Americano 

A Gourmet cup of coffee, made by pouring one or two shots of espresso over a 6oz cup of hot water. The crema from the espresso will float on top.

Breve 

Any milk based espresso beverage where half-and-half is substituted for milk. Breves can be flavoured.

Cappuccino

An espresso based beverage, topped with equal parts of steamed and foamed milk (wet cappuccino). A dry cappuccino is topped with all foamed milk. The milk is foamed/steamed prior to the espresso extraction, allowing the foam to set, or jell. The foam topping is shaped to form a peak (cap) on the cappuccino. Cappuccinos are usually dusted with nutmeg, cinnamon, or chocolate powder.

Espresso 

Properly done, espresso is made from a special blend of Arabica coffees, chosen for intense aromatic flavours and quality of performance during extraction. Espresso uses freshly roasted beans that are finely ground in the correct amount, firmly packed and then extracted under pressure. The end result will be a rich concentration of coffee taste and aroma, topped with a dense golden-brown foam called crema.

Espresso Con Panna 

An espresso serving topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

Iced Espresso based Beverages 

Are served in clear plastic or clear glassware. If flavoured, the flavouring is added first, then the espresso. Stirred if thick syrup is used. Ice is then added. Cup is filled with cold milk. Can be topped with whipped cream.

Italian Soda 

An iced beverage usually served in a 14-16oz clear plastic cup, flavoured by 2oz of Italian style syrup or syrups (usually fruit based) and filled to the top with soda water. The recommended mix ratio is one part syrup to four parts soda water. Italian sodas can be topped with whipped cream.

Italian Cream Soda (Cremosa) 

Same as the Italian soda, but the soda water pour is stopped 1/2" from the top of the cup, and the beverage is filled approximately 2oz of half-and-half. Italian cream sodas can be topped with whipped cream.

A variation in the order of ingredients for Italian cream sodas: after pouring the flavours first, add the half-and-half second and the soda water last. A successful cart operator claims this approach is his key to increased sales.

Latte 

An espresso based beverage, where a very dense mixture of foamed/steamed milk at 140 degrees Fahrenheit is poured down the side of a cup containing a serving of espresso to marbleise, forming a very dense mixture. The taste of the espresso can be experienced with the first sip.
For a flavoured latte in:
8oz cup add 1/2oz flavouring
12oz cup add 3/4oz flavouring
16oz cup add 1oz flavouring

Latteccino 

An espresso based beverage with two parts steamed milk and one part foamed milk (a cross between a cappuccino and a latte).

Lungo 

This is the Italian word for long and refers to a long pour of espresso. This extraction usually takes about 225 to 30 seconds and is primarily for straight shots, using 1 and a half to 2 oz of hot water for extracting the correct amount of coffee in a single portion.

Macchiato 

The Italian word for marked. There are two types of macchiatos: 1) straight espresso marked with a dollop of warm milk froth and 2) a steamed milk macchiato (latte or cappuccino) where the steamed milk is marked with an espresso poured slowly over the milk foam at the side of a clear glass. This will display a layered effect and is used in restaurants.

Mocha 

A chocolate flavoured latte with an option of whipped cream for garnish and enjoyment.

Ristretto 

Ristretto means restricted in Italian. It is a short pour of espresso (highly concentrated) using 3/4oz of hot water for extracting the correct amount of coffee in double or single portion.

Steamer