How to Choose the Right Coffee for You

by | Dec 17, 2024 | coffee

At Honey and Harvey, we LOVE coffee and can’t imagine starting the day without a perfectly brewed cup. Coffee is truly at the heart of everything we do.

You might think coffee is just… well, coffee right? That’s exactly what I thought too until I joined the H+H team. Since then, I’ve uncovered a rich and exciting world of coffee, bursting with variety and flavour.

If you’re just stepping into the world of coffee and want to learn more, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s go over the barista basics to help you figure out which drink at Honey and Harvey suits your palate best. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, take part in our fun quiz to find your perfect match!

Understanding Coffee Basics

a bag of butterworth and son coffee Did you know that coffee beans grow on trees and shrubs? Their flavour is influenced by the growing conditions such as soil quality, temperature, rainfall, sunlight, and the roasting process. But today we’ll focus on the basics!

Since coffee beans are the foundation of a great brew, we take great care in selecting flavours and brands that align with our values. That’s why all our locations serve coffee roasted by Butterworth & Son, a fantastic local roaster!

Caffeinated vs Decaf Coffee, What’s the Difference?

Most people grab coffee not just for the taste but for the energy boost that caffeine provides. However, for those who love the flavour of coffee but have caffeine sensitivities, health concerns or simply don’t need any extra energy, decaffeinated coffee is a great option too.  

Both caffeinated and decaf beans start the same, but decaf beans go through different processes to remove most of the caffeine while still maintaining the rich coffee flavour. Although decaf may taste milder, the key difference between the two is the caffeine content.

The difference between a single shot and a double shot 

At Honey and Harvey, the standard shot of coffee is a double shot unless otherwise specified. To get a little technical, this means 18 grams of ground coffee is used in a double shot, compared to half that amount typically used in instant coffee that you might be familiar with at home.

Traditional Coffees

honey and harvey coffee Nowadays, there’s an incredible variety of coffees to choose from, which can sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to order. But there’s so much more to explore beyond just lattes and cappuccinos!  The key difference between most coffee drinks lies in the ratio of espresso to milk or water. Let me explain: 

  • Espresso: A small, highly concentrated black coffee brewed under high pressure. 
  • Macchiato: A shot of espresso topped with a small amount of foamed milk.
  • Cortado: A small coffee with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. 
  • Flat white: A combination of espresso and steamed milk. It’s bigger than a cortado but smaller than a latte. Think of it as a smaller, stronger latte. 
  • Americano: A coffee drink made with hot water and a shot of espresso, which can be enjoyed black or with a side of hot or cold milk. 
  • Latte: One of the more popular ways to enjoy coffee, it’s basically ‘coffee milk’. To get a bit more technical, a latte is made with a shot of espresso and silky steamed milk (or cold milk for an iced latte).
  • Cappuccino: Made from a shot of espresso, steamed milk and topped with a layer of milk foam.

Flavoured Coffee 

If you’re craving a sweet drink, why not try these?

  • Mocha: It’s similar to a latte but with chocolate syrup for a yummy twist.
  • Caramel Latte: A latte infused with caramel syrup for a touch of sweetness. 
  • Dirty Chai: Chai is a spiced tea drink made from black tea and spices. For a twist, try a “dirty” chai, which adds a shot of espresso. It’s a unique blend of warm spices and rich coffee flavour. 
  • Other syrups: We also have vanilla (including sugar-free vanilla) and hazelnut syrup, which can be added to any of your favourite coffees. 

Be sure to follow us on Instagram to stay updated on our seasonal flavours before they disappear from the shelves! 

Customise Your Cup

Each drink can be tailored to create your perfect cup. We offer whole milk, skinny milk as well as oat and soya milk for those looking at alternative options. Want to make it even more extra special? Top your drink with whipped cream and chocolate or cinnamon sprinkles for an extra touch of flavour!

Want to get the Honey and Harvey experience at home? You can purchase coffee beans from any of our stores or through our online shop. We even offer grinding services tailored to your brewing methods –  whether you prefer French press, drip coffee or a bold espresso, we’ve got you covered! 

Now time to find out what drink to try at Honey and Harvey, take the quiz below ↓

The Coffee Quiz: Which One is Your Match?

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