Ireland
Ireland has a vibrant and growing coffee culture, especially in its cities, blending its traditional love for tea (which still dominates home consumption) with a strong embrace of modern specialty coffee.
Here are the different ways to order a coffee in Ireland and what's in them:
Espresso-Based Hot Drinks (Most Common in Cafes):
The Irish cafe scene has fully embraced Italian-style espresso drinks. You'll find these everywhere from small independent cafes to large chains.
Espresso (Espresso): A concentrated shot of coffee. If you just ask for "coffee" in a modern cafe, you'll likely get this as the base for whatever you then specify.
Doppio (Double Espresso): A double shot of espresso.
Americano (Americano / Black Coffee): Espresso diluted with hot water. This is a very common choice for those who prefer a larger, less intense black coffee.
Note: Sometimes simply called "Black Coffee," especially in less specialty-focused places.
White Coffee: This term is commonly used in Ireland. It generally means a black coffee (Americano or filter coffee) with milk added, usually on the side for you to add yourself. It's essentially "coffee with milk." It's less specific than a latte or cappuccino, suggesting a simpler preparation.
Cappuccino (Cappuccino): Espresso with steamed milk and a significant layer of frothed milk foam. A very popular choice.
Latte (Caffè Latte / Latte): Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. Creamier and milder than a cappuccino, often served in a tall glass. Flavoured lattes (e.g., vanilla, caramel, hazelnut) are also widely available.
Flat White (Flat White): Very popular, especially in specialty coffee shops. It's typically a double shot of espresso with velvety microfoam (steamed milk with very fine, small bubbles), resulting in a stronger coffee taste than a latte due to the higher coffee-to-milk ratio and specific milk texture.
Macchiato (Macchiato): Espresso "marked" with a small amount of steamed milk or foam. Strong coffee flavor with just a touch of creaminess.
Mocha (Mocha): Espresso, chocolate syrup or powder, and steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream.
Lungo (Lungo): A "long" espresso shot made by passing more water through the coffee grounds, resulting in a slightly weaker but larger espresso.
Ristretto (Ristretto): A "short" espresso, an even more concentrated shot made with less water than a standard espresso, resulting in a very intense flavor.
Cold Coffee Drinks:
Iced Coffee (Iced Coffee): This is a general term for iced coffee. It can be a simple black coffee over ice, or more commonly, an espresso with cold milk and ice, often sweetened.
Iced Latte (Iced Latte): Espresso with cold milk and ice.
Cold Brew (Cold Brew): Available in many specialty coffee shops. Coffee steeped in cold water for an extended period (12-24 hours), resulting in a smoother, less acidic concentrate that is then diluted with water or milk and served over ice.
Other Common Coffee Options:
Filter Coffee / Drip Coffee: While espresso dominates cafe menus, filter coffee is still consumed in homes and some cafes, especially for breakfast or as a quick, basic option.
Instant Coffee: Still widely used in homes and some more basic eateries for convenience.
Decaf (Decaf / Decaffeinated): Most cafes will offer decaf versions of their espresso-based drinks.
Plant-based Milks: Oat milk is extremely popular and widely available. Almond, soy, and sometimes coconut milk are also common alternatives.
Ordering Tips in Ireland:
"A coffee, please": If you just say "coffee," they'll likely ask you "what kind?" or "espresso?" or give you an espresso.
"A flat white, please": Very common and well-understood.
"A latte, please": Also very common.
"A white coffee, please": Expect an Americano or filter coffee with milk on the side.
"Black" or "No milk": If you want your coffee black.
"With milk": If you want milk added.
"One sugar, please": Sugar sachets are usually on the counter or table.
"Can I get a refill?": For filter coffee, it's worth asking, especially in smaller, local spots.
Café Culture: Coffee shops are central to Irish social life, often used for meetings, catching up with friends, or simply relaxing. It's a leisurely experience.
*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.