The 4 Main Types of Coffee Roasts
If you’re passionate about your cappuccinos, cold brews, and caramel macchiatos, then you would naturally want to find out more about how this heavenly beverage is made. And learning the types of coffee roasts is a great place to start.
Traditionally, there are 4 main types of coffee roasts: light, medium, medium-dark, and dark. The former has the most caffeine, while the medium roast is considered to be the most popular one. A medium-dark is perfect for those who hate acidity and a dark roast is usually the right type for extra dense beans.
What roast type should you go for the next time you’ll be getting your traditional morning coffee? Let’s figure that out!
What Is Coffee Roasting?
Roasting is the exact process that transforms the physical and chemical properties of a green coffee bean that, ultimately, makes it possible for us to enjoy the unique flavor and aroma of coffee.
The coffee cherry seed will typically get heated up in a commercial roaster that looks like a cross between a clothes dryer and a pizza over.
During the process, the beans go through a few stages that lead to the birth of one of the types of coffee roasts. The roast directly affects the appearance of the coffee and its flavor, so knowing what type of roast you prefer will help you enjoy your coffee-consuming experience to the fullest.
The 4 Main Types of Coffee Roasts
Traditionally, coffee roasts fall under four main categories – light, medium, medium-dark, and, finally, dark roast.
Light Roast
You might notice that light roasts are also sometimes called ‘half city’, ‘light city’, and ‘white coffee’.
- The beans have a light brown color
- Don’t have any oil on the surface
- Are quite acidic
- Out of all the other types of roasts, contain the most caffeine
If you are ready to dive even deeper into the topic, then let’s have a look at the different types of light roast.
Cinnamon roast
The word ‘cinnamon’ has nothing to do with how the bean is going to taste. The roast was named that way because of its beautiful color.
The beans that have been removed from the roaster right after the first crack are the ones that are usually referred to as ‘cinnamon roast’. To achieve such a state, the beans have to be roasted at around 385 degrees Fahrenheit.
This type of roast is not commonly used for commercial or home brewing.
New England roast
The color of a New England roast is a tiny bit darker than that of a Cinnamon roast. The beans are roasted at around 400 F.
You can really taste the coffee’s origin at this point. If you truly want to be able to tell the difference between two different types of coffee beans, then roast them to this level and then taste the beverages side by side (like a real pro).
Medium Roast
The common names of this roast are ‘breakfast roast’ and ‘regular roast’.
- The beans have a medium brown color (close to the color of cocoa or milk chocolate)
- The first crack has already ended, but the second has not begun yet
- The beans are either not oily or only have a few flecks of oil
- More smoke starts coming from the roaster
American roast
American roast is not exactly a full medium roast. A lot of experts like to think of it as something in-between a light and a medium.
The beans get roasted at 410 F.
City roast
This is what most coffee addicts would expect a medium roast to taste like. You can sometimes hear people referring to this roast as ‘bright’.
The temperature in the roaster should be held at around 430 F to be able to create the perfect City roast.
Medium-Dark Roast
Also known as ‘after dinner roast’, ‘light French’, and ‘light espresso’.
- The beans have a richer brown color (like dark chocolate)
- The roast gets pulled during the first few snaps of the second crack
- There can be an oily sheen
Full City roast
Go for a Full City roast, if you are a fan of medium-dark roasts and opt for a Full City+, if you are the adventurous type who likes their coffee to be as close to the border of the ‘dark side’ as possible (but not quite there yet).
For a medium-dark, the beans get roasted at around 435 F.
Dark Roast
A dark roast comes with a lot of names – ‘New Orleans roast’, ‘Spanish roast’, ‘European’, ‘Neapolitan’, ‘Continental roast’, ‘Espresso roast’.
Some companies will have a scale that aligns all their dark roasts. The Spanish roast, for example, can be darker than the Italian one, and so on (bear in mind that there is no universal arrangement).
- The beans are deep brown, nearly black in color
- The oily sheen becomes even more pronounced (in fact, some beans can have a few oil droplets on them)
- This type of roast is the lowest in caffeine
Vienna/Viennese roast
This classic dark roast goes right past the second crack (halfway to the third one). At this point, the majority of beans will start losing their original notes. It is generally not recommended to go any darker.
The roasting temperature is held at about 435 F.
French roast
Such coffee beans are also known as ‘double roasted’ and they are prepared at 460 F.
