How ‘Friends’ Defined the Coffee Classics

During the 1990’s, when Pret a Manger first opened in the UK, it was in the midst of the Friends phenomena.

They marketed their coffees as “The Frothy One”, “The Milky One, or “The Short One”….If your hair didn’t suit the Rachel haircut then at least you could drink coffee like a friend cosying up on a sofa in the Central Perk. It was a clever way to introduce the general populace to what was then considered ‘fancy coffee’ aka cappuccinos and lattes. Since then, our palettes have evolved when it comes to our beans and our brew and the combinations of flavours and milks would read more like, “The Half-Sweet One with Oat Milk a Triple Shot, Cold Foam hold the Sprinkles”.  (Too long a title for any sitcom!)

Certain episodes of ‘Friends’ remain classic, as do certain coffees. And as your friend who happens to own an award winning cafe, I’d like to help you get a handle on the classics that keep our customers buzzing.

All good brews start with a wonderfully roasted bean. At Lazy Daisy’s Café, we use DeMello, an award-winning roaster in Toronto. However, no matter how good the bean, the skills of your barista are imperative to drawing out the best of the bean. From the size of the grind to the speed of the drip…it all affects the taste. Our friendly baristas are well trained to serve you the perfect cup.

Grab your favorite mug, ‘perk’ up and let’s sip on some coffee know-how….

1. Espresso The heart and soul of every great coffee drink – the espresso. This little shot packs a punch with its intense flavor and rich crema. It's the base for many other coffee drinks, but some purists enjoy it straight up. You can have a single shot or a double shot. Think of it as the MVP of the coffee world.

2. Americano For those who like their coffee smooth and a bit milder, the Americano is your go-to. It’s essentially an espresso diluted with hot water, offering a similar strength to drip coffee but with a bolder, richer flavor. Perfect for sipping on a quiet morning while you read the paper.

3. Latte The darling of the coffee shop crowd, the latte is a creamy, dreamy concoction of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a light layer of foam. It’s a canvas for baristas to showcase their latte art skills, and a comforting choice for those who prefer a milky coffee.

4. Cappuccino Ah, the cappuccino – equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. It’s a well-balanced, frothy delight that offers a bit more punch than a latte. Ideal for those mid-morning pick-me-ups when you need just the right amount of pep in your step.

5. Mocha For the chocoholics out there, the mocha combines the best of both worlds – coffee and chocolate. It’s an indulgent mix of espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup, topped with whipped cream. A sweet treat that’s perfect for dessert or an afternoon indulgence.

6. Macchiato If you like your coffee with a bit of flair, the macchiato is your star. It’s an espresso “stained” with a splash of steamed milk, offering a strong coffee flavor with just a hint of creaminess. A great choice for those who like their coffee bold with a touch of elegance.

7. Flat White The flat white is a favorite among our down-under friends in Australia and New Zealand. It’s similar to a latte but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a velvety microfoam. It’s a smooth and rich drink that coffee aficionados adore.

8. Cold Brew For those hot summer days (or any day, really), cold brew is the way to go. It’s made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a smooth, less acidic brew. Refreshing and invigorating, it’s the perfect pick-me-up on a scorching day.

9. Nitro Cold Brew Take your cold brew up a notch with nitro cold brew. It’s infused with nitrogen gas, giving it a creamy, frothy texture and a rich, velvety mouthfeel. It’s like drinking a coffee stout, minus the alcohol. A must-try for the adventurous coffee lover.

There you have it – these are the classics. Starbuckian is an entirely different language which requires it’s own study guide. Whether you’re an espresso aficionado or a latte lover, there’s a cup of ‘Joey’y’  out there with your name on it.

Until next time, keep sipping and savoring!

Cheers, Dawn ☕🍰