Dumb question about what coffee to ask for!

[sha9]

This thread seems awfully long to discuss asking for a coffee!

Any time I’ve had breakfast in the US I’ve had coffee. Just plain old coffee. I’ve asked for coffee and been given it. No need to over think it.

Starbucks etc will be completely different though.

[k1971]

Ahh coffee

Here's how it works., probably not strictly accurate, but enough to give you an idea what you're looking at.

Espresso = 30ml (in the UK) of very strong coffee. That's your baseline
for medium and large double or triple the espresso shot.
Americano = espresso + hot water
Flat whilte = espresso + hot water + milk
Latte = espresso + hot milk
cappuccino = espresso + frothy hot milk plus chocolate powder on top.
Mochachino = as above but with hot chocolate.

If I order an americano and the barista asks if I want milk, I roll my eyes and tell them if I wanted milk I'd have ordered a flat white.
Generally, I'll order an americano, with an extra shot. or a triple espresso. cause I'm all about the caffeine palpitations.

[sha9]

Originally Posted by k1971

Ahh coffee

Here's how it works., probably not strictly accurate, but enough to give you an idea what you're looking at.

Espresso = 30ml (in the UK) of very strong coffee. That's your baseline
for medium and large double or triple the espresso shot.
Americano = espresso + hot water
Flat whilte = espresso + hot water + milk
Latte = espresso + hot milk
cappuccino = espresso + frothy hot milk plus chocolate powder on top.
Mochachino = as above but with hot chocolate.

If I order an americano and the barista asks if I want milk, I roll my eyes and tell them if I wanted milk I'd have ordered a flat white.
Generally, I'll order an americano, with an extra shot. or a triple espresso. cause I'm all about the caffeine palpitations.

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Yes in Starbucks or the like. In Denny’s, iHop, Disney buffet breakfasts and most restaurants asking for coffee will get you black coffee.

[k1971]

Originally Posted by sha9

Yes in Starbucks or the like. In Denny’s, iHop, Disney buffet breakfasts and most restaurants asking for coffee will get you black coffee.

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that's good to know. Been 4 years since our last trip, sometimes I forget the details about what IHOP, Waffle House and Denny's etc are like. Starbucks and Costa, are a minefield!

[sha9]

Originally Posted by k1971

that's good to know. Been 4 years since our last trip, sometimes I forget the details about what IHOP, Waffle House and Denny's etc are like. Starbucks and Costa, are a minefield!

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It’s what I love about it. Coffee is just coffee and usually comes in a pot so no need to worry about leaving room for milk. Or you can always ask for decaf .

[DisneyFoodie]

Originally Posted by k1971

Ahh coffee

Here's how it works., probably not strictly accurate, but enough to give you an idea what you're looking at.

Espresso = 30ml (in the UK) of very strong coffee. That's your baseline
for medium and large double or triple the espresso shot.
Americano = espresso + hot water
Flat whilte = espresso + hot water + milk
Latte = espresso + hot milk
cappuccino = espresso + frothy hot milk plus chocolate powder on top.
Mochachino = as above but with hot chocolate.

If I order an americano and the barista asks if I want milk, I roll my eyes and tell them if I wanted milk I'd have ordered a flat white.
Generally, I'll order an americano, with an extra shot. or a triple espresso. cause I'm all about the caffeine palpitations.

See more...

Sorry but if someone makes my flat white this way I want my money back! 2 shots of espresso, no hot water dammit and steamed velvety (NOT frothy foamy) milk.
... everyone is getting v defensive about coffee here...

[coggie]

Originally Posted by k1971

Ahh coffee

Here's how it works., probably not strictly accurate, but enough to give you an idea what you're looking at.

Espresso = 30ml (in the UK) of very strong coffee. That's your baseline
for medium and large double or triple the espresso shot.
Americano = espresso + hot water
Flat whilte = espresso + hot water + milk
Latte = espresso + hot milk
cappuccino = espresso + frothy hot milk plus chocolate powder on top.
Mochachino = as above but with hot chocolate.

If I order an americano and the barista asks if I want milk, I roll my eyes and tell them if I wanted milk I'd have ordered a flat white.
Generally, I'll order an americano, with an extra shot. or a triple espresso. cause I'm all about the caffeine palpitations.

See more...

Seriously you roll your eyes and say that to them.

[Ridersmom]

I went back to the beginning. The OP wants to order "coffee." All he has to ask for is coffee. Other than at Starbucks, a coffee is a coffee. Although quite frankly when I go to Starbucks on the rare occasion i do, I order a coffee and usually ask for a mild blend as I find hot coffee from Starbucks too bitter.

I am American, have ordered coffee in restaurants and shops for 67 years and just ask for coffee. Even at Dunkins, where they have fancy coffee drinks, you just order coffee.

So OP, if you just want a cup of the run of the mill black stuff and want to add your own milk or cream, order a coffee and you should get what you want. And it should not cost over $3. McDonald's has coffee for $1.00 and it is generally fresh and hot.

[DonnaD]

Originally Posted by Ridersmom

I went back to the beginning. The OP wants to order "coffee." All he has to ask for is coffee. Other than at Starbucks, a coffee is a coffee. Although quite frankly when I go to Starbucks on the rare occasion i do, I order a coffee and usually ask for a mild blend as I find hot coffee from Starbucks too bitter.

I am American, have ordered coffee in restaurants and shops for 67 years and just ask for coffee. Even at Dunkins, where they have fancy coffee drinks, you just order coffee.

So OP, if you just want a cup of the run of the mill black stuff and want to add your own milk or cream, order a coffee and you should get what you want. And it should not cost over $3. McDonald's has coffee for $1.00 and it is generally fresh and hot.

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Agreed, this thread has gotten silly. As a fellow American I can confirm that no American would ever try and order an "Americano" somewhere like Denny's or expect instant in a restaurant. I expect 95% have never even heard of an Americano.

[Nomy]

Originally Posted by Ridersmom

So OP, if you just want a cup of the run of the mill black stuff and want to add your own milk or cream, order a coffee and you should get what you want. And it should not cost over $3. McDonald's has coffee for $1.00 and it is generally fresh and hot.

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Oh my. I just caught up with this thread and thought:

1. My confusion was justified!

2. What the heck did I unleash? It's a cup of coffee for goodness sake!

Seriously though, thanks. It's been, erm, enlightening. I'll take 90% of the advice here and stick with good old coffee. I agree with the bitterness of Starbucks coffee, so I'll try and avoid as usual.

Or maybe I could ask for tea? Best not go there...