Lowvelders are avid coffee drinkers, from that first-thing, early morning cup grabbed on the way to work, to the soothing, leisurely cappuccino with your girlfriends on a Saturday morning shopping spree. Whether you are a coffee aficionado, like to brew a pot on Sunday afternoons at home or prefer to pop into one of the many coffee shops in the Lowveld, getting your daily caffeine (or decaf) fix is easy, and knowing the difference between a rich and concentrated espresso and a frothy, creamy cappuccino can certainly elevate your appreciation for this beloved beverage.
Types & styles of coffee
1. Espresso
Espresso is the foundation of many coffee drinks and is brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure.
• How to make it: Use an espresso machine with freshly ground coffee beans, or a stovetop Moka pot for a strong alternative.
• What goes into it: A fine grind of dark-roasted coffee beans and hot water.
• Flavour profile: Strong, rich and concentrated.
2. Americano
This is essentially an espresso with added hot water, giving it a similar strength to drip coffee, but with a smoother taste.
• How to make it: Pull a shot of espresso and add hot water in a 1:2 ratio.
• What goes into it: Espresso and hot water.
• Flavour profile: Bold but less intense than an espresso.
3. Cappuccino
A classic Italian coffee, the cappuccino is a perfect balance of espresso, steamed milk and milk foam.
• How to make it: Brew one shot of espresso, steam milk to create a creamy texture and top with a thick layer of foam.
• What goes into it: 1/3 espresso,
1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 milk foam.
• Flavour profile: Smooth, creamy,
with a strong coffee taste.
4. Flat white
The flat white is similar to a cappuccino, but with less foam and more velvety milk.
• How to make it: Pull an espresso shot and add finely textured steamed milk.
• What goes into it: Espresso and steamed milk (without thick foam).
• Flavour profile: Strong coffee taste with a silky texture.
5. Café mocha
Perfect for chocolate lovers, a mocha combines coffee, chocolate and milk for a decadent drink.
• How to make it: Brew an espresso shot, mix with cocoa powder or chocolate syrup, and top with steamed milk.
• What goes into it: Espresso, cocoa powder or chocolate syrup, steamed milk, and optionally, whipped cream.
• Flavour profile: Sweet, chocolatey and rich.
6. Irish coffee
The perfect end to a chilly Autumn evening.
• How to make it: Brew a strong coffee, mix with Irish whiskey and sugar, and top with lightly whipped cream.
• What goes into it: Black coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar and whipped cream.
• Flavour profile: Sweet, creamy and warming.
7. Macchiato
A macchiato is a shot of espresso ‘stained’ with a small amount of milk foam.
• How to make it: Brew an espresso shot and top with a small dollop of frothed milk.
• What goes into it: Espresso and a small amount of milk foam.
• Flavour profile: Strong and bold with a slight creamy texture.
8. Cortado
A Spanish-style coffee that balances espresso with warm milk.
• How to make it: Brew an espresso shot and add an equal amount of
steamed milk.
• What goes into it: Espresso and steamed milk (1:1 ratio).
• Flavour profile: Smooth and strong, with less milk than a flat white..
9. Affogato
The ultimate indulgence.
• How to make it: Pour a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• What goes into it: Espresso and vanilla ice cream.
• Flavour profile: Sweet, creamy and slightly bitter.
Coffee equipment
While not essential for making the perfect cup, having the right equipment can make life a little easier. For the serious coffee aficionados, here are a few of our favourite tools:
• Espresso machine: Ideal for making espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
• Stovetop espresso maker (Moka Pot): A great alternative to an espresso machine for brewing strong coffee.
• French press (also known as a plunger or Bodum): Perfect for making rich, full-bodied coffee.
• Drip coffee maker: Great for brewing larger quantities of coffee with ease.
• AeroPress: A portable and versatile coffee maker for smooth, concentrated coffee.
• Milk frother: Essential for creating creamy lattes and cappuccinos.
• Burr grinder: For freshly ground coffee, which enhances the flavour.
• Gooseneck kettle: Provides precision when making pour-over coffee.
• Pour-over coffee maker: Allows control over brewing time and flavour extraction.
• Coffee scale: Ensures accurate coffee-to-water ratios for a consistent brew.
Classic coffee cake
Ingredients
• 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1 and ½ cups light brown sugar • 1 and ½ tsp baking soda • 1 tsp cinnamon • ¾ tsp salt • 3 tbsp instant espresso powder or instant coffee powder • 1 and ½ cups milk • 3 tsp vanilla extract • ¾ cup canola oil or vegetable oil • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar • Cherries or walnuts to decorate
Method
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease two round cake tins with butter and line the bottoms with circles of baking paper. Sift all-purpose flour into a mixing bowl and add light brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and instant espresso powder. Mix. Add milk, vanilla extract, oil and apple cider vinegar. Mix into a batter, but don’t over-mix. Divide between the two prepared 8-inch cake pans and smooth down. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of one of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. When the cakes are completely cool, ice with espresso frosting and top with cherries or walnuts.
Frosting
• 1 cup butter, softened • 4 cups powdered sugar • 1 tbsp instant espresso powder • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 4 tbsp milk
Whisk the butter, powdered sugar, instant espresso powder, vanilla extract and milk together, and beat for a few minutes until very fluffy and smooth.
Amarula coffee
Ingredients
• 1 shot espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup steamed milk (or dairy-free alternative) • 1 shot Amarula • 1 tsp brown sugar (optional) • Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Method
Brew coffee and pour into a heatproof glass or mug. Stir in sugar if using. Add Amarula and mix well. Top with steamed milk and whipped cream if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Iced coffee
Ingredients
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled • ½ cup milk
• Ice cubes • 1-2 tsp sugar or sweetener (optional)
• Whipped cream (optional)
Method:
Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour the cooled coffee over the ice. Add milk and sweetener, then stir well. Top with whipped cream if using and enjoy!
The perfect French Press coffee
• Grind your coffee: Use a coarse grind, similar to sea salt, or use good quality bought coffee grounds.
• Measure: Use about 1 tablespoon of coffee per 180ml
of water.
• Heat water: Bring water to around 90-96°C (just off
the boil).
• Bloom: Pour a little hot water over the grounds, let sit
for 30 seconds.
• Brew: Add the rest of the water and stir gently. Place the lid on and let it steep for 4 minutes.
• Plunge: Slowly press the plunger down, then pour and enjoy immediately.