Italian roast
Anything that is roasted over a temperature of around 460 F is classified as ‘Italian roast’. Zero flavors and a burnt taste – these aren’t exactly the qualities that you would want your coffee to exhibit.
The Flavor Profiles of Different Coffee Roasts
- Light roast
The first phase at which coffee actually becomes drinkable. Even though the beans will finally start looking and smelling like coffee, they are still quite underdeveloped and will have a grassy taste.
Cinnamon and New England roasts have a pronounced acidity and a ‘toasted grain’ flavor.
- Medium roast
Perhaps, the most popular type of roast as it offers the best of both worlds – you’ll get to enjoy the flavor of the bean’s origin (nutty, floral, fruity notes) without the acidity that is often present in light roasts.
- Medium-dark roast
This is a great choice for those willing to remove the acidity from their drink. At this stage, the earthy and spicy notes are going to start dominating, while the floral and fruity origin flavors will become a bit muted.
Pacific and East Indian coffees are, in general, the most suitable ones for a medium-dark roast as they naturally have spicy notes in them.
- Dark roast
You will start tasting less of the original flavors and more of the actual roasting. The beverage can appear burnt and, at one point, it might not matter any longer what beans you have in the roaster as they’ll all have the same taste.
With that being said, some extra dense beans will be able to maintain an original flavor even after they get into the dark territory.
What Do Coffee Beans Look Like Before Roasting?
Raw coffee beans are green and have a completely different texture, smell, and look. Essentially, raw beans are a part of a plant with a grassy, bitter, or chalky taste.
Why Can’t We Drink Unroasted Coffee?
Green coffee beans have a hard ‘skin’ and taste nothing like our beloved beverage. To make the coffee drinkable, you need to get rid of these plant compounds (like chlorophyll and anthocyanins, for example).
During the process of roasting, over 800 compounds get transformed. And this chemical transformation is exactly what makes the beans suitable for making delicious coffees.
Can You Roast Your Own Beans?
If you manage to get your hands on green coffee beans, you can try to roast them on your own by using a pan, the oven, or even a popcorn machine!
After 3-5 minutes, you will hear the first crack that indicates that your beans have already been lightly roasted (this is the minimum amount of time required to produce a batch of beans for your future coffee).
You would also have to figure out how to store your freshly roasted beans, but the whole experience is definitely fun and rewarding.
Coffee Roasting Stages
Whether the beans have been placed in a commercial roaster or on a simple pan, it doesn’t really matter. These little guys would have to go through the following stages in order to turn into the fantastic end product.
- Drying stage
- Browning stage
- Roasting (development) stage
What Is a Breve & How Is It Different from a Latte?
At times, making up your mind at a local coffee shop might be quite tough – there are just too many options on the menu. So, in the end, you find yourself leaving the place with a traditional latte or a cold brew.
However, if you’re a fan of coffee with milk, you might want to get out of your comfort zone next time and order a delicious breve.
A breve coffee is made out of espresso and steamed half-and-half (1:1). The half-and-half is the ingredient that makes a breve different from a latte that is made with regular milk. A mixture of heavy cream and milk makes a breve extra creamy, dense, and sweet.
What Is a Breve?
A breve is a coffee beverage that is a mix of espresso and steamed half-and-half. Just like a lot of other beverages, a breve is topped up with milk foam.
The main trick here is to add equal parts of steamed half-and-half and brewed espresso. But wait a minute…what is this mysterious half-and-half anyway?
The special ingredient is made out of whole milk and heavy cream. The blend is usually about 10-12% fat and has a much denser and creamier consistency than plain milk.
In fact, steamed half-and-half is the exact ingredient that gives your espresso that extra special touch and turns it into a rich breve.
The History of Breve Coffee
Breve coffee, café breve, breve latte, or simply ‘breve’. This beverage is an Americanized version of an Italian classic – latte.
No one knows for sure who created the coffee drink and when. All we know is that it originated in the United States, perhaps, in an attempt to make a beverage that would be a bit sweeter than the more widespread coffees.
In Italian, ‘breve’ means ‘short, little, concise, or brief’. The drink might have been named that way because half-and-half can’t rise as high as plain milk. Or the term ‘short’ simply refers to the short shot of espresso used in the beverage as the base.
How Do You Pronounce Breve?
Don’t let any pronunciation-related issues stop you from ordering a delicious breve on your next trip to the coffee shop!
It might seem tempting to say ‘breev’, but the Italian pronunciation of ‘breve’ is actually ‘breh-veh’.
