From Lattes to Cold Brews: Navigating the Menus of SLC Coffee Shops

One of the first things customers notice when they walk into a coffee shop is the menu. The menu in a coffee shop can be simple in some places and a little overwhelming in others. At Cupla, we’re here to help you navigate our large selection of delicious drinks. This blog post breaks down our beverages to give you more information on ordering the drink that best fits your palate.

The Classic Favorites

Espresso and Americano

At the heart of our coffee menu is the espresso. This highly concentrated coffee is made by pressurizing water through the finely ground coffee, resulting in a flavorful, concentrated brew. Espresso is known for its dark “heart” at the bottom, light-colored “body” in the middle, and the foamy “crema” on top. Espresso fans usually describe them as earthy, intense, dark, and slightly bitter. They can be ordered in single or double shots and are often the base of many mixed drinks on our menu.

So what’s an Americano? It’s a mixture of hot water and espresso. Americanos are perfect for those who love the flavor of espresso but find a regular espresso shot too strong.

Lattes and Cappuccinos

Two of the most popular espresso-based drinks are lattes and cappuccinos. While both contain steam and foamed milk, there are some key differences. Both can be ordered with single or double shots of espresso. Lattes are espresso topped with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. Cappuccinos, on the other hand, have a thicker layer of airy foam to top off the espresso and steamed milk.

Flavored lattes and cappuccinos are some popular variations, with vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and coconut being popular flavors.

Exploring Cold Coffee Options

Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew

Those who like cold drinks from a coffee menu have several choices, too! It might be easy to confuse iced coffee with cold brew, but there are some key differences. Iced coffee is brewed hot and then poured over ice, while cold brew is made by steeping cold water in grounds for about 24 hours. Iced coffee generally has a milder flavor than cold brew.

Nitro Cold Brew

This type of cold brew is made by infusing cold brew coffee that is pressurized with nitrogen gas. This gives it a foamy head and a creamy, velvety texture. At Cupla, we serve it in a glass without ice.

Signature Drinks at Cupla Coffee

You’ll find plenty of signature drinks on our cafe menus at Cupla. Customers love our House Latte, a mix of white espresso, house-made vanilla syrup, and whole milk. There’s also The Cupla Bullet, a coffee drink made with grass-fed butter, MCT oil, cocoa powder, salt, and heavy cream. Looking for a delicious hot chocolate? Try the Mallow Cocoa, made with homemade chocolate, marshmallow syrups, whole milk, and whipped cream.

Non-Coffee Alternatives

Teas and Herbal Infusions

If tea is more your style, you’ll love the options on our menu. Many of our tea options contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, aiding digestion and immune system function. Try a Pistachio Matcha, Turmeric Chai, or any of our selections of tea bags.

Smoothies and Other Refreshing Options

What will you find on our cafe smoothie menu? A list of refreshing smoothies or ready-to-go options, such as kombucha, Perrier, and La Croix.

Customizing Your Drink

Milk and Milk Alternatives

The best thing about going to many coffee places in Salt Lake City is the ability to customize your drink. You can order your drink with our alternative kinds of milk, such as soy, oat, and almond. We can also whip up your drink with skim, 2%, or whole milk.

Sweeteners and Flavor Add-Ins

Our selection of sweeteners and flavor add-ins allows you to customize your drink further according to your palate. Choose from our variety of delicious house-made syrups, which you won’t find anywhere else.

Pairing Your Coffee with Food

Pastries and Baked Goods

When you stop by Cupla, you’ll be amazed at our wide variety of freshly baked pastries and other baked goods. Our selection of muffins, cookies, croissants, danishes, donuts, and more pairs perfectly with any drink you choose.

Healthy Snacks and Savory Options

You’ll find plenty of healthy bites to snack on at each location. For a more filling meal, enjoy our variety of toasts, sandwiches, and bagels on our breakfast menu. Prefer a keto option? We’ve got a range of keto-friendly sides to choose from, too.

Tips for the Perfect Latte Order

Communicating with Baristas

Ordering off the menu in a coffee shop can be a daunting task, but don’t worry! At Cupla, we’re here to help you order and get exactly what you want. First, let us know what drink and what size you’d like. Want an alternative or flavor shot? Don’t forget to mention it. We’ll ask you questions along the way. Don’t be afraid to tell us something specific about how you’d like your drink—we’re here to make your experience as smooth as possible!

Experimenting with New Flavors

Everyone gets stuck in a rut with their coffee, but it’s always good to break outside the box. If you’re bored with your new routine, try something new! If you usually order a latte, try a cold brew. If you want to take baby steps, just try a new flavor shot. And if you’d like recommendations, our helpful baristas would be happy to give you some suggestions in person!

Visit Cupla Coffee Today

When you’re in the mood for some seriously delicious coffee and food, come visit Cupla. We know that exploring the menu in a coffee shop can be a little intimidating, but we’re here to make it a great experience. Our specialty coffee shops are cozy spaces perfect for meeting up with friends, studying, or simply enjoying a cup in your free time. We’ve got three locations to choose from–stop by today!

From Lattes to Cold Brews: Navigating the Menus of Salt Lake City Coffee Shops