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Gourmet coffee is good, gourmet coffee drinks are fabulous. Using your own gourmet flavored coffee or espresso as a base you can make those tasty treats at home and save yourself a lot of money while impressing your friends at the same time. Gourmet coffee drinks can vary from lattes and cappuccinos to exotic ice cream drinks. There are also alcohol drinks that feature coffee which can be very relaxing after a stressful day at the office.

Gourmet Coffee Recipes

Chocolate Cappuccino: For the chocoholic who loves their coffee this satisfies both desires.

Ingredients:

Directions

Variation: For a relaxing after dinner drink, add a 2 oz. Shot of Godiva Chocolate Liqueur or other chocolate liqueur.

Iced Latte with Flavor Variations: The traditional latte served up cold and creamy for those hot sultry days when you need a boost.

Ingredients

Directions

Variations: Add any one of the following flavorings to the blender or cocktail shaker. *Coffee syrups available in coffee section of grocer or at coffee shops.

2 oz Vanilla Syrup

2 oz. Chocolate Syrup

2 oz. Hazelnut Syrup

Iced Mint Mocha: This is a wonderful coffee drink for those hot summer days. For a spirited version you can add a liqueur such as Bailey’s Irish Cream.

Ingredients

Directions

Fall Cappuccino: This coffee drink with a touch of cinnamon and cloves invokes those autumn nights when there is just a hint of chill in the air.

Ingredients

Directions

Variations: For more of a coffee drink, you can replace the espresso and steamed milk with 6-8 oz. of strong coffee.

For an adult beverage, add 2 oz. of your favorite brandy

Gourmet coffee drinks can be made without just about any flavorings you can imagine. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Using coffee syrups available online and at your local coffee shop combined with flavorings and spices in your kitchen you can serve up an array of gourmet drinks that would rival even the fanciest of coffee shops.

Have you ever gone with a friend to the local coffee shop online to find out that there is no such thing as “just a cup of coffee” anymore? You stand there in awe and feeling rather out of place as your friend quickly fires off her order, something along the lines of “a grande, skinny, caramel macchiato with a double shot and equal, no whip”. If you felt like you were in a foreign country don’t despair. The lingo is easy to learn and yes you can order just a cup of coffee.

First things first, coffee shops have morphed into gourmet coffee shops. They now offer everything from coffee to lattes and iced cappuccinos. You can get Jamaican coffee, dark roasted, light roasted, chocolate and even pumpkin flavors when they are in season. Before you feel like you are in a foreign land and go running out the door take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with these common terms that gourmet coffee shops are most likely to use.

Gourmet Coffee Lingo

Acidity: The acidity level of a coffee is typically a general overall description of the coffee. Coffees with a high acidity level may be described as having a bright, dry flavor. Good quality coffees should have a higher acidity level; this comes from longer roasting periods.

Arabica Bean: The Arabica bean is the most common type of coffee bean found in gourmet coffees. These beans are of a higher quality than coffee you buy in cans at your local grocer. Arabica beans are rich and bold with a strong aroma.

Bitterness: A coffee’s bitterness factor has more to do with the water it is brewed with than the bean.

Blend: Blends are usually a mixture of coffee beans to create a balanced, unique flavor. Often Arabica beans will be blended with Robusta beans.

Body: The body of the coffee is how it feels when it rests on your tongue. A flavorful, aromatic coffee has more body than a weaker coffee. The body of a coffee is determined by the fat, protein and fiber content of the coffee.

Earthiness: A coffee that is described as earthy usually has a smooth, full body. They are generally from Indonesia and surrounding areas. This term does not imply an organic attribute.

Exotic: If used in a coffee shop it should be implying that there are spicy, herbal, fruity or floral undertones. Oftentimes coffee shops overuse this term in a marketing effort to entice customers.

Varietal: Refers to the region the coffee was grown in.

Espresso: A highly concentrated coffee beverage served in a 2-3 oz. portion. It should have a frothy top layer called the crema. You can sweeten this if you like; there is no right or wrong way to drink it. In drinks that are espresso based (cappuccinos and lattes) you can specify a single, double, triple or quad shot (1, 2, 3, or 4). This determines how much espresso is in your drink.

Cappuccino: Cappuccinos are lighter than coffee due to the amount of milk involved. This drink starts with a shot of espresso and is mixed with hot, steaming milk. The froth from the milk is then floated on top. Cappuccinos come in a variety of flavors.

