Coffee Recipes

Short Black/Espresso: Single shot of espresso, usually served in a demitasse cup, with a spoon for sugar. When properly presented, should fill about 3/5 of a demitasse, or 1/2 a demitasse in the case of the ristretto. This is a good way to compare different coffees.

Long Black: A double shot of espresso, served in a special long black cup. The shot is either poured directly on top of the cup filled 2/5 with hot water, or alternatively served with a small jug of hot water, which can then be added to taste. Filling the cup with water prior to the coffee means that the crema will remain intact on top of the coffee, improving presentation.

Flat White: Probably the most commonly served coffee in New Zealand today. Usually a single shot of espresso (although many people prefer a double shot) served in a cappuccino cup, topped with smooth velvet-like milk (not foamy or bubbly). A well made flat white will combine 1/3 coffee with 2/3 velvety steamed milk, providing a consistently flavoured and textured cup.

Latte: Also very popular. Similar to above, but usually a double shot of espresso served in a large bowl (French style) or glass (Italian style), topped with smooth creamy milk. Has a greater proportion of milk to coffee, so tastes milkier.

Cappuccino: A similar recipe as the flat white but the coffee is topped with 1/3 smooth creamy milk and 1/3 dense foamy milk. The foam sits up like a dome higher than the lip of the cup, surrounded by an outer crema ring. Often topped with sprinkled chocolate or cinnamon.

Macchiato: Single shot of espresso in a demitasse cup, with a small amount of steamed milk (similar to that used for a flat white), added 'staining' the coffee.

Hot Chocolate: 2 heaped teaspoons or one heaped tablespoon, (depending on desired strength) of drinking chocolate is mixed with a small amount of hot water in a jug (to dissolve the chocolate). Cold milk is then added to this mixture, which is then steamed in the usual way. Served either in a cappuccino cup, or more commonly a bowl. Often this drink has cinnamon or chocolate sprinkled on top and/or is served with marshmallows, chocolate fish, or biscotti.

Mochaccino: A single serving of espresso is used filling a cappuccino cup to around the 1/3 mark. This is then topped with 2/3 steamed hot chocolate milk. Sometimes a bowl or glass is used rather than the cappuccino cup, in which case a double shot of coffee should be used. Again topping with powdered chocolate or cinnamon is common.