Coffee. That early morning jump starter. If you are like me, it’s just part of my “get up and get going” routine. And I just love the smell of fresh coffee – right after grinding, and also when it’s brewing. I like mine simple various breakfast blends)  Jackie and the girls will tell you that my coffee is just like me…sensitive (or just hot brown water)! For those who have traveled a bit in Europe, and for those who just love to visit specialty coffee shops and finer dining restaurants, you know all about coffee “options”- espresso, steamed milk, foam, etc. Across the globe, coffee – and coffee culture – has shaped the way we work, socialize, and savor our daily rituals. Today, gourmet espresso drinks are an important piece of many people’s lives, often multiple times per day (I shake my head when I see the line at Starbucks late in the day) Although I must admit there is nothing quite like a cup of steaming coffee and piece of my favorite pie or cake at 9-10 PM  to put me right to sleep! But with so many different beverage choices, how do you choose what to order? What’s the difference between a caffè latte and a flat white, and how can you know which drinks are petite pick-me-ups and which are more, ahem, “grande”?  Since there are lots of you out there who have a more sophisticated coffee palate than me here is a little history of coffee and some captivating, caffeinating explanations of well-known espresso drinks to sort it all out. So, go grab another cup, sit back, and enjoy all of the info.

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