There are dozens of coffee drinks on every cafe menu, from espressos and americanos to lattes, flat whites, and cold brews. If you have ever felt confused by all the options, you are not alone.
Most coffee drinks are built from the same two ingredients: espresso and milk. What changes between them is the ratio, the milk texture (steamed, frothed, or cold), and the serving size. Once you understand those building blocks, every drink on the menu makes sense.
In this guide, we explain 30 types of coffee drinks, grouped by category, with a description for each one. Use the table below for a quick overview, or scroll down for the full breakdown.
Types of Coffee Drinks at a Glance
| Drink | Base | Milk/Addition | Size | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Espresso | None | ~30 ml | Very strong |
| Doppio | Double espresso | None | ~60 ml | Very strong |
| Ristretto | Short espresso | None | ~15 ml | Strongest |
| Lungo | Long espresso | None | ~60 ml | Medium-strong |
| Americano | Espresso + water | None | Large | Medium |
| Long Black | Water + espresso | None | Large | Medium |
| Macchiato | Espresso | Dash of foam | ~45 ml | Strong |
| Cortado | Espresso | Equal steamed milk | ~60 ml | Strong |
| Piccolo Latte | Ristretto | Steamed milk | ~90 ml | Strong |
| Cappuccino | Espresso | Steamed + thick foam | ~180 ml | Medium |
| Latte | Espresso | Lots of steamed milk + thin foam | ~240 ml | Mild |
| Flat White | Espresso | Microfoam | ~150 ml | Strong |
| Latte Macchiato | Milk + espresso | Steamed milk first | ~240 ml | Mild |
| Cafe Breve | Espresso | Half-and-half | ~240 ml | Medium |
| Cafe au Lait | French press | Scalded milk | ~240 ml | Mild |
| Mocha | Espresso + chocolate | Steamed milk + cream | ~240 ml | Mild |
| Marocchino | Espresso + cocoa | Milk froth | ~90 ml | Medium |
| Vienna | Espresso | Whipped cream | ~120 ml | Strong |
| Affogato | Espresso | Ice cream | ~120 ml | Strong |
| Irish Coffee | Coffee + whiskey | Cream | ~180 ml | Medium |
| Corretto | Espresso + grappa | None | ~45 ml | Strong |
| Iced Coffee | Brewed coffee + ice | Optional milk | Large | Varies |
| Cold Brew | Cold-steeped grounds | Optional milk | Large | Medium |
| Bulletproof | Coffee + butter + MCT oil | None | ~240 ml | Medium |
Espresso Shots
The foundation of almost every coffee drink on this list. These are pure, concentrated shots of coffee with no milk added. The difference between them is the extraction time and water volume.
Espresso
Ah, the humble espresso—a shot of alertness that fires up brain cells in mere moments. This internationally beloved coffee drink is highly concentrated and small in size; most commonly around 30ml per serving.
To create it, an espresso machine forces high-pressure steam through ground coffee beans. What emerges is a powerful dose of black coffee that can be enjoyed alone or with sugar, or used as the base for many of the other types of coffee drinks on our list. A single shot contains roughly 63 mg of caffeine.
Doppio
The term doppio, simply put, is a double shot of espresso, with equal strength but twice the volume—usually at around 60ml per serving.
In some coffee houses, this may be described as a double espresso, but the Italian name does have a charming ring to it, don’t you think?
Ristretto
If you like your coffee to really pack a punch, there can be no better option than the ristretto, which can be viewed as espresso on overdrive! This feisty beverage is created similarly to espresso, but with a ratio of half the water to coffee.
The result is a short drink with a slightly different and stronger flavor that can be sweetened to taste if preferred.
Lungo
The Italian word lungo means long, and this is indeed a longer espresso. The process of its creation is very much the same as that of espresso but the coffee is drawn for longer, creating a 60ml beverage with half the strength of an espresso.
This style of extraction can create a slightly more bitter flavor and will result in less crema.
Ristretto, Espresso, and Lungo: What’s the Difference
Black Coffee Drinks
These drinks dilute espresso with hot water to create a larger, longer black coffee. No milk involved.
Americano
Moving on to the longer black coffee beverages, we begin with what is perhaps one of the most beloved coffee styles in the Western world; the mighty americano. This is often the go-to coffee of choice for those who frequent American-style coffee houses, from where vast vat-like cups can be carried proudly to the office, ready to supercharge the drinker’s day.
The name of the americano is believed to have originated in the Second World War when Italians observed U.S. soldiers diluting their espresso to make it go further.