With that being said, we should not forget that breve coffee is a beverage created in the US, so you can certainly get away with calling the drink ‘breh-vay’ (like in ‘hurray’) which is the American way of pronouncing it.
What Does a Breve Coffee Taste Like?
The espresso shot is the ingredient that is going to provide that strong coffee flavor and the half-and-half will add sweetness and richness flavor-wise and creaminess texture-wise.
This is a high-fat drink that is already quite sweet. So, even the coffee addicts that love their beverage to be extra sweet might sometimes not add any sweetener to their breve.
This is the perfect type of coffee to have as an occasional treat or even instead of your usual dessert.
The creamy, rich, sweet breve feels indulgent (but not too over the top) and a lot more flavorful than the more ‘traditional’ coffees. It is definitely an amazing choice for the coffeeholics who are in search of a more adventurous way to please their palettes.
Ordering a Breve Coffee at Starbucks
There is one important thing about breves and Starbucks that you should know. You won’t get the creamy deliciousness that we have been talking about, in case you simply ask for a breve at this coffee heaven.
The barista might simply hand you a steamed half-and-half (which is, of course, not what you’re going for). The trick here is that at Starbucks, breve is not really served as a stand-alone drink, it is thought of more as an add-on to your favorite coffee.
For example, you can ask for a breve cappuccino, and instead of using plain milk, the barista will prepare your beverage using steamed half-and-half.
To get the traditional version of a breve, forget about the fancy Italian name and simply order an espresso with steamed half-and-half instead of regular milk.
You can also go ahead and order a ‘breve latte’ to get a more indulgent version of the traditional latte. To be fair, you can do this with practically any drink, if you’re willing to add an extra layer of depth to your coffee.
Do bear in mind that you won’t see a breve on the menu, but don’t let that stop you from ordering the yummy beverage. Any barista at Starbucks (and practically any other coffee shop) will be able to make your little wish come true.
Ordering a Breve Coffee at Dutch Bros
If you’re looking for a place that respects and truly adores all kinds of breves, then head to Dutch Bros – their selection of breve spinoffs is truly impressive. Just like in any other coffee place, you can add various syrups and drizzles to your espresso and half-and-half and modify the intensity of the drink.
For example, you can get 5 shots of espresso instead of one or add less than one regular serving of espresso to your coffee to make it sugarier and milkier. Even though the traditional ratio in breves is 1:1, you don’t have to follow the recipe - the world is your oyster.
If you don’t want to be inventing anything on your own, then you can try one of the spinoffs that the coffee shop already has on the menu.
- Annihilator (espresso, half-and-half, and chocolate macadamia nut syrup)
- Golden Eagle (espresso, half-and-half, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce topped with a caramel sauce drizzle and whipped cream)
- Kicker (espresso, half-and-half, and Irish cream syrup)
- 9-1-1 (6 shots of espresso (!), half-and-half, and Irish cream syrup)
The Differences Between Latte & Breve
The main difference between a latte and a breve is the fact that the latter is made with half-and-half. The milk and cream mixture makes the beverage a lot thicker and richer.
Traditional lattes, on the other hand, are made with regular whole milk which makes these drinks lighter and foamier.
By the way, the ratio of espresso to milk in a breve is 1:1, while in a latte it’s 1:3. So, if you’re on the hunt for a beverage with a stronger coffee flavor, then a breve might be the right choice for you.
Is a Breve Healthier?
Of course, the number of calories is going to depend on the type of milk used and the toppings, but if we’re talking about plain lattes and breves, then the same size of a breve will have more calories in it.
You get these extra calories from the half-and-half used in the drink.
Is a Breve Sweeter?
A half-and-half has higher sugar content than regular milk, so breves are usually sweeter than plain lattes.
The sweetness is actually one of the main reasons why a lot of people are drawn to breve coffees and get it as a treat every once in a while.
How to Make a Breve at Home
- Prepare your two shots of espresso (for a traditional breve, you are going to need around 2 ounces of coffee).
- To prepare your half-and-half, combine equal parts of heavy cream and whole milk.
- Steam the half-and-half (make sure that it’s very cold). Ideally, you would want to steam your mixture in a small metal milk jug.
- When pouring the steamed half-and-half into your mug, hold the foam with a spoon. Once you’ve finished with the pouring, add a spoon of foam to the top of your drink.
