Coffee is more than just a drink – it’s a ritual, a comfort, and for many of us, a daily essential. As UK Coffee Week arrives, it’s the perfect excuse to pause and savour the many ways we enjoy this much-loved brew. From the intensity of an espresso to the velvety smoothness of a flat white, each cup has its own character, history, and charm.
At the heart of it all is the espresso, a tiny shot that packs a punch. Dark, rich, and crowned with a golden crema, it’s the foundation on which most other coffee drinks are built. For those who prefer to linger rather than sip in one go, there’s the Americano, which simply stretches that espresso with hot water to create a smoother, more leisurely cup.
For something with a touch more indulgence, the cappuccino strikes a perfect balance, strong coffee softened by steamed milk and finished with a cloud of foam. A dusting of cocoa on top turns it into a little moment of luxury. Its close cousin, the latte, tips the balance further toward milk, creating a creamy, comforting drink that many of us turn to when we need a little warmth in the middle of the day.
Then there’s the flat white, the antipodean gift that’s won the UK over. With its double shot of espresso and silky microfoam, it’s strong yet smooth, bold yet refined. If the latte is comfort, the flat white is confidence.
Of course, not every coffee has to be serious. Enter the mocha – part hot chocolate, part coffee, entirely delicious. With its blend of espresso, steamed milk, and rich chocolate, it’s a drink that feels like dessert in a cup. And when the weather turns warm or you’re after something lighter, the cold brew offers a refreshing twist: slowly steeped for hours in cool water, it’s smooth, naturally sweet, and far gentler on the palate.
What ties all these together is the way coffee can adapt to different moods and moments. Some days call for the sharp jolt of an espresso, others for the slow comfort of a latte or the treat of a mocha. That’s the beauty of coffee – there’s always a style to suit.
And if you’d like to enjoy coffee in a slightly different form this week, why not try your hand at making tiramisu, the Italian dessert that celebrates espresso in the most delicious way.
Quick & Easy Tiramisu Recipe
Ingredients
- 250g mascarpone cheese
- 200ml double cream
- 3 tbsp caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200ml strong espresso, cooled
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
- 200g sponge fingers (ladyfingers)
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Method
- Whisk together the mascarpone, double cream, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and thick.
- Mix the espresso with the coffee liqueur (if using) in a shallow dish.
- Quickly dip each sponge finger into the coffee mixture and layer them at the bottom of a serving dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the sponge fingers.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped sponge fingers, then top with the remaining cream.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 2–3 hours (overnight is best).
- Dust generously with cocoa powder before serving.
This no-bake classic is rich, creamy, and just the right amount of indulgent – the perfect way to finish off UK Coffee Week.