Coffee Break with Judy's Java Joint

By Lois Thompson

Gone are the days when you can just walk into the local coffee shop and ask for a simple cup of coffee, because the options are so varied. Along with black or with sugar and/or cream, the two most common choices are regular or decaffeinated, but the number of others is increasing.

One of the most popular today is espresso. This coffee is stronger than regular black coffee; it is brewed by using high water pressure to force steam through finely ground coffee beans, resulting in a small, concentrated shot. However, if you are concerned about caffeine, this concentrated shot – usually one ounce – contains 63 mg of caffeine. Regular coffee, on the other hand, has 12 to 16 mg per ounce; most people, though, usually consume just one or two shots of espresso at a time, which results in less caffeine than an average mug of the regular.

Another difference between the two is that espresso is thicker than plain black coffee and can be used as a base for making a variety of other coffee drinks. Some of those include:

  • Cappuccino: A combination of equal parts espresso, steamed milk and milk foam. This is extremely popular among coffee drinkers and has become a staple in even the most common corner coffee shops.

  • Caffe latte: One shot of espresso with three parts steamed milk

  • Caffe mocha: Chocolate syrup and whipped cream added to cappuccino or a caffe latte

  • Macchiato: One shot of espresso with foam milk, often combined with multiple other flavors, such as caramel and vanilla

  • Americano: One shot of espresso with a cup of hot water, which is also known as a diluted espresso

  • Irish coffee: One shot of espresso with a dash of whiskey

  • Flat white: Equal parts espresso and steamed milk

Especially popular during the hot months, iced coffee can either be prepared black or white and poured over ice, or be cold-brewed, meaning that the beans are brewed in cold or room-temperature water for as long as 24 hours.

Perhaps you aren't familiar with some of these, but they might get you thinking about trying something new when heading for your next cup.

Judy's Java Joint is a family-owned local coffee shop located in the Ruthfred Shopping Center, 3400 South Park Rd., Bethel Park. Enjoy our cozy shop to do work (free wi-fi), meet with friends or just relax with a great cup of coffee. We have everything you might be craving: gourmet coffee and tea, espresso drinks, smoothies, frappes, hot chocolate, chai tea, protein frappes, pastries and more!

Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.–2 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; 412-833-5282; judysjava.com