Keto-Friendly Breve Coffee
It is possible to make a keto-friendly version of a breve if you find the right substitution for the half-and-half.
You can mix equal parts of hot water and heavy cream or go for full-fat coconut milk, coconut cream, or nut milk (the last few options would be vegan-friendly as well).
Of course, it won’t be a pure version of a breve coffee, but some coffeeholics admit that they actually prefer almond or cashew milk in their half-and-half as it adds a unique taste to the coffee.
Other Breve-Style Drinks
There are plenty of breve-style drinks out there that you might want to give a try. Simply look for the beverages that have espresso and half-and-half in them.
The barista can experiment with the amount of coffee or add delicious syrups and toppings that will take your breve experience to a whole new level.
Iced Macchiato vs. Iced Latte (Explanation & Recipe)
Introduction
Have you ever wondered what the differences are between an iced macchiato and an iced latte? If you aren’t sure which to choose the next time you are in a cafe or you want to try making some fancy coffees at home, it’s important to understand this.
An iced latte is three parts milk and one part espresso, poured across ice. Iced lattes often have additional flavorings, too. A macchiato can vary depending on the cafe, but it is often two shots of espresso with a little steamed milk poured on top. The two drinks are very similar in most cases.
Iced Latte Compared With Iced Macchiato
Iced Latte
An iced latte is generally quite a standardized drink, and it usually consists of one part coffee to a ratio of three parts milk. The two ingredients are poured over ice to chill them, and they often have flavorings added to alter the overall taste of the coffee. It's also worth noting that iced lattes often contain low fat milk, rather than full fat.
Some cafes will also add more coffee to increase the strength of the latte, using two shots of espresso and two or three shots of milk. This alters the flavor significantly, but it does still amount to the same thing – an iced coffee that is not enormously strong.
Iced Macchiato
An iced macchiato is an odd form of the drink because macchiatos were traditionally served hot. Two shots of espresso would be brewed, and then the barista would add up to two teaspoons of full fat steamed milk to the cup. This milk would spread across the surface, marbling the color. Sometimes, the espresso is poured over the milk instead, but neither version is stirred.
This is what led to the name macchiato, which means “marked” or “spotted.” It also means that macchiatos were always served hot, with both the espresso and the milk being heated before being combined.
Turning this into a cold drink often undoes this “stained” look and, by many people’s standards, turns the macchiato into a different drink. This may be why many coffee shops vary so widely in what they call an iced macchiato. You will often find that a macchiato in a cafe is mostly made of chilled milk, with a couple of shots of espresso.
This has led to a lot of confusion, because this is essentially an iced latte too. If we compare how popular cafes make the two drinks, you’ll notice there is a lot of overlap. For example, Dunkin Donuts makes an iced macchiato by pouring two shots of espresso over milk and ice, and makes an iced latte by pouring a shot of espresso and milk over ice.
Similarly, Starbucks makes an iced latte by pouring two shots of espresso and milk over ice, and makes a caramel iced macchiato by pouring two shots of espresso over ice and milk and adding vanilla and caramel to it. Without the flavorings, this would essentially be the same drink.
Can You Combine Iced Lattes And Iced Macchiatos?
Starbucks has created an iced latte-macchiato, and it’s similar to both iced lattes and iced macchiatos. It involves pouring three shots of espresso over milk and ice – so it’s a bit stronger, but otherwise very similar. It doesn’t automatically have flavorings added, but you can request them.
How Do You Make Iced Macchiatos?
It’s easy to make iced macchiatos yourself if you fancy one on a hot summer day. You can alter the ratios to suit your tastes if you prefer, or remove the vanilla syrup and add another flavor of your choosing – or you can leave the flavors out entirely.
It only takes about 5 minutes to make this recipe, which serves 1 person.
Equipment You Need
You will require:
-
A measuring spoon
-
A tall drinking glass
-
An espresso brewer
Ingredients Required
You’re going to need:
-
Crushed ice
-
1 or 2 teaspoons of milk (to taste)
-
Vanilla syrup
Method
-
Start by filling the glass with ice, leaving some space at the top so that you can add the liquids. It won’t need a lot of room, but you don’t want the glass to overflow.
-
Brew the 2 shots of espresso and add them to the glass.
-
Add the vanilla syrup and stir it well.
-
Pour 1 or 2 teaspoons of milk over the espresso, and leave it unstirred to create the marbled effect that macchiatos are known for.
-
Serve immediately.
