Clearing up the Coffee Confusion

      At Modoc’s we pride ourselves on serving fresh, hot, delicious coffee.  We love to see a customer’s thirst quenched and their cravings quelled. Be it a latte, Americano, or frappe, we like to think our beverage options far surpass those of an at home coffee maker, gas station, or other popular unnamed coffee chains. We understand you have a choice in where your caffeinated concoctions are made, and we hope to provide an enjoyable and carefree experience each time you visit.
        That being said, we realize that ordering your coffee is quite literally like trying to speak a foreign language.  It can often be overwhelming, confusing, and even a little intimidating.  If you’ve ever stared blankly at our menu and wondered what any of those fancy-schmancy words mean, fear not. You are not alone! Maybe you ordered a drink with the expectation of a sweet, satisfying blend of deliciousness, only to receive a strong coffee-flavored cup of foam. We suppose we’ve got some explaining to do! Let’s take a look at our coffee bar drinks and clear up some confusion.
        First, let’s discuss our BREWED COFFEE.  If you love a good ol’ cup of Joe, our brewed coffee is the drink for you!  We sell a ton of different roasts ranging from light to dark.  The darker the roast, the stronger and bolder the coffee will taste. Kenya AA is the darkest roast we brew.   A lighter roast like our Breakfast Blend will taste less rich and more mild.  We offer a variety of flavored coffee. For the perfect blend of butterscotch and hazelnut try our Highlander Grog. It is the favorite of locals and visitors alike. We recommend you try them all!
       Now for a different type of coffee...ESPRESSO.  Often mispronounced “ex-presso,” Espresso is a very strong, highly concentrated building block of most of our coffee bar options. Espresso is typically served in one ounce portions referred to as shots. One shot is a single, two is a double, and so on and so on. It is enjoyed on its own or used to make other drinks.

The Cappuccino is layered with espresso, steamed milk, and thick foam

      

       Next, the CAPPUCCINO (cap-uh-chino). This one gets a little tricky. Stop in at any convenience store and you’ll undoubtedly see a machine that dispenses a flavored, hot liquid claiming to be Cappuccino. The only problem is, that liquid is not the same cappuccino available at coffee shops. Because of this, many people are shocked and frustrated when they are served a correctly-made cappuccino for the first time. The real deal is layered with espresso, steamed milk, and a whole bunch of thick, foamed milk.  You can sweeten it up or drink it as is depending on your preference.

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The latte is made with espresso, steamed milk, and a light layer of foam

​     This brings us to the LATTE (la-tay). Lattes are made with espresso, steamed milk, and a small layer of foam on top. Served with or without a syrup flavor, these drinks are our most popular option.   They are considered milkier than Cappuccinos and have a nice balance of coffee and milk. Order your latte Breve style if you like your drinks extra creamy, and instead of milk, we’ll use half and half.  If you need your chocolate fix, order a MOCHA (moke-uh)...it’s just a chocolate latte! On a warm day, try a latte over ice for something more refreshing.

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Macchiatos are "stained" with espresso

    
       Let’s move on to the MACCHIATO (mock-ee-auto).  Getting its name from the Italian word for stained, this drink is made by “staining” foamed milk with espresso.  It is quite foamy and is similar to a Cappuccino. The espresso, however, is poured on top of the drink through the foam allowing the bold coffee flavor to blend into the layers of milk.  Macchiatos are often offered with caramel, but keep in mind many coffee shops market caramel Macchiatos as their signature drink. Several syrups might be combined to create their signature flavor. Here at Modoc’s, we offer any syrup flavor with our Macchiatos!

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       Another popular drink we offer is the AMERICANO (Ameri-con-o). Although this is a fairly simple drink, it is packed with a bold coffee flavor. The Americano is made with hot water and topped off with espresso.  This is a great choice if you don’t care for the milkiness of a latte, but love the flavor of espresso.  It’s common for people to add a splash of milk, half and half, or even a syrup flavor just to spruce it up a bit.
       On to the FRAPPE (frap-ay). Because they are blended with ice, these drinks are perfect for a hot day or if you prefer to drink your dessert. We offer a large variety of frappe flavors with or without coffee. The Cookies and Cream frappe is a great coffee-free option while the Java Chip Frappe is a nice blend of coffee and chocolate flavor. Top it off with whipped cream to satisfy your sweet tooth. 
       Last but definitely not least, the CUBAN (cube-en).  This is a delightful variation of a latte. Made with steamed milk and foam, this delicious drink has sugar in the raw and cinnamon layered right into the espresso. It is already slightly sweet, but it is great with a splash of vanilla bean, caramel, or just about anything. Ask any of our baristas, and they will tell you this is, by far, their favorite drink! They will rave about it’s flavor being life-changing and awe-inspiring. Be warned though, you might not ever want to try another coffee drink again...it’s that delicious!
    Now you know the basics and you’ve earned your barista badge. We hope we cleared up some confusion. Now it’s up to you to find your signature flavor.  Mix syrups! Add extra shots! Go wild! Between our drink choices, our huge variety of syrup flavors, and your imagination, the possibilities are practically endless!  Just like in life, you’ll never know until you try, and we’re glad to be here when you do! If you’re still unsure, don’t worry. We’re always available to help cure your cravings and your curiosity...all you have to do is ask.  We hope to see you soon during your next ordering adventure!