Just like steak can be served rare or well-done, coffee can be roasted light, medium or dark. However, the difference in these roast levels is a bit more nuanced than simply deciding between “strength” or “taste.” There are many variables to consider when evaluating a cup of coffee. One of those variables is the roast level, which is a factor in both flavor and aroma.
A medium coffee is a sweet middle ground between a light roast and a dark roast. At this level, the beans retain a lot of sweetness and fruitiness from their origin, while also starting to reach into the deep caramel sweetness that comes with a longer roast. For this reason, specialty coffee roasters often prefer medium roasts because they are less acidic and intense for the average consumer, yet still showcase a coffee’s natural flavor profile.
What Makes Medium Coffee Different from Other Brews
The smallest of the Starbucks drink sizes, a Short is 8 ounces and is reserved for hot drinks only, including standard brewed coffee. This size also holds espresso drinks made with milk (like lattes and cappuccinos) or water (like an Americano), with one shot of espresso.
The Tall is the second smallest Starbucks drink size at 12 ounces. Tall drinks made with milk have one shot of espresso, while a tall Americano or shaken espresso has two shots. The Grande is the largest Starbucks cup at 16 ounces, with both hot and cold beverages available in this size. The Grande holds four shots of espresso in a latte or cappuccino, and six shots of an Americano or shaken espresso.