How Do You Make Iced Lattes?
An iced latte is also easy to make yourself at home, and you can again leave the syrup flavoring out of it if you prefer. If you like vanilla, leave the syrup in and enjoy this slightly modified version of the drink.
Equipment You Need
You will require:
-
A measuring spoon
-
A tall drinking glass
-
An espresso brewer
Ingredients Required
You’re going to need:
-
Crushed ice
-
3 or 4 oz of milk (adjust to suit your preference)
-
1 or 2 shots of espresso (adjust to suit your preference)
-
Vanilla syrup
Method
-
Start by filling the glass with ice, but again remember to leave enough space to add the milk and espresso. You will need more space for this recipe, as there is more milk in it. Make sure the glass won’t overflow when you add the milk.
-
Brew the espresso and pour it over the ice.
-
Pour in the 3 or 4 oz of milk.
-
Add the vanilla syrup to taste and stir to combine all of the ingredients.
Which Drink Contains More Coffee?
As a rule of thumb, a macchiato tends to have more coffee in it than a latte, and it’s a stronger drink. This is only a generalization, however, as different cafes make the drinks in different ways. Often, both a macchiato and a latte will contain 2 shots of espresso.
If you want a strong drink, it is usually best to opt for a macchiato, or ask the barista to make your latte with 2 shots of espresso. If you go to Starbucks and order their iced latte-macchiato, you will get a full 3 shots of espresso, but few cafes serve this mixed drink.
If you are making the drinks yourself at home, you can make either stronger, and the recipes will still work fine.
How Do They Compare To Cappuccinos?
To add further confusion to the coffee debate, cappuccinos also have quite a lot in common with macchiatos and lattes. However, a cappuccino is made with equal ratios of steamed milk, espresso, and foam, whereas both macchiatos and lattes use unequal ratios.
A latte will usually contain less coffee than a cappuccino, and a macchiato will usually contain less milk. Of course, you are likely to see variations depending on where you get your drink from or how you make it at home, but typically, a cappuccino is milkier than a macchiato and stronger than a latte.
FAQs
Q: Should you stir an iced macchiato?
A: No, it’s best not to stir an iced macchiato. The point of a macchiato is to create a stained appearance by adding the milk to the top of the drink and not mixing it in. When you stir the milk in, you are almost making a latte, which is why the recipe above suggests adding the vanilla syrup and stirring it into the coffee before you add the milk.
Q: Should you stir an iced latte?
A: Yes, an iced latte is a mixed drink and it’s fine to stir it. Add the milk and then use a spoon to mix it into the coffee, along with any syrup that you wish to add.
Q: How strong should a macchiato be?
A: Macchiatos can vary in strength, but it is common to add two shots of espresso to them, and only a small amount of milk. Macchiatos will rarely have less than two shots of espresso.
Q: How strong should a latte be?
A: Lattes can also vary, but most contain only one shot of espresso, and three shots of milk. Some will have two shots of espresso, so remember to check with the cafe if you don’t like strong coffee.
Conclusion
Iced lattes and iced macchiatos have a lot in common, and if you are thinking of getting one, it’s worth checking how the cafe makes it. These drinks can vary quite a lot. Iced macchiatos in particular can cause confusion, and fewer cafes offer this drink – but it is available in some places and it is easy to make at home if you prefer.
The 10 Best Drinks You Can Get At Dutch Bros
If you live in one of the 11 states that they currently serve, you’ve probably seen one of the modern-looking blue and gray Dutch Bros. locations. Familiar customers certainly have their favorites, but someone who has never been can be intimidated by the expansive menu of brew options.
The best drinks to grab from Dutch Bros. are:
- Ninja
- Unicorn Blood
- Nitro-Infused Cold Brew
- Golden Eagle Vanilla and Caramel Breve with Caramel Drizzle
- Cocomo
- Annihilator Chocolate Macadamia Nut Breve
- Double Rainbro
- 911
- White Chocolate Chai Latte
- Electric Berry
In this article we dive into what's so enigmatic about the Dutch Bros. brand and explain why these 10 drinks are a favorite of many. Keep reading to find your new favorite drink or the confidence to finally roll up to that window and order for the first time..
A Bit About Dutch Bros.
While the business has a major following now, brothers Dane and Travis Boersma actually got their start back in 1992. They left their work in the dairy industry to start serving espresso on a push cart by the railroad tracks.
