Brazil
Brazil is the world's largest producer of coffee, and coffee is deeply embedded in its culture. While you might not find as many highly specialized, nuanced drink options as in some other countries with more "third-wave" coffee scenes, Brazilians appreciate a good, strong cup, and there are distinct ways to order it.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in Brazil and what's in them:
Core Brazilian Coffee Drinks:
Cafezinho: This is the quintessential Brazilian coffee. It literally means "little coffee" and is a small, strong shot of black coffee, often pre-sweetened with sugar during the brewing process. It's usually served piping hot in a small cup, similar to an espresso, and is often offered as a gesture of hospitality in homes and businesses. It's the go-to for a quick pick-me-up or a social ritual. If you want it without sugar, you'll need to specify "sem açúcar" (without sugar).
Café Expresso (or Café Curto): This is a standard espresso shot, made with an espresso machine. It's served in a small ceramic cup, strong and concentrated. In more modern cafes, you'll find this option.
Café com Leite: This translates to "coffee with milk" and is a very common breakfast drink. It's typically a generous mix of coffee and hot milk, often in roughly equal proportions. It's akin to a latte or café au lait. The coffee used is usually a strong brewed coffee, not necessarily espresso.
Pingado: "Pingado" means "dripped" or "splashed." This is a glass of hot milk with just a "splash" or "drip" of coffee added to it. It's much milkier than a café com leite and is often served in a glass. Think of it as milk with a hint of coffee.
Média: Meaning "medium," this is a blend of coffee and steamed milk, similar to a latte, but often with a bolder coffee presence than a café com leite. It's usually served in a ceramic mug. This term is particularly common in bakeries (padarias) in São Paulo.
Café Puro / Café Preto: For purists, this is simply black coffee, usually a filtered or brewed coffee, served without milk or sugar.
Other Common and Specialty Drinks (found in more modern cafes):
Americano (or Café Carioca): This is an espresso shot diluted with hot water, making it less intense and a larger volume than a pure espresso. The term "Café Carioca" is sometimes used for a more diluted espresso.
Cappuccino: You'll find cappuccinos in Brazil, though they often have a Brazilian twist. They are typically espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk, but almost always include chocolate powder on top. If you prefer it without chocolate, specify "sem chocolate."
Latte: While Brazilians have their own milky coffee drinks, the classic "Latte" (pronounced similarly) has become popular in more international cafes, offering the familiar espresso and steamed milk combination.
Café com Chantilly: An espresso shot topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
Café Gelado (Iced Coffee): While hot coffee is traditional, iced coffee options are becoming more available, especially in warmer regions or trendy cafes.
Café Breve: A richer, more indulgent drink featuring an espresso shot, steamed milk, and a touch of cream for extra decadence.
Important Considerations for Ordering:
Sweetness: Brazilians often drink their coffee sweet. If you order a cafezinho, it will likely be pre-sweetened. If you prefer it unsweetened, be sure to say "sem açúcar." Otherwise, sugar packets or a sugar dispenser will almost always be available on the table.
Strength: Brazilian coffee is generally strong. If you prefer a weaker cup, an Americano or a more milky option like lágrima or pingado might be better.
Pão de Queijo: Don't forget to pair your coffee with pão de queijo (cheese bread), a ubiquitous and delicious Brazilian snack, especially with breakfast coffee.
*The content in this document was generated using artificial intelligence, drawing from various online sources, and subsequently refined for accuracy and conciseness in 2025. Users are advised to consult multiple sources to corroborate information and should not rely solely on this document for comprehensive research.