We all have our all-time favorite coffee order. A drink we love to come back to when we’re feeling down, or the opposite – want to fill our tanks with some delicious endorphins.
Some people are faithful to their preferred coffee drinks, living peacefully in the kingdom of routine, while others like to experiment, changing their orders or homemade recipes with enthusiasm worth celebrating.
One thing is certain – there are many types of coffee drinks, so anyone can find one that suits their flavor preferences and lifestyle.
Wish to find out more? We won’t keep you in suspense any longer. Let’s discover all the different types of coffee drinks and the main differences between them!
Different Types of Coffee Drinks
Espresso
Probably one of the most famous coffee drinks, espresso is beloved by many around the globe. This drink is sometimes referred to as a short black, which is accurate, as it is served in an espresso cup that holds approximately 1 oz. of concentrated coffee.
This drink offers a rich and bold flavor profile with strong and aromatic notes. Espresso can be made from various coffee beans, but some enthusiasts prefer the drink base to be dark-roasted coffee, particularly because of its stronger flavor. Espresso is a base of many different coffee drinks, too.
Double Espresso
Also known as doppio, which in Italian means ‘double.’ And, as it is easy to deduct, it’s simply two shots of espresso served in one drink. This coffee is not for the faint of heart, but it will surely wake you up.
Usually, we will see double espresso being served in 4-ounce cups. It offers the same aromatic and strong taste as traditional espresso, so if you’re a fan of that, you’ll enjoy doppio before a big meeting at work or every time you need a solid wake-me-up.
Americano
Those who want to receive the same benefits from drinking espresso (meaning the high content of caffeine in your drink) but are a little intimidated by its bold taste profile can find what they’re looking for in americano.
This type of coffee drink was invented out of necessity by the soldiers of World War II, who would dilute the espresso with hot water to extend their ratios. Americano is served in a coffee mug with proportions of 1 shot of espresso to 3 ounces of hot water.
Macchiato
The first sweet coffee among coffee drinks on our list is macchiato – a drink typically made from 1 shot of espresso and up to 2 teaspoons of steamed milk. The name macchiato means stain and comes from mark milk leaves when it’s poured into the drink. The coffee is foamy and often sweetened with various flavoring syrups.
Red Eye
Bracing a red-eye flight can be easier with a cup of hot red eye coffee in your hand. After all, this coffee drink was created with this exact intention. High in caffeine, red eye coffee is prepared with 1 shot of espresso and 6 ounces of drip-brewed coffee. Some variations of the drink include adding flavoring syrups to soften the coffee’s taste.
Black Eye
What if a red eye is not enough? Then you can prepare or order a black eye, which is a double red eye. It’s the same amount of coffee but a higher content of caffeine (you’re adding 2 espresso shots instead of one), which, let’s be honest, might be necessary to ward off the weariness for the duration of your flight. Black eye coffee has your back!
Flat White
Among coffee drink types, flat white needs no introduction. What characterizes this drink is the fact that it’s made with more milk than coffee – 3 ounces of espresso to 4 ounces of steamed milk. Everything gets topped off with a layer of foamed milk, which creates a flat surface on the top of the mug, pointing us to the origins of the coffee’s name.
Cappuccino
And since we’re talking about foamy types of coffee drinks, it’s only fair that we swiftly move on to cappuccino, a breakfast coffee loved by Italians and Americans. This is where aromatic flavor notes meet true indulgence in the guise of delicate foam, often sprinkled with chocolate powder.
To make a cappuccino, you’ll need to brew 1 or 2 shots of espresso and add 2 ounces of steamed milk in addition to 2 ounces of foamed milk. Easy-peasy and, most importantly, worth it!
Latte
A true ruler of delectable coffee drinks, great with a piece of cheesecake or on hot summer afternoons (with the addition of ice) – latte. This foamy, delicious coffee offers us an opportunity to take a moment and celebrate life, its ups and downs, and everything in between.
Served in 6-9 ounces coffee glasses, this coffee drink requires 1 shot of espresso and 8 ounces of steamed milk. You’re topping it off with a foam and add-ons to your liking.
