Espress Yourself With The Proper Java Jargon

Most of us are comfortable ordering our usual double tall split-shot skinny mocha.

But there are still some wanna-be latte drinkers who are befuddled by java jargon. “I went into a Starbucks and just couldn’t figure it out, so I left,” confessed a colleague.

It might indeed seem like espresso savvy customers are speaking a different language, but we’ll talk you through it.

There’s no right or wrong way to order, but most people start with the shot of espresso (single, double, quad), then the cup size (short, which is typically between 8 and 10 ounces, tall or grande), any flavoring and then the name of the drink.

The most requested coffee drink, a latte is espresso with steamed milk. Add a splash of chocolate, you’ve got a mocha.

Half-and-half subbing in for milk makes it a breve.

Americano is espresso topped with water.

A cappuccino is mostly espresso, a little foam on top.

Macchiato, a traditional Italian drink, is a shot topped with a dollop of steamed foam.

Other key phrases: Skinny means non-fat milk and a split-shot is one shot of the real deal and one shot of decaf.

Flavorings range from strawberry to kiwi, but the most popular are vanilla and caramel. Some spots also offer sugar-free syrups.

You might hear someone order an Americano “with room.” That means leave some space in the cup for cream.

Don’t get sticker shock when they ring you up. The average espresso drink goes for between $2 and $4.

If all that’s still too intimidating, just ask for a cup of old-fashioned drip coffee. No one will think less of you.