Coffee isn’t just a drink anymore – it’s an occasion; “Let’s meet for coffee?” is the new hi.
An online dipstick conducted recently revealed that coffee is slowly edging out tea to become the most popular drink in India. Figure that: a ‘chai’ drinking nation, inching over to the caffeinated side!
Too caught up to read? Listen to the story:
François Mauriac had said, “Tell me what you read, and I’ll tell you who you are.” In modern times, then, would it be fair to say – “Tell me how you like your coffee, and I’ll tell you who you are?” Clinical psychologist Dr Ramani Durvasula seems to think so – and documented the evidence in a study for her book You Are WHY You Eat: Change Your Food Attitude, Change Your Life. The study evaluated 1,000 coffee drinkers and formed patterns out of their personality types. It may seem a bit Linda Goodman-ish, but makes for great conversation over a cup of coffee, don’t you think?
But before we get to decoding what your brand of coffee tells you about yourself, how much do you really know all the many brews listed on a menu?
Ristretto, affogato, latte, mocha, espresso – the world of coffee ordering is complex.
Here’s a quick guide to your coffee – AND what it says about your personality!
Espresso (pronounced: ess press oh)
What is it?
This is the base of most coffee options listed in the menu. Espresso is basically a highly concentrated liquid obtained by passing (nearly) boiling water at high pressure through finely ground coffee beans. The end-product is a dark bitter liquid that coffee connoisseurs often prefer to sip as is for its distinctive caffeine kick.
What does it say about me?
An espresso drinker takes on leadership effortlessly. You know how to get what you want and are hard-working, albeit a little moody.
Doppio (pronounced: dope yoh – with d as in Hindi dil and not the herb dill)
What is it?
A double shot of espresso (or double the quantity of a regular espresso), is referred to as a doppio. It is served in an espresso cup. (For times when an espresso just isn’t enough.)
What does it say about me?
If a single shot of espresso makes you a born leader, the world better watch out for the doppio drinkers!
Americano (pronounced: ameri khaa no)
What is it?
The American take on Italian espresso, it refers to topping up a shot of espresso with hot water. A diluted espresso, if you may.
What does it say about me?
If you like your coffee black, you are probably straightforward and like to keep things simple. It is all about minimalism with you and you weigh everything, including your words.
Ristretto (pronounced: ris trett toh – with the t pronounced like the Hindi tum and not English Tom)
What is it?
If you want to go all coffee-snob, order a ristretto. It is similar to an espresso but extracted by using only half the amount of water. It is a darker and more concentrated version of espresso. (And you thought that wasn’t possible?)
What does it say about you?
You’re unique and self-conscious of that very fact. But hey, it’s no crime to be classy, right?
Café Latte (pronounced: laah teh)
What is it?
If all the dark coffee options above seem too strong for your taste, give Café Latte a shot (pun intended). Unlike Americano, in this one a double shot of espresso is combined with steamed milk and served in a large mug. It is a popular drink in North America – although in Italy it is a favourite amongst children.
What does it say about me?
A latte drinker is often a pleaser. This may make it difficult for you to make quick decisions as you do not like offending anybody or their viewpoint. The study also claims that latte drinkers tend to be neurotic.
Cappuccino (pronounced: cap pu chee noh)
What is it?
Possibly the most ordered coffee drink across the world, and for good reason. Deconstructing cappuccino’s layers would give us equal parts espresso at the bottom, topped with a little bit of steamed milk and on top a layer of milk foam. The trick is that all three layers are equal. Have it for breakfast like the Italians do or catch up with your friends over a couple of cappuccinos, this versatile drink is perfect for sipping at leisure.
What does it say about you?
Poles apart from the latte fans, you are obsessive and controlling. However, your creativity knows no bounds and you are honest and self-motivated. You make friends easily but keeping your attention can be a challenge for unimaginative people.
Café Mocha (pronounced: moh ka)
What is it?
My personal favourite, this drink combines the hit of coffee with the decadence of chocolate. It is made by adding chocolate powder or chocolate sauce to espresso and topping it with steamed milk and mico foam. Chocolate powder is often sprinkled on top. I do not like to add any sugar to my mocha as the chocolate makes it sweet enough.
(The study, unfortunately, didn’t go all gourmet and cover mocha-macchiato fans, so we’ll have to wait on a verdict on that one!)
Affogato (pronounced: af foe gah toe)
What is it?
Perfect for dessert, affogato is usually served in a short glass. A generous scoop of vanilla ice-cream is added to a single or double shot of espresso leading to a decadent creamy mix as it melts.
What does it say about you?
That you’re playful and are always up for some fun. Not much of a morning person, your personality shines when the sun goes down.
(Harnoor Channi-Tiwary is a marketing specialist who wandered into the world of writing and never left. She has been writing about food and travel for more than a decade. Harnoor steered the editorial direction for NDTV Food as Content Head until recently, prior to which she worked with Marryam H Reshii on the Times Food Guide and authored an e-book, amongst other notable works. She blogs at TheThoughtExpress, tweets at @HCdines and now lives in Singapore with her husband and six-year-old daughter, whose first word reportedly was ‘yummy’ and not mummy.)
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