8 Most Popular Coffee in America (USA)

Beni 16 February 2023

0 883 8 minutes read

The rich history of coffee in America is intertwined with the country’s cultural growth and evolution. Coffee’s history in America goes back a long time.

This amazing beverage made its way to America during the colonial era and the first coffeehouse was established in Boston in 1676. Initially, American coffeehouses were gathering places for intellectuals, but over time, they attracted many people who were fascinated by this incredible drink.

In this article from the “TypesCoffee” website, we want to take a journey together and witness the significant milestones in the history of coffee.

Coffee holds great importance in the everyday life of America and has become a part of the country’s culture. From a young age to adulthood, coffee is used in various ceremonies and gatherings. It is necessary to mention that consuming coffee at a young age has certain limitations.

Children may be curious to taste this beverage, but American society believes that coffee is not suitable for certain age groups.

Media has played a role in increasing coffee consumption among the American people. Through the dissemination of medical information about this beverage and effective advertising campaigns with catchy slogans, they have encouraged people to drink coffee.

Coffee and the American Revolution

During the time of the American Revolution, coffee played a vital role in the lives of soldiers. They needed an energizing drink, so coffee made its way onto the scene.

(“The History of Coffee in America,” National Coffee Association, n.d.)

Coffee’s influence on American culture continued to expand throughout the 20th century. Coffeehouses emerged as social hubs, where artists, writers, and activists gathered to discuss ideas and foster creativity.

In an exclusive video from the YouTube channel “History,” you can watch detailed information about the history of coffee in America. The coffee culture in this country dates back to the 1960s.

It is worth mentioning that as a coffee lover, it is possible to divide different types of coffee in the USA based:

The cultivar of the plan: The term “cultivar” refers to a specific type of coffee plant. Cultivars are used for cultivation purposes. It is interesting to note that each coffee cultivar possesses various characteristics, including flavor and properties specific to that plant type.
The origin of Coffee: The origin of coffee dates back to Ethiopia, particularly in a region called Kaffa. The discovery of coffee took place in Ethiopia and it was cultivated in the Arabian Peninsula and later spread to other parts of the world.
Coffee processing method
Level of roasting
Brewing method
Coffee additives

By having a look at the list above, it is very easy to say by considering the cultivation, harvesting, processing, roasting, and brewing methods, we have dozens of coffee drinks with different flavors.

Furthermore, if you consider the diversity of natural and artificial additives that are used to brew coffee, the coffee types in USA can become even countless!

For this reason, we want to dive a bit more and have a deeper look at the coffee types in USA:

What are the types of coffee beans in USA?

Two main variety of coffee bean in the USA (and in all over the world) are:

Arabica
Robusta
Excelsa
Liberica

You know about the differences that this two main variety have (first and second in the list). So, we won’t explain their characteristics here. Just keep in mind that many people in USA prefer to have Arabica variety.

What are the differences between coffee cultivars?

The differences between the cultivars of coffee will result in beans with slightly different compounds. So, the flavor notes and floral of coffee beans can vary by the cultivar. Can I compare coffee beans professionally?

No, it is not easy to distinguish between different coffee beans, unless, you be a professional tester or a connoisseur.

Keep in mind that each coffee can have a different taste by considering its sweetness, acidity, fruity notes, or bitterness.

So, you need to learn more about the origin of coffee beans to find best types of coffee in USA.

Does the origin of coffee matter?

Yes, Unites States imports coffee beans from different countries. So, the origin of coffee is a defining factor in quality and flavor profile of coffee.

We recommend that, if you are looking to find best coffee types in the united states, try to purchase single origin and organic coffee beans. Why?

They have healthier and are free of artificial additives or chemicals.

In the following, we’ll try to mention several popular types of coffee in the USA that they are only difference is that they are prepared by different brewing methods or additives.

Coffee types in USA – brewing method

Brewing method is a defining factor in coffee preparation process. Every coffee lover in united states may have his or her own favorite types of coffee.

For example, people in USA may like latte, cappuccino, or Americano as their popular types of coffee. What’s your favorite?

Do you know the differences between latte and cappuccino or Americanos?

Are you aware of the flavor profile or brewing methods for popular coffee types in USA?

If you know the exact answer for the above mentioned questions, you can explore new things to improve your skills and become a barista.

If you don’t know the answer, and if you walk into a café in the united states, there are different types of coffee that are more likely to be available in the menu to choose among them. read on to learn more about the popular coffee types in USA and their differences:

Espresso

A shot of espresso without additive is not the first choice of many Americans, but it is the most basic type of coffee that is important for brewing other types of popular coffees.

