Coffee Sizes in Portugal: Comparison with the Rest of the World

Coffee is not just a drink - it's almost a religion for us Portuguese. Here, it goes far beyond a simple sip of energy, it is part of our daily life and mixes with our rhythm, our conversation and our encounters. And of course, the sizes and types of coffee vary a lot from place to place. Let's take a trip through the main types of coffee we find in Portugal and explore the variations that mark our rich coffee tradition. Oh, and get ready: it's a ride full of flavour!

Types of Marketed Coffee: Let's Talk About Coffee!

Coffee is universal. It transcends borders, styles and tastes, and in Portugal, we have our own version of this global passion. Each type of coffee has its history and those who love coffee know that each cup brings a unique experience. So, how about taking a look at the coffees that dominate our mornings and afternoons?

1. Black Espresso

It all starts here! Espresso is the basis of our coffee life. A small dose of pure flavour, made with an intense amount of finely ground coffee. What about this creamy layer on the surface? Oh, that's the "cream", and it's almost a signature of espresso.

2. Short Black Coffee

Do we want something more focussed? The "ristretto" is for those who are not afraid of intensity! With half the water, this 20 ml dose goes straight to the point, delivering an even stronger and less bitter coffee.

3. Black Coffee Filled

If you like espresso, but with a little more volume, full coffee is the ideal choice. It has about 50 ml of coffee, which means more pleasure, without losing intensity.

4. Double Black Coffee

Two doses of espresso in a cup - it's the perfect solution for those who need an extra push during the day! With about 60 ml, it is concentrated energy in each sip.

5. Black Coffee Abatanado

The abatanado coffee is for those who enjoy a lighter coffee, but without losing the flavour. It's the kind of coffee for those who don't want a lot of volume, but appreciate the flavour in the right measure. A good choice for those who don't want so much intensity.

6. Black Coffee with Dripping Milk

Here the softness enters the scene. The dripping coffee is an espresso with a small dose of milk, just to give that touch of softness, but without losing intensity.

7. Black Coffee with Milk - Boy

The "boy" is our favourite for those who prefer something softer. We mix an espresso with more milk and voilà: a creamy and delicate coffee, perfect for those quieter moments.

8. Black Coffee with Milk - Milk Sock

This is a classic! An espresso mixed with hot milk, in a balanced proportion, served in a larger cup. It is perfect for those who love a well-balanced coffee with milk.

9. Black Coffee with Milk - Cappuccino

Cappuccino is a luxury! A mixture of espresso, steamed milk and creamy foam on top, creating a smooth and rich texture. And if you're from the detail team, there's still a pinch of chocolate or cinnamon to give that special touch.

10. Black Coffee with Milk - Gallon

The gallon is the darling of breakfast, served in a tall glass with three parts of milk for one of coffee. Soft, slightly sweet, it's the perfect coffee to start the day.

11. Mazagran

And for the hot days? The mazagran is an explosion of freshness! Iced espresso coffee, with a touch of sugar and sometimes lemon or liquor. A refreshing drink that will conquer you on the spot.

12. Decaffeinated

For those who need to reduce caffeine, but do not give up a good flavour, decaffeinated coffee is the perfect choice. And best of all: it can be prepared the same way as any other coffee, without losing quality.

13. Carioca

The carioca is the softest coffee, prepared with the same powder as an espresso, but with more water. If you want something lighter, this is the right choice.

14. Coffee with Smell (Bagasse)

This is a coffee with a special touch - a "smell" of brandy, usually pomace. A unique combination of strong coffee with the robustness of brandy, ideal for those who like a stronger mixture.

15. Mocha coffee

And for those who like sweets, mocha coffee is pure indulgence! A mixture of espresso, hot chocolate and steamed milk, covered with whipped cream. For those days when we want more than just coffee.

Comparison with the Rest of the World: What about Coffee Around the World?

When we look at other corners of the world, we see that each place has its own way of enjoying coffee.

United States: Oh, Americans love a big coffee. A "small" there can have 240 ml, and a "big" can reach 590 ml. They prefer to drink coffee for a long period, usually in glasses to take away.

Italy: Just like us, Italians also prefer a concentrated coffee. The espresso there is almost a religion, and the amount rarely exceeds 30 ml.

France: The French enjoy a "café au lait", mixing espresso with milk in a large cup, but nothing like the American portions. The size is between 150 ml and 200 ml.

Brazil: In Brazil, we have the "cafézinho", very similar to the Portuguese bica, and the "café com leite", more similar to our milk sock.

Australia and New Zealand: Here, the portions are more balanced, and the "flat white" is the darling, with a very soft proportion of milk and coffee, served in a cup between 150 ml and 200 ml.

The coffee sizes in Portugal reflect our culture, where quality and intensity are the stars of the show. Unlike countries like the United States, where coffee is consumed in large volumes, here the experience is fast, strong and, of course, delicious. And it is this difference that makes Portuguese coffee something unique.