When you order a cup of coffee in Europe, you’ll get what Americans call espresso. Normal coffee in America is actually what other countries call ‘drip coffee’ or ‘filtered’ coffee.
This article looks at what ‘Normal’ coffee is called around the world.
What is American Normal Coffee Called?
When Americans ask for a cup of regular coffee, they’re usually talking about coffee brewed in a coffee pot.
Ground coffee is placed loosely in a filter, through which hot water is poured and strained to produce a cup (or 8) of fresh hot coffee.
The coffee this produces is named for the process. Namely, drip coffee.
Alternatively it can also be called filtered coffee,
Filtered coffee is weaker than other forms of brewed coffee, particularly espresso, designed for those who like the flavor of coffee without the potency.
Is Drip Coffee The Same as Instant Coffee?
Drip coffee can be used as a type of instant coffee, but they aren’t the same thing. Instant coffee has been pre-brewed and processed to dissolve in water for the ‘instant’ aspect.
Drip coffee, on the other hand, needs to be ground and brewed.
Using it like instant coffee won’t give you the same flavor, and you’ll need to strain it at some point, unless you plan on drinking your coffee more Turkish style.
Is Drip Coffee Considered Regular Coffee in Any Other Countries?
Asian countries like China and Japan often serve drip coffee for regular black coffee.
Like America, filtered coffee is the default in China in Japan, with espresso being something to order specifically.
Russia uses the same terminology, with ‘black coffee’ being differentiated from espresso.
Are There Any Other Terms Used for ‘Normal’ Coffee?
In some areas, a shot of espresso is mixed with water, instead of using drip coffee.
This is often called an Americano, because it tends to have about the same strength as a drip coffee when prepared. It is thus considered ‘American’ coffee.
It can also be called ‘cafe noir’, as it is France. Beans steeped in hot water, the quality of which is determined by the beans themsleves.
What is Considered ‘Normal’ Coffee in Other Areas?
In most of Europe asking for plain coffee will actually get you a shot of espresso. Most are a single shot, though you can ask for more.
In countries like Germany, an espresso shot would be called ‘Schwarzkaffee’, or black coffee, exactly as Americans would order a cup of drip coffee.
Is There Any Difference Between Drip Coffee and Espresso Coffee Besides the Brewing?
Espresso beans – what’s referred to as ‘normal are roasted longer than the beans used in drip coffee.
The longer roasting produces a fuller, toasted flavor, reduces acidity, and increases the oiliness released by the beans.
Espresso roasts are far darker than any drip coffee roast, which is why drip coffee has ‘light roast’, ‘medium roast’ and ‘dark roast’, and espresso does not.
Grinding:
Espresso is also meant to be ground much more finely, so the water filters through a tightly packed grounds, as opposed to the looser packing of drip coffee.
This is also why part of the brewing process for espresso involves tamping down the grounds into the portafilter before adding the water.
What Effect Does This Have On The Coffee Flavor?
The combination of oils released in the preparation and the finer ground allows stronger coffee, even with the shorter exposure to the water.
The method of brewing is specifically designed to extract the best flavor.
It is possible to use espresso beans and grounds in a drip coffee machine without any ill effects.
On the other hand, if you try to use drip coffee with espresso equipment, you won’t get nearly the same quality of coffee.
What Beans Are Used in Normal Drip Coffee and Normal Espresso Coffee?
Both drip coffee and espresso coffee are made from the same types of cffee beans.
For most normal types of coffee, there are two types of beans that are used. Arabica and Robusta beans.
Arabica and Robusta beans are grown in a wide variety of locations.
What’s the Difference Between Arabica and Robusta Beans?
Arabica beans are full of flavor and aroma. They’re considered some of the highest quality beans, and used in over 60% of the worlds coffee.
Robusta beans are the second most common type of coffee beans. They have the double the caffeine of Arabica beans, and a much harsher flavor.
Robusta also sometimes have a hint of chocolate flavor.
Is There a Normal Coffee Blend or Type for Brewing?
In terms of drip coffee, a medium roast is the most common type used for brewing.
Espresso is a roast all it’s own.
In terms of blends, there are several different variations. Usually, they’re designated by their region, such as the Sumatran blend.
What Blends Are Most Often Used for Drip Coffee and Espresso?
Most coffee shops have a special ‘house’ blend they prefer to use. It’s commonly something like a Peabody or Sumatran blend.
Most shops stock a mix of Columbian, Brazil and Guatemalan blends for their drip coffee and ground coffee.
Higher end blends are most commonly made with Kona coffee beans.
Italian blends and roasts are most commonly recomended for espresso.
What’s Normally in Folgers or Maxwell House Coffee?
Folgers is made from a blend of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans from different regions.
What region is used depends on the type of blend that is being made.
Maxwell House is reputed to also be a blend of Robusta and Arabica beans, however some blends are supposed to be 100% Arabica.
What’s the Normal Type of Coffee Served in McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts?
McDonald’s coffee is made of 100% Arabica beans, for the best combination of affordability and taste.
Dunkin Donuts uses 100% Arabica beans from Central and South America, sourced with the help of the Rainforest Alliance.
Starbucks also uses 100% Arabica beans, sourced from Latin America.
The differences in flavor between these three businesses comes from the differences in the region from which the beans are sourced.
Hi, I’m Jen Williams, chief editor and writer for ThirstPerk.com.
I’ve been drinking coffee and tea for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started working at Thirstperk.com that I became an expert on the subject. I’m a total caffeine addict who has spent hours upon hours reading about and experimenting with the different types of coffees out there in my search to find the perfect cup of joe.
I’ve been a tea lover for as long as I can remember as well. I grew up in a house with a mom who loved to drink herbal tea, and I think that’s where my love for tea first began. These days, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting teas to try, and I love experimenting with different brewing methods and flavoring combinations.
