Celebrate International Coffee Day
Celebrated on October 1st (or everyday in our hearts), International Coffee Day is the perfect time to brush up on our coffee knowledge and maybe find new ways to enjoy our daily brew.
The Beans
There are four main types of beans and each has its own specific flavor profile. The most common is the Arabica bean. More than 60% of all coffee beans produced in the world are of the Arabica variety. Grown at relatively high altitudes and requiring plenty of water and shade, these beans are known for having a delicate smoothness and a noticeable lack the bitterness often associated with other types of beans. Arabica beans are standard in most brewed coffee.
Robusta beans are the second most popular varietal. As the name would suggest, Robusta plants are hardy. They thrive in hot climates, don’t need as much steady water and are immune to some of the diseases that plague their Arabica cousins. These beans are great for coffee blends and espresso, with a bitter and sometimes nutty or woody flavor profile and high caffeine content.
Heat and drought tolerant Liberica beans account for only 2% of the world’s coffee supply and are rarely found on their own, most commonly used as part of a blend. Liberica beans have a strong and complex flavor with floral, smoky and woody notes.
Excelsa coffee beans are technically a Liberica variant and are another varietal used mostly in blends. These beans offer a light, fruity flavor with a lower caffeine count.
Beverages
While some of us like a simple brewed cup of joe – black or doctored to exactly our liking with various cream/sugar/creamer combinations – others prefer more fancy coffee drinks. We’ve broken down the some of the most popular coffee drinks.
- Espresso: a super concentrated shot of strong coffee often used as the base for a variety of coffee-based beverages or served straight up in a small, heated cup.
- Latte: shots of espresso mixed with steamed milk and topped with milk foam. Lattes can be customized with different milk types and flavored syrups. Enjoy hot or cold.
- Mocha: another espresso-based drink that combines steamed milk, chocolate and whipped cream. Always a winning combination.
- Americano: add hot water to espresso and you’ll get an Americano. Diluting the espresso creates a smoother taste.
- Cappuccino: this Italian classic is equal parts espresso, steamed milk and milk foam.
- Flat White: the latte’s cousin, a flat white combines espresso with steamed milk but skips the milk foam topper.
- Irish Coffee: those looking to a kick to their coffee add whiskey, cream and sugar to make it an Irish. 
Make It – Espresso Martini
Another popular coffee libation is the Espresso Martini. We tapped the talented Food & Beverage team at Superstition Mountain for their killer espresso martini recipe:
Ingredients:
· 2 oz vodka, rum or tequila
· 1 oz white crème de cocoa liqueur
· 1 oz espresso liqueur
· 1 oz strong coffee (chilled)
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and pour into a chilled martini glass. Because we’re fancy, our team finished with a coco power logo.
Tell us how you take your coffee, post a pic of your cup de jour and tag @superstitionmountaingolf on Facebook and @superstitionmountaincc on Instagram. Be sure to include the hashtag: #internationalcoffeeday