To create an americano, a shot of espresso should be poured into a large cup before it is filled with hot water. Want to know how it compares to a regular black coffee? Read our americano vs black coffee guide.
Long Black
Fascinatingly, when the order of the americano’s preparation is reversed—with the espresso poured over hot water—this is known as a long black.
This variation is popular in Australia and New Zealand. For a detailed breakdown, see our americano vs long black comparison.
Milk-Based Coffee Drinks
This is where most of the popular coffee shop drinks live. The difference between them comes down to how much milk is added, how the milk is textured, and the size of the cup.
Macchiato
It may well have crossed your mind that milk could be added to many of the drinks above. What you might not have realized is that in doing so, we often transform the coffee in question into another coffee type entirely!
Among such examples is the macchiato, which is an espresso served with just a dash of steamed milk. See how it compares in our americano vs macchiato guide—somewhere in the realm of a teaspoon or two.
Long Macchiato
While the long macchiato may be longer, it still remains a short drink by most coffee drinkers’ standards.
In this instance, a bit more steamed milk is added atop the espresso—perhaps three or four teaspoons—in order to provide a milkier flavor.
This coffee type is often served in a clear cup so that the distinctive color difference between the coffee and the milk can be seen.
Cortado
Popular in many Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, the cortado is similar to the macchiato but not quite the same. To the espresso base, roughly 30ml of steamed milk is added.
However, it is important to note that in the cortado’s truest form, there will be a complete absence of foam. In North America, this coffee type is sometimes known as a Gibraltar. Read our cortado vs cappuccino comparison to see how they differ.
Piccolo Latte
Absolutely as charming as it sounds, the piccolo latte is a small but powerful cousin of the conventional latte.
To make it, a ristretto shot is topped with around 60ml of steamed milk, creating a flavor that is both richly milky and invigoratingly strong.
Cappuccino
Allowing our eyes to move towards the larger cups on the barista’s counter, we discover the comfortingly large and enticing cappuccino.
While popular as a breakfast drink in Italy, the cappuccino is enjoyed at all hours of the day elsewhere and serves as the perfect choice when meeting with friends.
Its creation calls for one or two shots of espresso, with the rest of the cup filled with steamed milk and foamed milk in equal measure. The masterpiece is completed with a sprinkle of indulgent chocolate powder. See how it compares in our cappuccino vs latte, cappuccino vs flat white, and cappuccino vs mocha guides.
Latte
Another favorite among popular coffee drinks, the latte is a universally palatte-friendly coffee option for those who sadly find the strength and acidity of coffee disenchanting.
Lattes are usually served in a latte glass or tall mug, and call for a single shot of espresso, followed by steamed milk to the receptacle’s brim, with a thin layer of milk foam on the top. Curious about the caffeine? A latte typically contains 63 to 126 mg of caffeine.
Flat White
For those who have always wondered what distinguishes a flat white, a clear definition awaits!
This particular coffee style once again originates in Australia and New Zealand, although you will certainly hear its name elsewhere in the world.
What sets the flat white apart from similar coffee drink types is that steamed milk is poured over one or two shots of espresso without any foam, usually in a slightly smaller cup than this beverage’s long Italian-style cousins. For a detailed breakdown, read our flat white vs latte comparison.
Latte Macchiato
Having touched upon the idea that the order of pouring is key for many types of coffee drinks, we come to a great example in the latte macchiato.
This coffee requires that a cup of steamed milk is prepared first and then a shot of espresso poured over the top.
When served in a glass cup, this creates the unusual appearance of a coffee that is darker at the top and lighter at the bottom.
Cafe Breve
If you love the idea of all of these gloriously long coffee drinks but wish that they could offer a greater intensity of coffee flavor, then the cafe breve is for you.
To make it, rather than steaming milk alone, the barista—or home coffee enthusiast—will steam a half-and-half mixture of milk and coffee, and then pour this over a shot of espresso.
The result is a decadently dark longer drink with rich caramel-colored foam.
Cafe au Lait
Hailing from France, the cafe au lait—at least in the minds of purists—is made using coffee from a French press rather than espresso. To complete the cup, scalded milk that has been heated from below is used rather than steamed milk.
Of course, today many coffee houses will serve a cafe au lait using espresso and foam-less steamed milk, but from here on out, you’ll know the difference!
Sweet and Dessert Coffees
When coffee meets chocolate, cream, or ice cream. These drinks blur the line between beverage and dessert.
Mocha
Denoting the definition of indulgence within the coffee-drinking work, the mocha combines the two similarly intense flavors of coffee and chocolate to create something that will certainly stimulate the taste buds.
