The fact that coffee is one of the most popular beverages is no secret. Nowadays, everyone can find their own on the coffee market. Some prefer traditional Italian espresso, while others lean towards experiments. Every year, coffee and its preparation methods change.
Devil's Drink
There are several legends about the discovery of coffee, but one of the most famous tells of a shepherd who grazed his goats in Ethiopia. One day, he noticed that the goats were full of energy on days when they grazed in a field with bushes covered in red berries. He decided to taste the berries himself and to his surprise, he was full of energy all day.
He decided to share his discovery with the monks. However, they did not share the shepherd's enthusiasm, quite the opposite. The abbot, who tasted the coffee, called it the work of the devil himself. He ordered all the found berries to be burned. But something unexpected happened. When the berries were thrown into the fire, such a pleasant aroma started to emerge from them that it compelled the abbot to take them out of the fire and start experimenting with them. He discovered that when the beans are crushed and poured with hot water, a strong elixir is obtained. He started serving it to other monks, who were able to recite long passages of night prayers thanks to it. By a complete coincidence, the invigorating effects of coffee were revealed.
Year 2024 in the Sign of Trends
Today's creative era offers many coffee specialties that would probably scare the devout medieval population. Among them is, for example, espresso orange. As the name suggests, this refreshing drink consists of espresso and orange juice. Although it may seem strange, the orange juice nicely balances the bitterness of coffee, creating a harmonious combination that will definitely kickstart and refresh you.
Another popular modern beverage is espresso tonic. It has won over its fans with an unusual combination of coffee and bitter lemonade. The drink originated in Sweden, where a group of friends in a roastery after a night out decided to boost their energy, but only had coffee and tonic left. This drink quickly spread throughout Sweden and then conquered all of Europe.
Modern refreshment offers coffee prepared in various cold brewing methods. This includes primarily cold brew, which holds a top spot in the ranking of the most popular coffee beverages. It is prepared by slowly steeping coffee in cold water for 11 to 24 hours. This process results in a beverage with a smoother, sweeter taste and lower acidity than classic iced coffee, which is prepared from hot coffee. Cold brew also has a higher caffeine content and is particularly popular in the summer months for its refreshing properties.
A very similar preparation method is used for nitro cold brew coffee, but with one significant difference. Nitro cold brew is placed in a special device with nitrogen, which gives the coffee a creamier consistency when poured into a glass. The addition of nitrogen also softens the taste of the coffee. The drink is slightly sweet and bubbly, which is not common for coffee.
Coffee in a Million Ways
Coffee can also be flavored with alternative types of milk. Plant-based milks contain less saturated fats and can provide various nutritional benefits, such as vitamins and minerals, depending on the type of plant they are made from. Additionally, they can be enjoyed by individuals who, for some reason, cannot consume cow's milk.
The most common are soy and oat milk. They are popular for their creamy texture and ability to froth well, which is ideal for making lattes or cappuccinos. However, pea milk is favored by many baristas - it is characterized by a delicate taste and low sugar content. For those who like sweeter drinks, coconut milk is suitable, for example. Various types of nut milks are appreciated by those who seek the characteristic flavor of the chosen nut, such as almond.
Ready to Drink - Easy and Tasty
Ready-to-drink coffee beverages prepared for immediate consumption are becoming more popular. In stores, there are more and more beverages mixed in cans to taste like those from a cafe. However, it's not just about classic 3-in-1 coffee. For example, the company Hell Energy offers "ready to drink" iced coffees in six varieties. Flavor enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate iced coffee with coconut or salted caramel flavor. Iced coffees are also made as classic lattes or even double espressos and cappuccinos. So, everyone can enjoy their favorite variety on the go or while driving.
And why are canned coffees so popular? One of the main reasons is certainly their taste. Most ready-to-drink iced coffees are sweet and creamy, pleasing almost everyone. Another advantage is that the coffee is immediately ready for consumption, which is appreciated by many, especially when getting up early for work. The quality of these beverages has also significantly improved in recent years, thanks to advanced technologies and careful selection of ingredients. Furthermore, there is a trend where even large coffee companies are starting to produce ready-to-drink iced beverages and offer varieties with lactose-free milk, sugar-free, or vegan options. This is evidence that people simply love coffee. It will never go out of style.
