Do you need to have at least one cup of coffee every day? Whether it's right after waking up in the morning or during a midday break, a cup of coffee can always reinvigorate your body. But do you know exactly what kind of coffee you're drinking? And where does its history come from? Take a minute to learn about the origins and the correct ways to enjoy seven mainstream types of coffee!

1. Espresso

Origin: Italian coffee culture of the 1900s

Method: Extract 25-30ml of concentrated liquid by forcing extremely fine ground coffee under high pressure. It has a rich taste and a long-lasting aftertaste, but it is too bitter for most people.

Tip: This is the "prototype" of all fancy coffee, just like the base spirit in cocktails. Without it, there would be no lattes or cappuccinos!

2. Americano

Origin: The European battlefield during World War II

Background: During World War II, American soldiers fighting in the European theater found Italian espresso too strong and hard to swallow. So they added hot water to the espresso to "dilute" it before drinking. Over time, this way of drinking evolved into "American coffee".

Method: Espresso + hot water, usually in a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3. It has a smooth and light taste and is a representative of "long drink" coffee.

3. Cappuccino

Origin: The color of the habit worn by Capuchin monks in Italy

Preparation: 1 part Espresso + 1 part hot milk + 1 part rich milk foam

Characteristics: Abundant foam, beautiful latte art, suitable for morning consumption, a classic Italian breakfast staple.

4. Latte

Origin: Italian family-style breakfast drink

Name meaning: "Milk coffee", often paired with croissants, toast and other light foods in Europe and America.

Preparation: Espresso + 3 times the amount of hot milk + a thin layer of milk foam, with a dominant milk flavor and a relatively light coffee taste.

5. Mocha

Origin: Mocha, a major port in Yemen and a key exporter of coffee in the 17th century.

Characteristics: It combines the aroma of cocoa with the richness of coffee, often topped with cream, chocolate sauce, etc., making it a favorite among those who prefer sweet flavors.

Preparation: Espresso + chocolate sauce/powder + hot milk, sometimes topped with fresh cream.

6. Flat White

Origin: The 1980s Australian or New Zealand café rivalry

Characteristics: Less milk than a latte, thinner milk foam, but a more "creamy" texture and a more prominent coffee flavor.

Preparation: Double shot of espresso + microfoamed milk (steamed milk), an elegant drink between a latte and a cappuccino.

7. Cold Brew

Originating from the invention of "cold brew coffee" by 17th-century Dutch sailors

Now: It has become a signature cold drink for major coffee chain brands (Starbucks, Blue Bottle).

Method: Soak coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12-24 hours. It is low in acid, smooth, and perfect for iced drinks.