The way that mocha is made varies widely, but its principal ingredients are espresso, chocolate or cocoa, and steamed milk with foam. Sometimes, for an even sweeter treat, whipped cream is added too. See how mocha compares in our cappuccino vs mocha guide.
Marocchino
Sticking with the theme of coffee and chocolate, we next take a moment to enjoy the marocchino.
Many consider this sweet coffee beverage to be the predecessor of the contemporary mocha, and its origins can be traced to World War II. As you will discover, the manifestation of this masterpiece is an art in itself.
First, a layer of cocoa powder is dusted atop a shot of espresso, then a layer of milk froth is added on top of that, and finally a second later of sprinkled cocoa powder marks completion.
Vienna
Speaking of sweetness, sometimes the only thing that will do is a melding of opposites—the deep bitterness of coffee and the fluffy sweetness of whipped cream!
The vienna is often used as a canvas for creativity, with numerous variations popping up, but in its most essential form, this coffee type is simply rich and fragrant espresso generously topped with whipped cream.
Affogato
The affogato can be seen as serving as the bridge between a coffee beverage and a caffeinated dessert. Its creation is simple, with a scoop of ice cream—usually vanilla—topped with a shot of espresso. A perfect treat for a hot day!
Alcoholic Coffee Drinks
Sometimes caffeine alone is not enough. These coffee drinks add a splash of spirits for an adult twist.
Irish Coffee
At times, the mind-altering effects of caffeine simply aren’t enough and the temptation arises to make coffee a decidedly alcoholic affair.
The most iconic form of this adult indulgence is the Irish coffee, created with a combination of espresso or strong brewed coffee, brown sugar, a shot of whiskey, and cream.
To accommodate different tastes, variants have grown in popularity, such as those using brandy or whiskey-cream liqueurs like Baileys.
Corretto
In a charming addition to our Italian-origin selection among the most popular types of coffee, we discover the caffè correto, which gives the humble espresso just a hint of naughtiness by adding a splash of grappa—an Italian style of liqueur.
The charm arises in the name, which translates simply as “corrected”, and while it is fair to say that a little alcohol can balance the bitterness of coffee, the name remains rather entertaining!
In Portugal, a similar preparation also offers amusement thanks to its name. When a splash of liqueur is added to espresso there, it is known as café com cherinho, which means “coffee with a scent”.
Cold Coffee Drinks
Perfect for warm weather or anyone who prefers their coffee chilled. Each of these uses a different method to get coffee cold.
Iced Coffee
When the sun makes an appearance and the thermostat begins to rise, you might well find yourself reaching for an iced coffee. But what exactly does this beverage involve?
Well, as a relatively contemporary concept, the term iced coffee covers a broad range of coffee types.
The only essential criteria is that the complete coffee concoction is prepared hot and then poured over ice to cool it.
This coffee type is often prepared with sweet flavored syrups and added whipped cream. It is not to be confused with the frappe, which is traditionally made cold with instant coffee and ice.
Iced Latte
In contrast to an iced coffee, the iced latte is created by pouring a shot of espresso over ice and then adding cold milk to fill the glass.
At times, the milk may be foamed and then cooled to create a similar texture to a hot latte, however, it is the coldness of the milk that distinguishes this beverage.
Cold Brew
While cold brew coffee can be seen as a distinct style of preparing the coffee itself—akin to drip-made or percolator-made coffee—it is also a coffee type that you may encounter on a contemporary bistro’s menu.
When cold brew coffee is made, heat isn’t used at all, but rather coffee grounds are steeped in or drip-fed with cold water over an extended period of time. The result is a coffee that is not only ready-chilled but also sweeter and less bitter than a conventional hot brew. For the best results, check our guide to the best coffee beans for cold brew.
If you really do like to frequent avant-garde coffee counters, you may come across so-called nitro coffee, which is created by infusing cold brew coffee with nitrogen to make it foamy. Positively futuristic!
Nitro Cold Brew
Nitro cold brew is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas and served on tap, similar to a draught beer. The nitrogen creates a thick, creamy head on the drink and gives it a velvety mouthfeel. It’s typically served without ice since the gas keeps it cold. Nitro cold brew has a naturally sweeter taste than regular cold brew despite having no added sugar.
Frappuccino and Blended Coffee
A frappuccino is a blended iced coffee drink made with espresso or coffee syrup, milk, ice, and flavored syrups, topped with whipped cream. Popularized by Starbucks, the frappuccino is more dessert than coffee — it’s sweet, cold, and thick, closer in texture to a milkshake than a traditional coffee drink. For a full breakdown of how it differs from a cappuccino, see our cappuccino vs frappuccino guide.
