Exploring Coffee Vocabulary at Starbucks
Hi everyone! Today, I'm at Starbucks, surrounded by the iconic Starbucks logo, and I'm excited to dive into the world of coffee vocabulary with you. You might think ordering coffee is straightforward, but at Starbucks, it can be a bit more complex due to the variety of sizes and drinks available. So, let’s embark on this coffee journey together!
A Brief History of Starbucks
Did you know that the first Starbucks opened in 1971 in Seattle, Washington? Today, there are over 33,833 Starbucks locations worldwide, with about 15,000 in the United States alone. Do you have a Starbucks in your city? Let me know in the comments!
Coffee Basics
Before we step inside, let’s cover some coffee basics. First up is the coffee bean—the seed from a coffee plant, primarily found in countries like Venezuela, Colombia, and Guatemala, as well as in Ethiopia, which is rich in coffee plants.
Next, we have the roast. This refers to the process of drying coffee beans to enhance their flavor and appearance. There are three main types of roasts:
- Light Roast
- Medium Roast
- Dark Roast
You can even track where your coffee beans come from by scanning the barcode on the package!
Types of Coffee
Now, let’s explore the exciting world of coffee types! There are two main categories: hot coffee and cold coffee.
Hot Coffee Varieties:
- Americano: Two shots of espresso with hot water.
- Macchiato: Espresso topped with a bit of milk foam.
- Latte: Espresso with steamed milk and a touch of milk foam.
- Cappuccino: Similar to a latte but with more milk foam.
- Mocha: A sweet blend of espresso, chocolate, and steamed milk.
Cold Coffee Options:
- Iced Americano
- Iced Mocha
- Iced Latte
- Frappuccino: A blended drink with ice, milk, coffee, and various flavors.
When ordering, you can choose between caffeinated, decaffeinated (decaf), or half-caf coffee.
Ordering at Starbucks
Let’s order! I decided on a tall white chocolate mocha and a delicious banana walnut bread. The barista took my order, and I paid a total of $10.43.
Enjoying the Experience
Once I received my drink, I used a coffee stopper to keep it hot and prevent spills. As I sat outside enjoying the weather, I noticed the drink had a protective sleeve to keep my fingers safe from the heat.
Starbucks sizes can be confusing: a small is called a tall, a medium is a grande, and a large is a venti.
Conclusion
I hope this coffee vocabulary lesson helps you navigate your next Starbucks visit! What’s your favorite coffee to order? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more fun learning experiences. Until next time, enjoy your coffee adventures!