It’s no wonder that coffee drinks can be confusing to keep track of with so many options, it seems like the list is endless. To make things a little simpler for you, we’ve compiled 15 of the most popular types of coffee drinks, which are all simply different combinations of coffee beans, milk, and sugar. So whether you’re ordering at your favourite cafe or looking to whip up something new at home, this guide will give you a great starting point.
1. Espresso
Espresso is made by forcing nearly boiling water through finely-ground coffee beans, which results in a concentrated, syrup-like coffee drink. This is the base for many Italian beverages in coffee shops. When compared to regular brewed coffee, espresso is much stronger than the other types of coffee drinks. Espressos are enjoyed in shots where a single shot is one ounce and a long (single and double) shot is two ounces in amount, respectively.
2. Latte/Iced Latte
A latte is an espresso with steamed milk and a dollop of milk foam on top. This beverage is more prevalent in America than other coffee drinks like cappuccinos because it contains less foam, making it smoother and gentler for those with sensitive palettes. And if you want to spice up your latte, add some flavouring syrup. To make an iced version of this drink, simply pour espresso and steamed milk over ice cubes.
3. Black Coffee
Black coffee is arguably the most common type of coffee drink out there. Its popularity can be mainly attributed to how easy it is to make this beverage, be it drip, pour-over, French press, or anything else. Black coffee is usually served with no add-ins.
4. Mocha
Coffee and chocolate are two of the best things in the world. Mochas are espresso-based drinks made with chocolate and whipped cream instead of foam, so you get the best of both worlds in every sip. Their ratio depends on what you prefer; whether you want more coffee or chocolate, your mocha will shine in any coffee shop.
5. Americano
The Americano is another popular type of coffee drink, and it’s very easy to make! It’s just espresso with hot water dripping over it. The name came about during World War II when European baristas added water to their espresso drinks for the American soldiers stationed there. The resulting drink had a smoother, less concentrated flavour than espresso and thus the Americano was born.
6. Cappuccino
Cappuccinos are a classic Italian type of coffee drink made of espresso, steamed milk, and thick foam in equal parts. The name comes from the resemblance to the hoods worn by Capuchin monks. Making cappuccino is relatively easy and can be done at home too if you know how to make espresso. And if you don’t then you can follow Our Guide To Home Espresso to learn how to make it.
7. Flat White
If you’re not familiar with flat whites, they’re a type of coffee drink that’s made with espresso and steamed milk. When the espresso and milk are mixed to make this joe, they create a delicious combination that’s both smooth and creamy. And the bubbly nature of the milk also adds a nice touch of sweetness.
8. Cafe au Lait
Cafe au lait is a coffee beverage that is made with dark roast coffee and steamed milk. The milk is generally warmed up and frothed before it is added to the coffee. Cafe au lait is a popular type of coffee drink in France, where it is often served at breakfast.
9. Macchiato
The word “macchiato” means spotted, so a macchiato espresso is an espresso with a splash of milk. Most coffee shops will top off this type of coffee drink with some foamed milk instead of just steamed milk for what’s known as a traditional macchiato. You may also come across variations of macchiatos that are closer to lattes though.
10. Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is created by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cool or room temperature water for an extended period, often 12 hours or more. By using cooler temperatures and longer brewing times, the final product is a type of coffee drink with a smooth concentrate that can be diluted with water or milk depending on your preference. Some baristas also choose to add flavouring syrups to cold brews for lighter drink options.
11. Irish Coffee
One of the most popular drinks in Ireland is undoubtedly Irish coffee. This hot beverage is made with coffee, whiskey, and cream, and it is usually served with a spoonful of sugar to balance out the drink’s bitterness. While there are many variations of this type of coffee drink, all of those said variations are sure to warm you up on a cold day.
12. Frappe
A coffee frappe is a delicious, iced beverage that has been blended or beaten until it forms a foamy texture. This type of coffee drink usually comes with whipped cream and tasty toppings and can be served cold or frozen. You have the choice of adding ice before or after you beat the coffee mixture, as well as customizing it with add-ins like sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and sweet sauces.
13. Vietnamese Coffee
If you want to try a different method of brewing coffee, Vietnamese coffee is a great option. Simply add sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of a heat-proof glass, then place a Vietnamese coffee filter over your glass. Add your desired amount of ground coffee and pour nearly boiling water over it. This will result in a creamy, sweet type of coffee drink.
14. Affogato
This dessert is less of a type of coffee drink and more of an ice cream sundae. Rather than having ice cream or gelato with hot espresso poured over it, the hot espresso slightly melts the ice cream and the corresponding ice cream cools down the beverage. They complement each other perfectly.
15. Red Eye
Red Eye Coffee is a favourite among coffee drinkers because of its unique and rich flavour. Adding espresso shots to regular coffee creates this signature type of coffee drink that gives you the boost you need to wake up in the morning. Red Eyes are perfect for those who love strong coffee but don’t want to drink an entire pot all by themselves; plus, they make excellent morning beverages.
Now that you have read all the various popular types of coffee drinks, you must be interested in trying to prepare a couple or more of them at home. And while you are choosing which type of coffee drink you want to prepare, you must make sure that you use the best coffee beans for your endeavour. You can do that by shopping from your local market or you could even buy coffee online. Our suggestion is you try our Bettadakhan Estate blend, a sun-dried Arabica coffee that guarantees intense notes of dark chocolate, macadamia nuts and brown sugar with every sip you take.