Shaken Espresso
A shaken espresso — popularized by Starbucks as the “Shaken Espresso” — is made by shaking shots of espresso with ice and a small amount of sweetener or flavoring, then pouring it into a cup of ice with a splash of milk. The shaking aerates the espresso and chills it quickly, creating a light, frothy texture. It’s stronger and less milky than an iced latte. For a deeper look, see what is a shaken espresso.
Modern Coffee Drinks
Newer additions to the coffee world that break the traditional mold.
Bulletproof Coffee
Intriguingly, bulletproof coffee was originally inspired by the practice of mixing yak butter into tea drinks in Tibet.
However in this far more modern concoction, coffee is blended with unsalted butter and a medium chain triglyceride oil—often derived from coconuts—to create a calorie-dense breakfast beverage.
This coffee style is particularly popular among fans of the ketogenic diet.
Dalgona Coffee
Dalgona coffee went viral in 2020 and is made by whipping equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a thick, pale foam, then spooning it over cold or hot milk. The result is a visually striking two-layered drink that you stir before drinking. It’s named after a Korean honeycomb toffee candy with a similar sweet flavor. Despite its internet fame, dalgona is easy to recreate at home — no espresso machine required.
Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is one of the oldest coffee preparation methods in the world. Very finely ground coffee is simmered (not brewed) in a small pot called a cezve with water and sometimes sugar. The grounds are not filtered out — instead, they settle to the bottom of the cup and you stop drinking before you reach them. The result is an intensely strong, thick, and aromatic coffee with a rich foam on top. It’s traditionally served with a glass of water and a small sweet. For more on how it compares to other styles, see our Arabic vs Turkish coffee breakdown.
How to Choose Your Coffee Drink
With so many options, it helps to narrow things down by what you actually want from your coffee. Use this quick guide:
| What you want | Best choices |
|---|---|
| Maximum caffeine, no fuss | Ristretto, Doppio, Espresso |
| Strong coffee, bigger cup | Americano, Long Black |
| Bold flavor with a little milk | Macchiato, Cortado, Flat White |
| Balanced, classic coffee shop drink | Cappuccino |
| Smooth and milky, easy to drink | Latte, Cafe au Lait |
| Something sweet or dessert-like | Mocha, Affogato, Vienna, Frappuccino |
| Cold coffee, lighter | Iced Latte, Cold Brew, Shaken Espresso |
| Traditional, no machine needed | Turkish Coffee, Dalgona Coffee, French Press |
If you’re still unsure, start with a cappuccino or latte — they’re the most popular espresso drinks for a reason and give you a good baseline for deciding whether you want something stronger or milkier.
Wrapping Up
From a simple shot of espresso to a layered Irish coffee, the world of coffee drinks is rich and varied. The good news is that most drinks are built from the same basic ingredients, just combined in different ways.
Now that you know the differences, try ordering something new next time you visit your local coffee shop. And if you want to dive deeper into any specific drink, check out our detailed comparison guides linked throughout this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main types of coffee drinks are espresso, americano, latte, cappuccino, flat white, mocha, and macchiato. Most are built from espresso and steamed milk in different ratios. Black drinks (espresso, americano) have no milk, while drinks like lattes and cappuccinos add varying amounts of steamed and frothed milk.
The 4 main types of coffee beans are Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. In terms of coffee drinks, the four most popular categories are espresso shots (espresso, doppio), black coffee (americano, long black), milk-based drinks (latte, cappuccino, flat white), and cold coffee (iced coffee, cold brew).
A latte has more steamed milk and a thin layer of foam, making it milder and creamier. A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and thick foam, making it stronger-tasting with a drier texture. Lattes are typically served in larger cups (8-12 oz) while cappuccinos are smaller (5-6 oz).
The 12 most common hot coffee drinks are: espresso, doppio, ristretto, americano, macchiato, cortado, cappuccino, latte, flat white, mocha, vienna, and cafe au lait. Each one uses espresso as a base but varies in how much milk, foam, or other ingredients are added.
A ristretto has the highest caffeine concentration per ml, but a large americano or drip coffee delivers the most total caffeine per serving because of the larger volume. A single espresso shot has about 63 mg of caffeine, while a 16 oz drip coffee can contain 190 mg or more.
Explore more in our coffee drink guides.
Hey there! I’m Austin and I love coffee. In fact, I drink about 5 americanos a day. I started BrewingCoffees because I wanted to share my love of coffee with the world. Before starting BrewingCoffees, I worked as a Barista for 7 years.
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