For example, popular drinks like latte and cappuccino are made based on espresso.

brewing process of espresso

To brew espresso, you need to force boiling water through fine coffee ground. The process needs pressure to help coffee extraction. Finally, you’ll have a very thick and concentrated cup of coffee.

espresso vs drip coffee

A cup of espresso drink has more caffeine content than that of drip coffee. But, it is usually served in small shots. So, a small shot of espresso and a large cup of drip coffee have similar amount of caffeine.

Espresso machines

In the United States, to brew this drink you can use espresso machine. it is not difficult to use them.

Espresso machines may work manually. But, by using electric machines it is possible to brew espresso automatically.

Double Espresso

If one espresso isn’t enough for you, or if you prefer it a bit stronger, you can order a double espresso, which means two espressos served simultaneously.

Espresso Lungo

Espresso Lungo is a type of classic espresso that originates from Milan and roughly translates to “long espresso.” This name refers to the extended period during which water is passed through the compacted coffee grounds because twice the amount of water is used in this process.

Latte

If you pour one shot or two shots of espresso into steamed milk, you’ll have latte.

So, it is a very simple drink for people in us to brew. Of course, it needs a layer of foam on top to become a perfect cup of drink.

how to serve it

Latte is usually served hot, but, you can drink it cold as well. Keep in mind: Many people in united states prefer to dilute harsh flavor of espresso by using milk. So, latte is nice drink to sip on different occasion.

Important note:

In recent years, creating foam on top of latte has become an art for baristas. So, if you go to the café in USA, perhaps you’ll see an artistic foam on top of your latte.

Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is a classic type of cold coffee and was first prepared around 1790 in Vienna.

You can also easily make iced coffee at home by placing 1 to 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream in a tall glass and pouring cold coffee or espresso over it. Finally, you can top it with whipped cream.

Frappé Coffee

Frappé coffee, or simply frappé, was accidentally invented in 1957 by Dimitris Vakondios, a Greek man who didn’t have hot water on hand and had to resort to instant coffee and cold water.

To prepare it, soluble coffee powder, water, and extra sugar are shaken together in a shaker until frothy and then poured into a tall glass.

Cappuccino

Latte and cappuccino are quite similar. The fact is both of them are a mixture of espresso with milk.

But, cappuccino has a robust taste. Why?

Because, to brew cappuccino, baristas use less milk and more foam. This creates a richer drink.

So, if you are looking for a bit more extra flavorful drink, it seems cappuccino is a better option.

The important note to mention here is that many first time drinkers may become surprised with foamy and lightweight of cappuccino.

Americano

It is a different drink that are among popular types of coffee. It is also brewed based on espresso.

Many people in us say that Americano is the simplest coffee type that is their preferred drink. Why?

Because, to have Americano, you just need to add espresso to a cup of water and enjoy it.

Americano vs drip coffee

In fact, Americano is similar to drip coffee. Because, its more diluted than espresso. The only difference is that it is a bit intense and has stronger flavor profile than drip coffee.

Type of coffee USA – mocha

To brew mocha, you just need to add some hot chocolate, chocolate syrup, or its powder to the coffee in the brewing process.

Iced mocha is another delicious drink that are made by using ice and milk.

Mocha and latte are similar in their preparation and brewing method. But, by having a hint of chocolate, mocha tastes very different.

In fact, some people in United States say that mocha is the result of a marriage between coffee and chocolate.

Flat white

As a popular coffee types in USA, that contains milk and foam, you may say that flat white is similar to latte and cappuccino.

But, flat white has less milk or foam. It is brewed with two shots of espresso. So, it’s more concentrated and smaller than its alternatives.

Keep in mind: in recent years, differences between latte, flat white, and cappuccino have become more blurred. Why?

When cappuccino became a popular drink in USA, it had a lot of foam on top. So, many people asked for flat drinks, which means drinks with less foam on top.

This request led to the flat white as a type of coffee in us.

But, today cappuccinos have less foam on top than what they had before. So, they look similar to flat white.

Coffee types in USA – frappe

This is a special type of recipe in the us that is served iced. Frappes are widely different in their taste and flavor profile.

Because, the number and the amount of ingredients that are used for brewing this drink can vary a lot.

Frappe is typically a mix of coffee, sugar, milk, ice, and water. For topping, you can use whipped cream.

But, this doesn’t end here. Adding juices, extra spices, and other natural or artificial additives can result in very different types of drinks.

So, you can feel free and satisfy your taste by any additive that you like!

So, many believe that they are among popular types of coffee in USA that are suitable for holidays and special occasions.

Final thought

Today, with the endless types of coffee that are on the menu is cafés, it has become more challenging for ordinary people to choose one of the best coffee types in USA.

So, we tried to mention several types of coffee that are among popular types of coffee in united states.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed this article and find the best type of coffee that offers your preferred flavor profile.

(“Coffee in America: History and Culture”, Smithsonian Folklife Festival, 2019).