Coffee and Tea

As fascinating as coffee is, it can also be confusing. There are so many different coffee names that sometimes it’s like trying to remember physics terms. Let’s cut back on the confusion a little by reviewing a few.

The Frappe, with its silent ‘e’, is really a fairly simple drink. It’s common in Europe and Latin America. It is a cold espresso drink, made with two teaspoons of sugar and milk. It’s then mixed with crushed ice cubes, creating an elegant drink. If you want to add a little more adventure, add a quarter cup each of crème de cacao and brandy.

On the other hand, Cappuccino Borgia, which was named for a famous poisoner, is a fairly complicated drink, but well worth the effort. It consists of a quarter cup of peeled orange and a half a cup of chocolate ice cream. Six tablespoons of orange juice, espresso and a quarter cup of milk complete the effect. Have a cup and you’ll feel like you’ve gone back to 15th century Italy!

If you want to return to the 21st century, try a Caribbean Calypso Cooler. Mix a couple of ripe bananas, two cups of coffee ice cream and a cup of chilled, extra-strength coffee together. Four tablespoons of rum added to the mixture and leave your cares behind.

The Latin Caffee Zabaglone is another excellent alcoholic coffee drink. A quarter cup each of sugar and dry Marasala start it off. Add four egg yolks and a pinch of salt and whisk the whole thing together and cook it until it thickens up. Add a cup of Italian roast and you’ve got a breakfast or a drink, whichever you like.

French ancestors living in modern day New Orleans also have an interesting take on the coffee-drinking experience, the Mardi Gras. Combine half of a cup each of eggnog, heavy cream and bourbon with some double-strength American roast. The ’s’ may be silent, but this drink definitely makes a statement!

Then there’s Turkish coffee. Famous for being dark and strong, Turkish coffee’s flavor is cut with cardamom.

Scandinavians also make a Cardamom Kaffee, so the ancient spice is still getting quite a bit of use in modern times. An eighth of a cup of cognac and two teaspoons of Curacao mixed with a teaspoon of sugar and a cracked and seeded cardamom pod make the base of this unique beverage. Heat the entire thing in the microwave for about ten seconds and then use a match to light it on fire. Pour on half of a cup of extra-strength coffee and be ready for a blast of taste!

Coffees around the world are as unique in flavor as they are in name, so have some fun and experiment a bit. Cheers!

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