How Do You Like Your Coffee?

‘Buna’ from its origins in Ethiopian, ‘qahwe’ in Arabic, ‘kaffe’ in Swedish, ‘caffé’ in Italian - coffee has grown and evolved to be one of the most universal beverages.  

The history of coffee takes us to many countries and cultures - originating in Ethiopia centuries ago, the use of coffee as a beverage, spread to Arabia and Turkey and entered Europe in the sixteenth century and from there on, the rest of the world. In the Islamic world where it originated, roasted coffee beans were boiled and drank as the hot brown liquid which helped people fast during Ramadan or by Sufis to fulfill their spiritual chanting and stay up all night. It essentially replaced wine which was banned in the culture. From there it travelled to Arabia and the Ottoman empire, where coffee houses came up. In Europe, the first coffee house came up in Malta and then in mainland Europe in Venice - these places became the gathering spot for intellectuals and social gatherings - much like today’s coffee shops.

While it travelled across countries, coffee evolved as a drink. Going from simply being roasted beans boiled in water, coffee took on many shapes and forms. Coffee with cream, spices and sugar, was the original Italian cappuccino and here are a few more ways people drink coffee around the world: 

1. Espresso - a coffee brewing method from Italy, espresso is the most common way coffee is consumed around the world. Boiling water is forced through finely-ground coffee beans to create a shot of espresso. Often consumed as a shot of espresso, or doppio which are 2 shots.                                                                                                                                                 
2. Americano - a diluted version of the espresso with 1 shot of it in hot water.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
3. Cappuccino - Using foam, steamed milk, and a shot of espresso this way of drinking coffee is enjoyed by moderate coffee drinkers.                                                                                                                                                             
4. Latté - A more milky version of the cappuccino, this one is popular among people who want a dose of milk along with their morning coffee.                                                                                                                                               
5. Mocha - For all the sweet tooths out there, this one adds in hot chocolate to the cappuccino!                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
6. Flat white - a milk heavy version with 1 shot of espresso.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
7. Flavoured frappé - A fun blend of espresso, milk, whipped cream and syrup to make one’s day!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
8. Iced coffee - a cool version of the espresso with ice cubes and a dash of milk for those who prefer it!                                                                                                                                                                                                         
9. Affogato - Vanilla lovers, take note for this espresso with vanilla ice cream.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
10. Irish coffee - Winters without this one wouldn’t be the same - a blend of espresso, cream and whiskey for the ones with a tasteful palette.                                                                                                                                             

There are many more variations of coffee from around the world that one can try. While some require access to authentic coffees, expensive machines, and the knowledge and time to invest in making different coffee blends - there is an easy and quick way to do the same. The coffee pastes from Hetal’s Homemade comes in 13 different flavours which one can make into any of these variants by simply mixing the paste with milk, water, or ice-cream in different ratios.