Coffee Knowledge
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
Irish Coffee: The Boozy Brew That’ll Get You Tipsy
Yes, Irish coffee can get you drunk—thanks to its whiskey content. Here’s how much alcohol is really in your cup and why it tastes so good.
Chocolate-Style Mocha Coffee for Chocolate Lovers
Learn how to make a rich chocolatey mocha using espresso and chocolate, with recommended beans for that nutty, sweet profile.
Royal Coffee: Napoleon’s Bold Brandy-Flamed Espresso Drink
Royal coffee blends espresso with flambéed cognac and sugar — a dramatic, sweet-bitter French classic credited to Emperor Napoleon.
How to Make Japanese-Style Green Tea Coffee
Discover the unique blend of green tea and coffee that originated in Japan, balancing floral freshness with rich coffee depth.
How Ice Latte Creates Its Striking Black-and-White Layers
Discover how an ice latte forms its iconic layered look using simple ingredients like fruit syrup, milk, and espresso, with precise layering technique.
How to Make a Magical Ice Cream Coffee Drink
A creamy vanilla ice cream base gets a shot of espresso, topped with chocolate drizzle and whipped cream for a refreshing coffee treat.
What Is East Timor Arabica Coffee?
East Timor Arabica beans offer a bold, fruity profile with some bitterness and dry aroma—here’s what to expect from this lesser-known origin.
What Makes Ethiopian Harar Coffee So Bold?
Harar coffee from Ethiopia is known for its bold, full-bodied flavor, mild acidity, and unusually low caffeine content. Dry processing enhances its intense character.
How Caffeine in Coffee Affects Your Body
Caffeine boosts alertness and digestion—but timing matters. Learn how coffee affects appetite, energy, and even allergy symptoms.
How to Digitally Measure a Perfect Espresso Shot
A precise breakdown of the numbers behind brewing a high-quality espresso: dose, grind, pressure, time, and yield.
What Is Ristretto and How to Make It for Flat White
Ristretto is the concentrated base of flat white. Learn how it differs from espresso, why it’s used, and how to pull it with the same dose in less liquid.
Winter Café Innovation: MOJITO-Iced Cocktail Coffee
Discover how MOJITO-iced cocktail coffee blends espresso, vodka, mint, and crushed ice for a bold winter twist on a classic summer drink.
How to Make a Double Espresso Two-Layer Cappuccino Freddo
A two-layer Cappuccino Freddo uses two espressos, crushed ice, and thick milk foam for a striking black-and-white cold coffee. Here’s how it’s built.
How to Make an Affogato: Coffee with Ice Cream
Learn how to make an authentic Affogato with espresso, vanilla ice cream, toffee syrup, and chocolate shavings for the perfect summer dessert coffee.
New-Age Coffee: Espresso, Ice Cream & Vodka Drink
Discover the 2011 illy New-Age coffee: espresso, ice cream, orange liqueur, vodka, and chocolate flakes. Coming to Shanghai in mid-June.
Key Coffee Tasting Terms Every Specialty Drinker Should Know
Learn the 15 most common and essential coffee tasting terms used in specialty coffee evaluation, from acidity to winey notes.
The Four Types of Coffee Trees Grown Around the World
Learn about the four main coffee species—Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa—and why Colombian-grown Arabica stands out globally.
Drip Coffee vs Espresso: Key Differences Explained
Learn the essential differences between drip coffee and espresso, from brewing methods to flavor, strength, and usage in popular drinks.
What Is Premium Espresso and How Is It Made
Premium espresso uses a Brazilian-South American blend for rich crema and bold flavor. Learn the blend, roast, and extraction details behind true Italian-style espresso.
How the French Drink Coffee: Rituals and Etiquette You Should Know
Discover how the French approach coffee—both casually and formally—with rituals around dress, conversation, and serving etiquette that shape the experience.