This not only gave them the chance to operate under their favorite tunes, but they finally had an opportunity to connect with and serve their community.
In 2002, the two (assisted by friends and family) opened their very first Dutch Bros. franchise location in Oregon. In the decades following, the business has boomed, and they now serve 11 states along the west coast, expanding as far as Texas and Oklahoma.
The company has hosted company-wide giveback programs since 2006, helping the community through initiatives like:
- Dutch Luv
- Drink One for Dane
- Buck for Kids
Whether you want variety with your drink options, you like supporting community-minded businesses, or you prefer quality coffee at a lower price, the Dutch Bros. story has your best interests in mind.
The Best Drinks from Dutch Bros.
While there is no official secret menu from Dutch Bros., you have countless opportunities to customize their base drinks to make sure they work for your palette.
These are the best options that you will find listed on their base level, and you can modify them as you see fit. From Rebel Sodas to Chai Lattes and everything in between, there is something here for everyone.
We’ve also linked the drink on the official Dutch Bros. site so you can check further into nutritional facts and similar products, so you’re fully armed to pull up and place your next favorite order.
Ninja
The Ninja falls in Dutch Bros. “frost” category, and it combines creme de menthe syrup with white chocolate syrup to create a rich mint and white chocolate drink.
This rich and refreshing combination is served topped with whipped cream, and a medium drink holds 730 calories and 127 grams of sugar.
Try it blended if you’re looking for a different consistency.
Unicorn Blood
Unicorn Blood is one of the tastiest specialty Rebel Sodas offered on the Dutch Bros. menu, and this is largely due to the decadent combination of:
- Strawberry syrup
- Almond syrup
- White chocolate sauce
- Sparkling soda water
While it’s traditionally topped with whipped cream, a splash of cream makes this iced drink that much sweeter. A medium hosts 320 calories and 62 grams of sugar, but you can also get the drink sugar-free or blended.
Nitro-Infused Cold Brew
Building on the already-popular cold brew offerings, the Nitro-Infused Cold Brew is a great choice for caffeine lovers who could do without the sugar. You get a smooth and creamy taste to provide day-long energy.
A medium Nitro Cold Brew has 20 calories and is sugar free. This is the perfect iced drink to get you by after a tiring morning or prep you for a heavy workload.
Golden Eagle Vanilla and Caramel Breve with Caramel Drizzle
The Golden Eagle is a Dutch Classic, and you haven’t witnessed it in all its glory without trying the Vanilla and Caramel Breve with Caramel Drizzle.
If the name didn’t tip you off, this is a caramel lover’s dream. This is an expert combination of:
- Espresso
- Half and half
- Vanilla syrup
- Caramel sauce
All of that comes topped with whipped cream and a tasteful caramel drizzle, all for 480 calories and 37 grams of sugar. While iced is the default, you can also try this hot or blended.
Cocomo
Who doesn’t want more coconut?
If you fall into that category, the Cocomo is perfect for you. This Coconut Mocha is commonly served as a blended freeze, but you can get it hot or iced as well.
Whatever works best to serve you one of the most indulgent drinks from Dutch Bros., but don’t forget the whipped cream topping.
The blended, being the most popular option, comes in on top with 730 calories and 100 grams of sugar.
Annihilator Chocolate Macadamia Nut Breve
Annihilator may be an intimidating name, but this Chocolate Macadamia Nut Breve proves that nuts and chocolate are the best of friends. This is another perfect blend of espresso, half and half, and chocolate macadamia nut syrup.
A medium Annihilator sits at 470 calories and 50 grams of sugar, and you can enjoy the drink hot, iced, or blended.
Double Rainbro
What’s better than a double rainbow? A Double Rainbro!
This may be the only tea on the list, but it’s also the only tea you need. You can enjoy it iced in the summer or hot in the colder months, ensuring you don’t need to take a break from the sweet relief of:
- Strawberry syrup
- Peach syrup
- Coconut syrup
The 180 calories and 42 grams of sugar in a medium aren’t show stopping, and this can serve as the rainbow on top for the gloomiest of days.
9-1-1
If you hear someone calling for a 9-1-1 at Dutch Bros., it’s pretty safe to assume they’re ordering this 6-Shot Irish Cream Breve.
This is a spin on the Dutch Classic breve, and it jams in six shots of espresso with half and half and Irish cream syrup to provide you with enough caffeine to pack a punch.
We recommend it blended (with a medium at 760 calories and 119 grams of sugar) to unlock the drink’s complete potential, but you can get it hot or iced as well.
