong coffee and milk became a breakfast staple across India. Traditionally brewed using a metal filter and served in steel tumblers, it represents the warmth and hospitality of Indian culture.
Italian Ristretto
Italy’s answer to a more concentrated espresso, the ristretto gained popularity in Italian espresso bars as the preferred option for those seeking a punchier yet sweeter shot. Often consumed quickly, it’s beloved by purists and traditionalists.
Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
Introduced during French colonial times, Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk became a national favorite. Prepared using a metal phin filter, it’s now enjoyed on sidewalks, in homes, and increasingly, in trendy cafés worldwide.
Arabic Coffee (Qahwa)
Prepared using lightly roasted beans and infused with spices like cardamom and saffron, Qahwa is central to hospitality in the Middle East. Often served in small handleless cups, it reflects generosity, tradition, and cultural pride.
Specialty & Third Wave Coffees
Today’s coffee movement is about more than caffeine; it’s about craft, connection, and celebrating the origin of every bean. Known as the third wave of coffee, this movement treats coffee with the same reverence as wine: focusing on its unique growing regions, processing methods, and how these influence taste.
Third-wave coffee emphasizes:
- Single-Origin Coffees: Beans sourced from one specific region or farm, allowing drinkers to experience unique terroirs and microclimates, whether it’s fruity Ethiopian heirloom or spice-laced Indian Arabica.
- Micro-Lot Roasts: Small, traceable harvests roasted in limited batches to capture seasonal character and regional uniqueness. These exclusive lots often highlight exceptional craftsmanship.
- Traceable Sourcing: Transparent relationships with farmers and cooperatives, promoting fair trade, sustainability, and ethical practices from seed to sip.
- Cupping and Sensory Testing: Third-wave roasters prioritize quality through sensory evaluation. Cupping, the practice of blind tasting and grading, ensures balance, clarity, and complexity in each brew.
Whether you’re a barista seeking flavor precision or a home brewer exploring bold profiles, the third wave invites you into a global movement of mindful coffee appreciation.
Which Coffee Is Right for You?
Finding your perfect brew isn’t about rules, it’s about taste. Whether you crave the punch of an espresso or the slow bloom of a pour-over, there’s a Zvegor for every preference.
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