Latte or Caffe Latte: These are very similar to cappuccinos except that they have more steamed milk than a cappuccino. It resembles an American coffee with a lot of milk more so than it does a cappuccino. Mocha Lattes are a very popular drink made with chocolate added to the latte. Other flavors are available.

Sizes: Depending on the gourmet coffee shop you are at, you may encounter different names for the size of beverage you order. Typically these are short (8 oz), Tall (12 oz) Grande (16 oz) and Venti (20 oz).

Skinny: Skinny drinks have no fat and no sugar, meaning that they are made with fat free milk if milk is involved and no sugar is added.

Ordering a coffee at the local gourmet coffee shop no longer has to be intimidating. Just walk right up and ask for your own double shot and get ready to for your own caffeine jolt. You should now know that your friend ordered a 16 oz. non-fat, sugar free, caramel flavored espresso with a bit of steamed milk with equal added and no whip cream. Gourmet coffee has never been easier or more fun. 

The coffee, espresso, and tea that Europeans sip in their cafés hasn’t changed much

over the years. But stop at a coffee house in the U.S. (there are probably two on the

next block), and that 10-calorie beverage has likely morphed into a 500-calorie

milk shake. Here’s how to keep your coffee break from turning into a Big Mac break.

Like their fast-food cousins, Starbucks and

other coffee sellers put nutrition numbers

on their Web sites, but not their menu

boards. If Starbucks did, here’s what you’d

see.

?

A grande (16 oz.) nonfat Caffè

Latte (two shots of espresso with steamed

milk) is a bargain when it comes to calories

(160), saturated fat (0 grams), and

calcium (some 450 milligrams). But

you’ll add:

•

70 calories for flfl avored syrups (unless

you get no-cal, sugar-free Hazelnut or

Vanilla),

•

100 calories for whole milk instead of

nonfat, or

•

50 calories for soy milk.

If you’re not careful, your bargain can

balloon to a whole-milk Vanilla Latte

with 320 calories and 7 grams (a third of

a day’s worth) of sat fat. Oops.

Bonus: get any grande nonfat latte iced

and you’ll save about 50 calories.

?

The mix of steamed

and foamed whole milk that’s added to

the espresso supplies a grande with just

150 calories, but who needs 5 grams of

saturated fat in their coffee? Stick with

nonfat milk and you’ve got a 100-calorie

Best Bite with around 250 mg of calcium—

20 percent of a day’s worth.

?

A grande White Chocolate

Costa Rica is known for being a storehouse of high-quality gourmet coffee and consequently coffee is regarded as the primary drink of this part of the world. It is the healthiest drink that one can ever enjoy. Modern day researches have identified coffee to have highest concentration of useful antioxidants when compared to other popular drinks. These antioxidants help to initiate the healing process in your system and increase your immunity assisting the destruction of the free radicals which can lead to a dangerous disease like cancer. Drinking coffee is a wonderful remedy for staying away from heart diseases, diabetes and stroke. Recent studies have revealed that gourmet coffee is an extremely good preventive measure for Parkinson’s disease. Drinking coffee regularly supplies adequate antioxidants needed for the toxin-release of your body. However, health benefits are easily achievable if you learn to make a perfect cup of gourmet coffee. This will make your kid drink at least a glass of delicious coffee everyday. Learn different other gourmet coffee recipes, so that the taste of coffee doesn’t become monotonous to your child. Desserts like Caramel Macchiato, Cappuccino and Latte can be some nice options for you. The ultimate buy for all gourmet coffee lovers is a home coffee-roaster. Buy the green coffee beans; roasting your own coffee beans takes around 20 minutes of time. The best thing about this kind is the aroma of fresh coffee, but the most significant fact is that it is even better for your overall health. Spending a few days of leisure at the magnificent land of Costa Rica is even more valuable due to the abundance of healthy coffee beans.

Well, I drink coffee everyday. Before work, during work and after work. Lots of friends tell me this is no good, yeah… I know, I understand, but I really can’t resist the incredible taste of coffee.

Where does this amazing small black pee from? Some intro and history here…

On the rising hills of Columbia, the fastest growing cash crop in the country is cultivated. This is the coffee bean.

The seeds of this shrub, which belongs to the Madder family, are called coffee, as is the beverage made from them, produced by passing boiled water through a filter containing ground roasted coffee beans. It can be consumed warm or cold and in any of the following styles: instant, filter, cappuccino, espresso (so strong you are only allowed 5ml at any one time, and it must be served in a steel reinforced cup), mocha, latte, or any combination of these with the word ‘double’ attached somewhere. Some drink their coffee with cream and sugar, others with milk and sugar; but purists claim the only way to drink a cup of ‘Joe’ is black… with or without sugar.

