Nespresso's Comprehensive Glossary of Coffee Terms You Should Know

Coffee, in its many forms, is a beloved beverage that is enjoyed everywhere. It serves as an important part of one’s daily rituals while also being a source of pleasure for many. Like any other hobby, the vast array of coffee-related terms and words can seem overwhelming, especially for beginners.

If you’re new to the coffee genre, this glossary aims to demystify the language and terminology of coffee to provide you with a clear idea of what to expect.

Acidity

A basic taste detected by the tongue, similar to the sensation of lemon juice. In coffee, a pleasant acidity refers to a lively and refreshing tang.

Affogato

A traditional Italian drink consisting of a scoop of ice cream (usually vanilla) and a shot of espresso. Learn how to make this delightful coffee dessert at home with Nespresso's Affogato recipe.

Agrume

A French term that means citrusy, like lemon or orange, in coffee.

Americano

A coffee drink prepared with a shot of espresso diluted with hot water. Discover Nespresso's take on this classic coffee beverage with our Americano recipe.

Arabica

A popular coffee bean variety prized for its smooth flavour profile, pleasant acidity, and balanced sweetness.

Aroma

The inviting and pleasant smell when coffee is freshly brewed or ground. Nespresso capsules are designed to preserve the delicate aromas of the coffee beans to ensure a delightful experience with each cup.

Barista

A professional skilled in making espressos and other coffee-based recipes like cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and more.

Bitterness

A taste on the back of the tongue, like chicory or dark chocolate. Adds a touch of complexity to coffee but in excess can be unpleasant and a sign of over-extraction.

Blend

A mixture of different coffee bean varieties or origins which creates a unique flavour profile based on carefully selecting and balancing the characteristics of each bean.

Body

Refers to the texture of the beverage i.e. its fullness, viscosity, and density. For example, a full-bodied coffee has a thick mouthfeel whereas a coffee that is lacking in body is watery and fluid.

Brewing

It is the process of extracting the flavours and aromas from coffee grounds using hot water.

Buttery Note

A pleasant aroma or flavour reminiscent of dairy products like butter or cream. This note is often associated with smooth and well-balanced coffees.

Caffeine

A natural stimulant in coffee beans that gives you an energy boost. The amount varies by bean and brewing method.

Cappuccino

A traditional Italian coffee drink made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. If you want to learn how to make this classic drink at home, check out our Cappuccino recipe for step-by-step instructions!

Capsule

An airtight, non-toxic package (made from recyclable aluminium) for ground coffee that locks in the freshness and aroma of the coffee for up to 12 months.

Cereal Note

An inviting coffee flavour (often from lighter roasts) that reminds one of cereal products like bread, toast, and breakfast cereals. This note can sometimes be accompanied by hints of nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds.

Cherry

The fruit of the coffee tree that is green in colour when unripe, and red when it matures. Inside the fruit is the “seed” which we refer to as the coffee bean.

Cocoa Note

The flavour or aroma of coffee (often found in darker roasts) that adds a rich, chocolatey dimension to the coffee’s profile. It is said to be similar to dark chocolate or cocoa powder. This note is also sometimes accompanied by subtle hints of liquorice.

Coffee Tree

Only two main varieties of coffee trees are grown commercially for their beans: Arabica (Coffea Arabica) and Robusta (Coffea Canephora).

Cold Brew

A type of coffee made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, typically 12 - 24 hours, resulting in a smoother, less acidic coffee with a unique flavour profile. For a convenient way to enjoy the smooth and refreshing taste of cold brew, look no further than Nespresso’s Cold Brew Style Intense capsules from the Vertuo range.

Crema

The rich, golden foam that rests on top of an espresso. It’s a natural result of the brewing process which not only adds a delightful texture to your espresso but also helps trap and release the delicious coffee aromas for a more enjoyable experience.

Decaffeination

The natural or chemical process of removing caffeine from the coffee beans before roasting. Nespresso’s decaf coffee uses the natural method to extract caffeine to ensure you can still enjoy the delicious flavours and aromas of coffee, anytime.

Dry Method

A traditional coffee processing method where the whole coffee cherry is laid out in the sun to dry. This natural drying process infuses the coffee beans with a unique flavour profile, often described as fruity or sweet. After drying, the hull is removed to reveal the green coffee bean.

Earthy Note

The subtle hint of fresh earth, damp soil, or even mushrooms that can be present in certain coffee beans. These earthy characteristics are common in Indonesian coffee varieties, but can also be found in other origins.