White Chocolate Chai Latte
Like spiced chai? This White Chocolate Chai Latte should be right up your alley.
This sweeter take on chai brings together spiced chai tea, white chocolate sauce, and milk to offer you a drink to divulge in.
A medium iced chai comes at 380 calories and 63 grams of sugar, but you can also get the drink hot on cold weather days.
Electric Berry
The Electric Berry is another favorite soda from Dutch Bros., this time without the caffeine. The zapping taste comes from a perfect combination of:
- Lime syrup
- Blue raspberry syrup
- Sparkling water
While this is a soda, you should get the drink topped with whipped cream as a treat. A medium weighs in at 310 calories and 66 grams of sugar.
What Makes Dutch Bros. So Good
Dutch Bros. serves up the perfect blend of fantastic drinks and community-based thinking. While their endless possibilities, low prices, and customer service are enough reason to visit, you’ll be pleased to find an effort to connect with the local community.
Countless Customization Possibilities
The baseline for the Dutch Bros. menu is your first hint at the endless drink combinations available, offering you:
- Classic brews
- Cold brew
- Dutch Freeze
- Americano
- Rebel Energy
- Tea
- Smoothies
- Lemonade
- Dutch Soda
The list goes on from there to encompass chai, cocoa, and more. When you start to factor in all the flavored syrups, topping options, and even goodies like muffins, you won’t leave a Dutch Bros. empty handed.
Reasonable Prices Compared to Competition
It’s not easy to find quality drinks at a low price, but Dutch Bros. focuses on keeping prices low, and they’re often a steal compared to certain other coffee shop franchises.
It may come down to personal preference, but your wallet is bound to be happier when you frequent the blue and gray bricks.
Dutch Bros. Customer Service
Dutch Bros. customer service is so good that being greeted by a smile is memeable.
Whether you’re starting your day or you're looking for your favorite drink to boost your spirits, rolling away from the window is bound to leave you a bit brighter than before.
Dutch Bros. Focuses on Community
The company puts in an effort to leave a lasting impact on their communities, and they focus on sustainability, equity, and inclusion at their stores.
You’re likely to see initiatives like:
- Dutch Luv Day: $1 from every drink one day in February donated to local organizations fighting food insecurity
- Drink One for Dane: in honor of co-founder Dane Boersma; raises funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in hopes to find the cause and cure for ALS
- Buck for Kids Day: $1 from every drink one day in September donated to nonprofits that aim to create a brighter future for children in your community
You can find more information on Dutch Bros. community goals on their Impact page.
What Is An Upside Down Espresso At Starbucks?
Starbucks has a massive menu, and their online “secret menu” has even more drinks than are offered in store. Do you want to order your Starbucks like a pro? Do you want to try out new drinks?
An upside down drink at Starbucks is when the milk, syrup, and/or foam of a drink is layered in a different position than usual. An upside down espresso will have the foam at the bottom of the drink, below the expresso, instead of at the top.
Caffeine content levels differ from drink to drink, and there is special lingo that every Starbucks goer must know. From ristretto to flat whites to macchiatos and lattes, this article will help you find the right specialty Starbucks drink for you.
What does upside down shot mean?
An upside down shot means that the espresso in a latte is added last, instead of first. Typically, the espresso is poured first into the cup, making it sit at the bottom. In an upside down shot, the milk is poured first and then the coffee and foam are layered on top.
In an Espresso Macchiato, traditionally, there are two shots of espresso and then a dollop of foam on top. If you were to order an Upside Down Espresso Macchiato, the foam would be beneath the espresso, rather than on top.
One of the more popular drinks, Iced Caramel Macchiatos, are usually made by first layering the syrup, then milk, then ice, and finally two shots of espresso. An Upside Down Caramel Macchiato is made in reverse, with the expresso at the bottom of the cup.
What are two shots of espresso called at Starbucks?
If you want to order your Starbucks like a pro, you can call your two shots of espresso a “Doppio”, which means “double” in Italian. Some baristas may not be familiar with this term, so you may be better off just using the phrase “double shot”.
In most coffee shops, two shots of espresso are the regular amount included in standard drinks. If you want three shots you can say “triple” and for four shots you’ll want to use the word “quad”.
What does ristretto mean at Starbucks?