Columbia is not the only country to produce fine grains of ambrosia. The hands-down best producer of coffee may be Puerto Rico. Yucua is the name of the plant. It is grown on the mountains of the rainforest on the beautiful island. Rare and expensive, this is the coffee of choice not just for Puerto Ricans, but also for the Vatican… and the Pope knows his coffee!

So here’re some Coffee Facts

* Coffee beans grow on small trees.

* It takes the annual yield of one tree to produce one pound of roasted beans.

* Coffee beans are grown in subtropical regions around the world.

* The biggest growers are Brazil and Columbia.

* Commercial coffee crops are of two main types: Robustas and Arabicas.

* Robusta coffee has twice as much caffeine as Arabica.

* Arabica beans produce a smoother flavor and are the main constituent of most high-quality coffees.

* It takes about 40 beans to make an espresso.

* Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee beans are the most expensive in the world.

* Coffee beans of several types are roasted together to produce appealing flavors.

Oh yeah, what you doing now? I’m tasting this brand new Gourmet Coffee right now, not bad Interested to know how this Gourmet Coffee taste? Come join me. It’s a free trial from LetMeTry. Similar to all other items in LetMeTry, always stick with policy Try Before You Buy.
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From the time it was first uncovered, coffee has been one of the most popular drinks around the globe, mainly for it’s aromatic flavour and invigorating qualities.

Until recent times, coffee suppliers offered few alternatives other than your usual, short black, long black, latte, cappuccino, vienna and further choices among these. From mild Italian espresso to thick strong Turkish coffee, the choice of flavour was pretty much still coffee with milk and sugar.

But today’s coffee connoiseur has become far more sophisticated. Coffee now comes in just about any flavour, strength or combination to please even the most fastidious consumer. No longer are gourmet coffees only reserved for a rare treat, but an increasing number of people keep gourmet coffees on their shelves for any occasion.

So How do we Define Gourmet Coffee Anyway?

Gourmet coffee is simply regular coffee to which has been added compatible flavours that actually enhance its coffee aroma and taste. The basic coffee taste, texture, aroma and pick-me-up effect is still present, but now includes a hint of, let’s say, mint, caramel, bacon, vanilla, chocolate or any other tantalizing possibility. Add to that, the subtle variations in flavour and texture of coffee beans from selected areas of the planet with varying climates and elevation and you have the ideal combination for gourmet coffee.

This is what gives gourmet coffee its unique quality.

Most of us have at some time enjoyed a nice cup of coffee with something to nibble. It may be choc-mint buscuits, cheesecake, nuts, savoury snacks, pizza or any other imaginable delight. With a gourmet coffee, you can feel like you’re enjoying both, without actually consuming the food.

Where Can I Purchase Gourmet Coffee?

Gourmet coffee is available in most grocery stores but the most convenient way to access a wider selection, is to buy online. Numerous gourmet coffee websites are waiting for you to order from their extensive range.

Gourmet coffee has become a sought after gift idea. They’re great for housewarming parties and are the perfect business gift. Many online suppliers, such as Boca Java, offer gift arrangements which include not only the coffee, but also accessories to add to the appeal.

The definition of gourmet is a fine food or drink that has been approved by a recognized authority to be excellent. Today, the coffee industry is becoming more like the wine industry, where experts put their credibility on the line to evaluate quality. Bottom line is, if they say it’s good, it must be good. Gourmet coffee has earned its name.

One of the most highly priced gourmet coffees, is Jamaican Blue Mountain, mainly because it is so rare due to the effect of uncertain weather conditions on the crops. Its beans are not only used for brewed coffee, but are also the flavor base for the famous Tia Maria coffee liqueur. Most online suppliers of any standing will include Jamaican Blue Mountain on their menu.

The term “gourmet coffee” not only refers to just the coffee itself, but includes all of the aspects, activities, techniques and experience that produces that kind of coffee. From the selection of the beans, the masterful roast, adding unique flavour… to the final product. Gourmet coffee is the result of a complete and specialised process.

Can you smell the aroma now?