Espresso

A strong and concentrated drink made by forcing hot water at high pressure through finely ground coffee. Espresso is the foundation of many popular coffee drinks, including those created with Nespresso machines. It is also known for its thick, rich crema, intense flavour, and full body.

Flat White

A coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk, which creates a smooth texture with a thin foam layer. This contrasts with cappuccinos, which have a thicker layer of foam on top. You can create your own version of this popular coffee drink by following Nespresso’s Flat White recipe.

Flavour

The overall sensory experience created by the combination of taste, aroma, and mouthfeel when you enjoy a cup of coffee.

Fruity-Winey Note

Describes a note with hints of red fruit like blackcurrants, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. This note can sometimes be accompanied by a subtle hints of other fruity flavours like apricots, plums, apples, pears, or peaches.

Green Coffee

Refers to unroasted coffee beans that have been processed to remove the pulp and fruit. These green beans are then meticulously sorted, graded, and shipped to merchants like Nespresso for roasting.

Intensity

The intensity of a coffee is determined by the degree of roasting, its body and its bitterness; it bears no relation to the percentage of caffeine in the espresso.

Latte

A milk-based coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk, creating a smooth texture with a thin layer of foam ideal as a canvas for latte art. Lattes are the foundation for many creative coffee recipes such as Nespresso’s Mocca Latte and Iced Rosemary Latte.

Lungo

An espresso with a longer extraction time, resulting in a larger and mellow drink with less strong flavour.

Macchiato

A coffee beverage created with a shot of espresso and topped with a small amount of foamed milk, which adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess to the espresso without overpowering its bold flavour. Learn to make your first macchiato at home with Nespresso’s Espresso Macchiato recipe.

Mocha

Mocha is a coffee beverage that combines rich espresso with decadent chocolate notes. It is traditionally made with espresso, chocolate syrup, and steamed milk, but can also be crafted using cocoa powder or flavoured syrups.

Monsooned Coffee

A unique processing method found in India where the green coffee is exposed to monsoon weather. The moisture is absorbed by the beans, mellowing their acidity and resulting in a smooth and earthy cup with a distinct profile.

Original

Refers to Nespresso’s Original range of coffee machines and coffee capsules.

Picking

A harvesting method of the coffee cherries done by hand to guarantee that only ripe cherries are picked. This ensures only the best quality fruit which contributes to the overall enjoyment of the coffee.

Ristretto

It is a type of espresso made with less water, resulting in a more concentrated and intense shot. Ristretto is known for its bold flavour profile and is enjoyed by those who appreciate a stronger coffee.

Roasted Note

The deep and complex aromas developed in the coffee beans during the roasting process. These notes can range from chocolatey and caramel to nutty and smoky depending on the variety and roasting profile.

Roasting

The process of transforming green coffee beans by “toasting” them through controlled heat. Roasting unlocks the bean’s wide range of flavours and aromas, with lighter roasts bring brighter notes and darker roasts showcasing bolder profiles.

Robusta

A popular coffee bean variety known for its bold and intense flavour profile, as well as its earthy notes. Robusta beans have more caffeine compared to Arabica beans.

Single-Origin Coffee

A coffee that originates from only one specific location (country, region, or plantation) and has not been blended.

Stripping

A harvesting method where all the coffee cherries, along with leaves and sometimes stalks, are removed from the branches at once and sorted later.

Terroir

A French term referring to the unique set of environmental conditions where the coffee beans are grown. Every coffee-growing region has its own distinct terroir, which can influence the final flavour profile. These conditions include factors like soil composition, climate, and altitude.

Vertuo

Refers to Nespresso’s Vertuo range of coffee machines and coffee capsules.

Washed Coffee

Refers to the green coffee after it has been processed by the wet method.

Wet Method

A coffee processing method where the pulp from coffee cherries is removed after harvesting. The beans are then washed and dried, resulting in “washed coffee”, known for its clean and well-balanced profile.

Woody Note

Evokes the aroma of dry wood, pencils, or products aged in oak barrels. This profile is sometimes associated with the scent of coniferous bushes (like pine) or aromatic woods like sandalwood.

Unlocking the Lingo: A Glossary of Coffee-Related Words & Terms

Now that you're equipped with the knowledge to be a coffee connoisseur, it's time to head out and explore Nespresso to find your perfect capsule. If you’re still figuring out what you like, we recommend you try our coffee quiz to find your new favourite coffee.

Ready to put your new coffee knowledge to the test? Explore Nespresso’s range of coffee machines today. Choose between Original and Vertuo to discover your perfect cup.