New to coffee, or just curious what's actually happening between the bean and your cup? This is your starting point — the basics, explained simply, plus a quick guide to the drinks you'll see on any coffee menu.
Coffee 101: The Basics
Coffee starts as a fruit. The "bean" you grind and brew is actually the seed of a coffee cherry — and everything that happens between that cherry and your cup shapes the flavor in your mug.
Most of what you'll find in our shop is Arabica, prized for its smoother, more nuanced flavor compared to the more bitter, higher-caffeine Robusta. Once picked, the beans are dried, roasted, and ground — and each of those steps matters.
Roast level is the first thing worth understanding. Light roasts spend less time over heat, so they hold onto more of the bean's original character — think brighter, fruitier, sometimes floral notes. Medium roasts strike a balance: rounder body, with a mix of the bean's natural flavor and some roasty sweetness. Dark roasts spend the longest over heat, developing bold, bittersweet flavors like dark chocolate and toasted nuts — the origin character fades a bit, but the richness comes forward.
Grind size matters just as much as roast. A fine grind (think espresso) extracts quickly under pressure; a coarse grind (think French press or cold brew) needs more time steeping. Match your grind to your brew method and you're most of the way to a great cup.
There's no "correct" way to drink coffee — only the way you like it. Coffee 101 is just here to help you order, brew, and shop with a little more confidence.
Types of Coffee: A Quick Guide
Not sure what separates a cappuccino from a latte? Here's a plain-language guide to the drinks you'll come across most often.
- Espresso — A concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground beans at high pressure. It's the base for most café drinks, with a bold flavor and a signature layer of golden crema on top.
- Americano — Espresso diluted with hot water. Similar strength to drip coffee, but with the fuller, roastier flavor that only espresso can give you.
- Cappuccino — Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Light, airy, and espresso-forward — the foam is the star.
- Latte — Espresso with a generous pour of steamed milk and just a thin layer of foam on top. Creamier and milder than a cappuccino, and the easiest canvas for latte art.
- Macchiato — Espresso "marked" with just a small dollop of foam. Small, strong, and the most espresso-forward of the milk drinks.
- Mocha — A latte with chocolate added — espresso, steamed milk, and a bit of cocoa or chocolate syrup. Coffee's answer to dessert.
- Cold Brew — Coarse coffee grounds steeped in room-temperature or cold water for 12–24 hours, never heated. The result is smooth, naturally sweet, and lower in acidity than hot-brewed coffee.
- Drip / Pour-Over — The classic method: hot water passes through ground coffee and a filter. Clean, straightforward, and the easiest way to taste a coffee's true character.
Ready to put it into practice? Browse our coffee collection and use the flavor notes on each product page as your guide.