With the Holidays fast approaching we tend to drink more coffee and eat a lot more desserts. Its gets really bad on the waistline when our coffee starts to have as many calories as a dessert, but unfortunately many specialty coffee drinks are like a dessert, not something you should consume on a daily basis unless you give them the caloric respect they deserve.

How much damage can your favorite coffee drink do in additional calories added to your diet? The fancier the drink, the fancier the calories – especially when you opt for the whipped topping.  An extra 200 calories a day can add up to 21 extra pounds added to your body per year!

If you can’t give up your daily gourmet guzzle, know what calories you are adding to your body before you make your decision on which coffee drink to purchase. You don’t need to give up your favorite coffee drink, but just adjust your coffee order to make it more calories conscious.

Try the following tips to make your next coffee drink more guilt-free:

Coffee Drink

Serving Size

Calories

Carmel Frappuccino Coffee, no whip

16 fluid ounces

280

Carmel Frappuccino Coffee, whip

16 fluid ounces

430

Carmel Frappuccino Coffee only

16 fluid ounces

260

Caffe Latte, non-fat milk

16 fluid ounces

165

Caffe Latte, whole milk

16 fluid ounces

260

Caffe Latte, whole milk

16 fluid ounces

140

Caffe au Lait, non-fat milk

16 fluid ounces

90

Caffe Americano

16 fluid ounces

15

Caffe Mocha, whole milk, whip

16 fluid ounces

400

Caffe Mocha, non-fat milk, whip

16 fluid ounces

330

Caffe Mocha, non-fat milk, no whip

16 fluid ounces

220

Mocha Malt Frappuccino Coffee, whip

16 fluid ounces

570

Coffee, Mocha, white chocolate, non-fat milk, whip

344

Cappuccino, whole milk

16 fluid ounces

150

Cappuccino, non-fat milk

16 fluid ounces

100

So unless you are careful that great tasting calorie drink can be killing your diet. And if you combine it with a cheese cake you are really asking for. Have a great Holiday but watch those caloric coffee monsters.

Before there are Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaves, most people in the region of Singapore and Malaysia know only kopi, a Baba Malay language for coffee.  Kopi is basically robusta coffee.  Espresso and cappuccino are extravagant coffee in the early days, meant for the rich, and only available in hotels.

Today, a cup of espresso coffee or any other gourmet coffee still costs a few dollars, and a cup of kopi is only between 70 and 90 Singapore cents.

Latte or long black is unknown in local coffee stalls and kopi tiam.  Tiam means shop in Hokkien, a Chinese dialect.  Instead it is commonly called kopi, kopi-o, and kopi-c.

Kopi is not brewed in coffee maker, but steep in a tall metal pot with a long spout with a cotton coffee filter, a long cone bag, within.  Milk and sugar are not served separately on the table.  When you order your kopi, you have coffee with condensed milk, a sweetener, and sugar, already added.

Kopi-o is black coffee, with sugar added.  O sounds like black in Hokkien.

Instead of condensed milk, Carnation evaporated milk is added to kopi-c, with sugar.  The c stands for Carnation, a brand, even though some have replaced it with other brands.

Most of the early kopi tiam are started by Chinese who are Hainanese.  Today their lingo still stays.  Ask for kopi-c siu tai, it is coffee with evaporated milk and less sugar in the cup.  More sugar, ka tai.  But for no sugar, it is kosong, a Malay word which means nothing.

Sarabat stalls are coffee stalls run by Indians and Malays.  They are famous for their teh tarik.  Teh means tea, and tarik means pull back.  A cup of tea with milk and sugar added is then juggled between two cups at an altitude.  The original purpose is to lower the temperature of very hot tea for easy drinking on a hot day, for the climate in Singapore and Malaysia most of the year is of summer.  However, the action has also produced a foamy top for the tea, much like cappuccino.  This spurs the creation of kopiccino, using the same method but instead of tea, it is coffee.

Many migrants came from China in the old days.  Chinese meal will always have a cup of Chinese tea besides their food.  It is not surprising to find in the local coffee shop and food court, too, that coffee and tea are usually ordered together with meals, much like having a cup of Chinese tea, or ice water in western meal.  But for some, hot kopi is still best reserved after a meal.

Nevertheless, for those who still crave for a piece of cheese cake with gourmet coffee, it is still Starbucks, hotels, or café.  For others with a budget, Ikea offers value for money for a cup of brewed coffee with cheese cake.

Any opportunities to travel to Singapore and Malaysia, kopi with roti kaya is a must.  Roti is bread in Malay, and kaya is a coconut egg jam.