Not All Types of Coffee Should Be Consumed at the Same Time of Day

Are you someone who drinks decaf coffee all day long? Do you wake up with a cappuccino? Or perhaps you don’t even think about when you have your daily cup of American-style coffee.

However, did you know that not all types of coffee should be consumed at the same time or throughout the entire day?

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. According to Statista, more than 180 million 60-kilogram sacks of coffee were produced in 2024, with Finland and Norway leading as the highest coffee-consuming countries worldwide.

While espresso preparation is the most popular globally, there are many different varieties you can enjoy throughout the day, each offering unique benefits for your health, well-being, and daily routine.

Below, we’ll explore the different types of coffee, how to prepare them, and the best times of day to enjoy them.

What Are the Different Types of Coffee?

When asking this question, it's important not to confuse it with coffee bean types or brewing methods.

Here, we'll focus on different ways to prepare and enjoy coffee, sometimes incorporating additional ingredients to add variety to your coffee routine.

Americano Coffee

This is one of the most popular coffee drinks worldwide, known for its smooth and mild taste compared to other coffee types.

How Can I Prepare It?

The preparation is quite simple: hot water (around 90°C or 194°F) is added to a shot of espresso.

The water-to-espresso ratio depends on personal preference. Some prefer a 1:1 ratio, while others who enjoy a milder taste opt for a 1:2 ratio (one shot of espresso with two parts water).

Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is one of the most exotic coffee varieties due to its foamy texture. Originating in Turkey and enjoyed in several Asian and Eastern European countries, it is made by brewing finely ground coffee in hot water, as defined by Illy Coffee.

How Can I Prepare It?

• For each cup, add 1.6 ounces (50 ml) of water to a cezve (a traditional Turkish coffee pot).

• Add sugar to taste and stir until dissolved.

• Once the water is boiling, remove the cezve from the heat and add one teaspoon of finely ground coffee per cup. Then, add one extra teaspoon.

• Bring the mixture to a boil twice, removing it from the heat each time it starts to bubble. You can keep or remove the foam, depending on your preference.

• Before serving, add a spoonful of cold water to help the grounds settle at the bottom quickly so you can enjoy it without filtering.

Did you know you can add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor?

Flat White

This coffee originated in Australia and New Zealand and aims to balance espresso with milk foam. It is often mistaken for a latte or cappuccino, but here are the key differences:

Flat White vs. Latte

A flat white is smaller than a latte and contains less milk, making the coffee flavor more pronounced.

Flat White vs. Cappuccino

Unlike a cappuccino, a flat white has a thinner layer of milk and is much less frothy.

So, if you're looking for a coffee that highlights the espresso flavor but still has a touch of milk, the flat white is the perfect choice.

Mocha

This type of coffee is often confused with the Moka pot (the Italian stovetop coffee maker). However, they are two different concepts.

A mocha is a drink that combines espresso, steamed milk, and a touch of chocolate.

What Do You Need to Make a Mocha?

• 1/3 espresso

• 2/3 steamed milk

• A portion of chocolate

Mix all these ingredients in a coffee cup, and enjoy!

Cold Brew

This coffee is often mistaken for iced coffee, but they are completely different. Here’s why:

Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then cooling it with ice, whereas cold brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours.

Cold Brew Flavor

Cold brew is favored by those who prefer a coffee with lower acidity while maintaining its rich flavor.

Did you know there is a nitrogen-infused version of cold brew called Nitro Cold Brew?

Affogato

This Italian dessert is one of the most indulgent and delicious coffee-based treats. Why? The magic is in its preparation.

How to Make an Affogato

• Start with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Place it in a cup, then pour a shot of hot espresso over it.

That’s it! Simple yet irresistible.

The only downside? You might love it so much that you’ll always want to have one!

Cereal Coffee

This drink is perfect for those who want a hot beverage with a coffee-like taste and aroma but without caffeine.

What Ingredients Are in Cereal Coffee?

Cereal coffee typically contains:

• Roasted barley

• Chicory

• Malt

• Rye

How Can I prepare a Cereal Coffee?

It’s very simple: just dissolve the product in hot water and combine it with whole milk, almond milk, soy milk, or rice milk.

Although this isn’t a traditional coffee made from coffee beans, it serves as a healthier alternative for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake.

When Is the Best Time to Drink Each Type of Coffee?

If you were thinking of having an affogato in the morning or an espresso right before bed, you might want to reconsider.

Here's a table suggesting the best times to drink each type of coffee and their potential benefits:

Have You Heard About the Only Coffee Cups Made from Coffee?

Believe it or not, there are now cups made from recycled coffee grounds. The coffee waste, known as coffee grounds, is typically discarded after brewing. However, we at Coffee Kreis have found a way to give this waste a second life.

By upcycling coffee grounds, we prevent them from releasing methane into the atmosphere, while also reducing the production of disposable cups and single-use plastics.

Discover more about what we do and join the movement!