Long Black
Similar to americano, a long black is prepared by mixing 2 shots of espresso with 3 ounces of hot water. It’s a stronger coffee drink, so if you’re after that bold and intense flavor, this one will fit those criteria. Long black often has more crema than americano, too, so it’s easy to recognize.
Affogato
Now, it’s high time we talk about one of the types of coffee that those with a sweet tooth will find irresistible. Affogato is more of a dessert coffee than your morning cup of joe. To make it, espresso is poured on the ice cream, drowning it in coffee (which is why the drink is called a word that means ‘drowns’).
So, next time you want to treat yourself, the combination of deep and flavorful coffee and sweet ice cream is the one to try!
Cortado
Cortado is a variation of macchiato, but in this recipe, the ratio of espresso to warm milk is 1:1. Meaning you use 1 ounce of coffee and 1 ounce of milk to prepare the drink. This is done to balance out the intensity of espresso, which makes room for more approachable, delicate tones to make themselves known.
Breve
Breve contains a latte base, but the twist is that instead of milk, it has half-and-half. So, it’s equal parts espresso and half-and-half. The rich and creamy texture is a fan favorite in the US, where the drink is viewed as an Americanized version of Italian latte.
No matter its origins, one is certain. Breve is creamy, dreamy, and very flavorful. This coffee drink can be served with the addition of flavored syrups or ice.
Mocha
Perfect for all the fall and winter afternoons, mocha will warm you up and satisfy your cravings for something sweet and chocolaty. Some consider mocha a coffee-hot chocolate hybrid, and it’s not surprising since you need 1 shot of espresso and 1 to 2 ounces of chocolate syrup/powder to make it.
The recipe also calls for up to 3 ounces of steamed milk and a heavy foam layer. Those in desperate need of cheering up can top it all off with whipped cream. Among different coffee drink types, mocha is definitely one of the sweetest.
Iced Coffee
Of course, no coffee drink types article would be complete without the mention of iced coffee. This popular summer drink is usually really light and creamy, although there are some connoisseurs of black iced coffee as well.
Traditionally, you’d use 2 ounces of drip coffee or espresso, with up to 4 ounces of ice, 4-6 ounces of milk or water, and all sorts of flavoring syrups, matching your mood and sugar tolerance. Cold, sweet, and delicate – these are all the qualities of the heavenly iced coffee we all know and love.
Vienna
Enthusiasts of whipped cream will want to stick around for the next drink we’re introducing – Vienna coffee. There are at least a few variations of this drink, but the most recognizable one calls for the use of 2 shots of espresso and 2 ounces of whipped cream in the recipe.
Whipped cream is used here instead of foamed milk, which offers this coffee its characteristic fluffy and extremely delicious texture and taste.
Café au Lait
Traveling west to the country of Champagne and great cheese, we find our last coffee drink type – Cafe au Lait. France was where it all started, but today, this coffee is popular around the world, especially in places like New Orleans.
Cafe au Lait is prepared using a French press coffee instead of popular espresso shots, offering new flavor notes. True coffee lovers will definitely be able to tell the difference. The coffee is prepared with scalded milk instead of steamed milk and served in a 1:1 ratio.
Different Kinds of Coffee Drinks – Wrap-Up
This is where our adventure in the world of coffee drinks ends (but only for today). Hopefully, we were able to show you the richness and varied flavor palette coffee drinks from around the world have to offer.
We weren’t joking when we said anyone can find a coffee that will be able to wake them up no matter what or be a nice Sunday treat. All we can say is good luck!
For our favorite pioneers of homemade coffee engineering, we invite you to check out our collection of coffee bundles to make all your favorite coffee drinks anytime the cravings strike!
Resources
- 25 Great Coffee Drinks, Sonja Overhiser, https://www.acouplecooks.com/coffee-drinks/
- Guide to Different Types of Coffee 2023, https://time.com/shopping/article/guide-to-different-types-of-coffee/
