Macchiato? Ristretto? Gibraltar? The coffee world comes with its vocabulary that most people don’t think about when ordering a drink at their local coffee shop. Understanding the language of coffee can enhance each sip, so we decided to compile a list of common words we often use in our day-to-day that might help you navigate menus, talk shop, and deepen your appreciation for the craft. Consider this your go-to guide for deciding on coffee, one word at a time! 

As a barista, there’s a lot more to making a great cup of coffee than just pulling an espresso shot. One of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects is steaming milk to perfection.

It happens at least once a week.

Someone points to our menu, eyebrows raised. “What’s a Gibraltar?” they ask, half-whispering like they’re worried it’s a secret club they weren’t invited to.

Let’s start with this: a Gibraltar is just another name for a Cortado at Tala