The word “Ristretto” at Starbucks means that the espresso short is short, also known as restricted. To make a ristretto shot, the barista will use less hot water than in a regular espresso shot. The same grounds are used, but the amount of time that the barista spends pouring the hot water over the espresso will be shorter.
Ristretto shots at Starbucks are smaller, more concentrated espresso shots. They are about 15-20 mL of espresso, rather than the 25-35 mL found in traditional espresso. For this reason, they are more concentrated.
What’s a ristretto Starbucks?
Different flavor profiles of espresso develop depending on how much hot water is used. At the beginning of the pour, the espresso is more sweet, acidic, and rich. At the end of the pour, the espresso can develop a more bitter and diluted taste.
Since the ristretto shot only contains the beginning of the espresso pour, the flavor profile is sweeter and richer than a typical espresso shot. Due to this, the ristretto has a distinct lack of bitterness. This does not mean, however, that it has more caffeine, since the drink portion size is smaller.
However, if you were to drink the same amount of ristretto and espresso, the ristretto would have a higher amount of caffeine. Ristretto shots are included in Flat Whites, but they can be added as a substitute instead of espresso in many drinks.
Starbucks recommends that you try adding ristretto shots in any of your espresso based beverages for a fully customized experience. Ristretto shots can be substituted, for an extra fee, into drinks like Caramel Macchiatos, Eggnog Lattes, Starbucks Doubleshots on ice, or Americanos.
What is an upside down Starbucks drink?
An upside down Starbucks drink is a drink that is made in the opposite order than originally intended. Some Starbucks baristas may be unhappy when you order this type of drink because they can be difficult to prepare and you may end up just ordering another style of drink.
Upside down drinks may cost extra depending on the location. Typically, however, since the same ingredients are used, the price will remain the same. If you request your Starbucks drink upside down, you should be sure to tip your barista for their extra work.
Starbucks drinks may be layered, or they may be stirred. Stirred means that the ingredients of the drink would be prepared as usual, but then blended together. If you were to order an iced macchiato, this would mean that the distinct layers of milk would be mixed together.
What is an upside down flat white?
An upside down flat white is a flat white made in reverse. Typically a flat white starts with two ristretto espresso shots and then steamed milk and microfoam are layered on top. For an upside down flat white, the ristretto shots are pulled over the steamed whole milk and foam.
The process of creating an upside down flat white is about the same as creating a latte macchiato. However, flat whites contain ristretto shots and a bit less foam. Since latte macchiatos at Starbucks are seasonal and only available for a limited time, an upside down Flat White can be a good alternative.
Is a macchiato just an upside down latte?
In general, yes, a macchiato is just an upside down latte. The word “macchiato” means marked or stained. This relates to the fact that the espresso is poured over the frothed milk, creating a “mark” where the coffee goes through the white milk.
Depending on your store location, it may be cheaper to order an upside down Caramel Macchiato than a Vanilla Latte with added caramel drizzle, even though they are essentially the same thing.
What is the strongest caffeinated drink at Starbucks?
If you want the strongest caffeinated drink at Starbucks, you should order a Venti True North Blonde Roast filter coffee, which comes in at a whopping 475 mg of caffeine.
What is an extra shot of espresso at Starbucks?
An extra shot of espresso costs 60 cents and is an additional shot in your coffee. If you were ordering a tall drink, it traditionally will come with one shot. For a grande, it will come with two. For a venti, your drink will come with three shorts.
Ordering an extra shot of espresso will add additional caffeine to your drink and it can make your drink taste more bitter and stronger than usual. To combat this change of taste, you can add additional milk or sweetener. If you are looking to get extra energy for the day, an extra shot of espresso is the way to go.
What Starbucks drink has 5 shots of espresso?
A venti Double Shot on ice has 5 shots of espresso. Five shots of espresso begins to approach the 400 mg daily limit that the EFSA recommends people stay below, so definitely do not have any other additional caffeine that day.
What drink gives you the most energy at Starbucks?
The drink at Starbucks that will give you the most energy is the venti Double Shot on ice, coming in at 375 mg of caffeine.
What is the strongest shot of espresso at Starbucks?
The Blonde Roast Starbucks espresso shot has 10 more mg of caffeine than the traditional blend espresso shot, making it the strongest shot of espresso at Starbucks.
Conclusion
Upside down Starbucks drinks are drinks that are made in reverse order. You can customize your Starbucks drinks’ taste and caffeine content by altering the type of espresso, choosing ristretto rather than espresso, and adding extra shots of espresso.