You say you just want a cup of coffee. What does that really mean, though? To many people, a cup of coffee includes loads of sugar and cream. For others, a touch of stevia and a sprinkle of cinnamon will do.

Whether you head to your nearest coffee shop to order your brew or are sipping on java after a delicious meal, you need to know how to order coffee to perfection.

Understanding the Different Types of Coffee

Although any coffee house can use its own lingo, some basic types of coffee drinks are fairly consistent across the board. Knowing each type helps you understand how to order coffee like a pro:

• Latte: A latte is made by mixing a shot or more of espresso with any type of steamed milk. A thin white coffee is a type of latte with very little foam on top.
• Americano: This coffee drink marries one-third espresso with two-thirds hot water.
• Mocha: Want a taste of cocoa? Add some chocolate syrup to a traditional latte and voila — you have a mocha!
• Macchiato: Mix two-thirds espresso and one-third of any type of steamed milk to make this tasty coffee drink.
• Cappuccino: Like a latte, a cappuccino combines espresso and steamed milk, creating a heavier level of foam.

You may notice that all these drinks lean on espresso rather than black coffee. However, you can also order plain coffee, even if you want one of these drinks. Black coffee has less caffeine than espresso, making it a better choice for those who want to limit their intake of caffeinated beverages.

What to Put in Coffee to Make Your Drink Unique

Now that you know the general idea of how coffee drinks are designed, you can start to experiment by adding or substituting ingredients. For instance, if you are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet, you may want to swap out dairy milk for soy or almond milk. Additionally, you have plenty of sweeteners to choose from, allowing you to limit your use of sugar or give a sweeter boost to your coffee.

You may notice that baristas tend to have bottles of syrup behind them. These syrups can add a dash of flavor, such as vanilla or caramel, to your finished drink. Sugar-free varieties of coffee syrups allow you to boost the flavor without boosting your intake of sugars, carbs or calories.

What About Cold Brews?

Cold brew has reached a high level of popularity among coffee drinkers. Cold brews tend to have a more intense flavor because the coarsely ground coffee beans have been steeped for up to 12 hours before serving. As you might expect, cold brews have a deeper, richer flavor. They also tend to be less acidic than traditionally prepared java.

A Note Regarding Black Coffee

In all the hubbub surrounding types of coffee drinks, unadorned black coffee deserves a nod. It's free of calories and contains antioxidants. So if your preferred type of coffee includes no add-ons, drink up!