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The Best Coffee Shops Near Oak Park (Updated 2025)

Written by Admin | Mar 28, 2025 3:15:00 PM

What are the Most Common Coffeehouse Drinks?

 

Drip coffee is the most common type of coffee, a popular brewing method where hot water is slowly dripped over ground coffee beans through a filter, as you typically would at home.

 

Pour Over is a simple way to make freshly brewed coffee by hand-pouring hot water over coffee grounds, giving precise control over water temperature, pouring speed, and brewing time.

 

Espresso is much stronger in flavor and caffeine than coffee and brewed by forcing nearly boiling water through finely ground espresso beans, which creates a concentrated coffee. This is the base for many Italian-style coffee drinks. 

 

Latte is one of the most popular espresso drinks; it begins with an espresso shot poured with steamed milk and a small amount of milk foam added on top. 

 

Cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and thick foam. 

 

Cortado is a small, espresso-based coffee drink originating in Spain, made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, resulting in a balanced and smooth flavor. The name "cortado" comes from the Spanish word "cortar," meaning "to cut," referring to the milk "cutting" the intensity of the espresso.

 

Americano is a simple mix of espresso and water. The Americano was invented in World War II when European baristas added water to their espresso to give the American soldiers a less concentrated flavor (like coffee). 

 

Mocha is a variety of espresso-based drinks made with added chocolate.

 

Cafe au lait is made with equal parts strong coffee and steamed milk, a traditional French coffee drink.

 

Macchiato means spotted, so a macchiato is an espresso served with a spot of milk or foamed milk.  

 

Whatever your choice, meet us for a cup at any of the incredible coffee shops just due west of Chicago.