Coffee Drinks Guide
From espresso shots to silky lattes—master the world of coffee drinks and order with confidence
Walking into a specialty coffee shop can feel overwhelming with menus featuring dozens of drinks. But once you understand the building blocks—espresso, steamed milk, and water—every drink makes sense. This guide breaks down the most popular coffee drinks, their proportions, and what makes each one unique. Whether you're a newcomer to specialty coffee or looking to expand your repertoire, you'll leave knowing exactly what to order.
Quick Drink Finder
Strong & Bold
Espresso, Ristretto, Doppio
Milk & Espresso
Latte, Cappuccino, Flat White
Light & Smooth
Americano, Long Black, Filter
Cold & Refreshing
Cold Brew, Iced Latte, Affogato
The Foundation: Espresso
Every coffee shop drink starts here. Espresso is concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under pressure. The result is a small, intense shot with a layer of golden crema on top. Understanding espresso variations helps you control the strength and flavor of any drink.
Espresso
25-30mlThe purest expression of coffee. A single shot (solo) delivers intense, concentrated flavor in about 25 seconds of extraction. Expect caramel sweetness, rich body, and a long finish. Best enjoyed immediately—the crema dissipates within minutes.
Doppio (Double)
50-60mlTwo shots of espresso—the standard in most specialty coffee shops today. More volume, same concentration as a single. This is what most cafés use as the base for milk drinks. If you ask for "an espresso" at a specialty shop, you'll often get a doppio.
Ristretto
15-20mlA "restricted" shot—same amount of coffee, less water, shorter extraction. The result is sweeter, more syrupy, and less bitter than regular espresso. Extracts more of the coffee's sweet and fruity notes while leaving behind some of the bitter compounds.
Lungo
60-80mlA "long" shot—same coffee, more water, longer extraction. Less intense than espresso but more bitter as the extended extraction pulls out more compounds. Popular in parts of Europe where espresso is traditionally a bit longer and milder.
Milk-Based Classics
Steamed milk transforms espresso into creamy, approachable drinks. The magic is in the texture—microfoam (tiny, velvety bubbles) creates that silky mouthfeel. The ratio of espresso to milk and the amount of foam defines each classic drink.
Cappuccino
150-180mlThe iconic Italian classic: equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam (roughly 1:1:1). The thick layer of foam on top insulates the drink and provides textural contrast. Traditional cappuccinos are smaller and stronger than the supersized versions at chain cafés.
Latte (Caffè Latte)
240-350mlEspresso with lots of steamed milk and just a thin layer of foam. Creamier and milder than cappuccino—the milk sweetness softens the coffee's intensity. The canvas for latte art. Larger sizes are common; it's meant to be a sipping drink, not a quick shot.
Flat White
150-180mlOriginated in Australia/New Zealand—a smaller, stronger milk drink with velvety microfoam (no stiff foam layer). Higher espresso-to-milk ratio than a latte means more coffee flavor comes through. The milk is silky smooth throughout, not separated into layers.
Macchiato
35-60ml"Stained" espresso—a shot with just a dollop of milk foam on top. The foam slightly softens the espresso's edge while preserving its intensity. Not to be confused with the caramel macchiato (a sweetened latte). Traditional macchiatos are tiny and potent.
Cortado
60-90mlSpanish-origin drink: espresso "cut" with an equal amount of warm milk (1:1 ratio). Little to no foam. Stronger than a flat white, creamier than a macchiato. Perfect for those who want milk but don't want it to dominate. Usually served in a small glass.
Latte Macchiato
250-300mlThe inverse of a regular macchiato—milk "stained" with espresso. A glass of steamed milk with espresso poured through, creating beautiful layers. Milder coffee flavor as the espresso disperses slowly. Served in a tall glass to show off the layers.
Black Coffee & Water-Based Drinks
Not everyone wants milk. These drinks highlight coffee's natural flavors—from the intensity of espresso diluted with water to the smooth, low-acid experience of slow-brewed methods. Perfect for purists and those who want to taste the coffee itself.
Americano
180-240mlEspresso topped with hot water—similar strength to filter coffee but with espresso's body and crema. Legend says it was invented for American soldiers in Italy who found espresso too strong. Espresso goes in first, then water. Smooth and satisfying.
Long Black
180-240mlThe Australian/NZ version of an Americano—but with a key difference: hot water goes in first, then espresso is poured on top. This preserves the crema and creates a more aromatic, layered drinking experience. Subtly different but noticeably better.
Filter / Pour Over
200-300mlHot water slowly poured over ground coffee, dripping through a filter. Methods include V60, Chemex, and Kalita Wave. Cleaner, lighter body than espresso; highlights delicate flavor notes—fruit, floral, tea-like qualities. Often showcases single-origin beans.
AeroPress
150-250mlA modern brewing method using air pressure to push water through coffee. Incredibly versatile—can produce espresso-like concentrate or clean filter-style coffee. Fast brewing (1-2 minutes), easy cleanup, and surprisingly complex results. A favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
French Press
200-350mlFull immersion brewing: coarse grounds steep in hot water, then a metal mesh filter separates the coffee. Produces rich, full-bodied coffee with natural oils intact. Slightly gritty texture. Bold flavor profile—great for darker roasts and milk if desired.
Cold & Iced Drinks
Cold coffee isn't just hot coffee over ice. These drinks are specifically crafted for refreshment—from slow-steeped cold brews to flash-chilled espresso drinks. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you want something cool and caffeinated.
Cold Brew
240-350mlCoarse coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours. Never touches heat, resulting in a smooth, sweet, low-acid brew. Usually served as concentrate diluted with water or milk. Higher caffeine than regular coffee due to the long extraction and high coffee-to-water ratio.
Iced Latte
300-400mlEspresso poured over cold milk and ice. The espresso is still hot when poured, creating interesting flavor dynamics as it mixes with cold milk. Refreshing and creamy—works well with flavored syrups. Ratio is typically similar to a hot latte, just served cold.
Iced Americano
240-350mlEspresso with cold water and ice—the refreshing black coffee option. Clean and bold without any milk. Some shops use cold water to preserve the crema; others use ice to chill. A great way to appreciate espresso on a hot day.
Affogato
60-120mlItalian for "drowned"—a shot of hot espresso poured over cold gelato or ice cream. Dessert and coffee in one. The hot coffee melts into the ice cream creating a creamy, bittersweet experience. Traditionally vanilla, but any flavor works.
Nitro Cold Brew
300-400mlCold brew infused with nitrogen gas, served on tap like beer. The nitrogen creates a cascading, creamy texture with a thick, stout-like head. Naturally sweet and velvety without any milk or sugar. Served without ice—the nitrogen keeps it cold.
Specialty & Regional Drinks
Every coffee culture has developed unique drinks. These specialties offer new ways to enjoy coffee, from Vietnamese condensed milk to Spanish bumpy drinks. Try them to expand your coffee horizons.
Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
Strong, dark-roasted coffee brewed through a phin filter, mixed with sweetened condensed milk, served over ice. Rich, sweet, and incredibly bold. The condensed milk balances the coffee's bitterness perfectly.
Café con Leche
Spanish/Latin American specialty: strong espresso mixed with hot, scalded milk (not steamed). Equal parts or milk-heavy. Sweeter and smoother than Italian-style milk drinks. Often dunked with toast for breakfast.
Turkish Coffee
Finely ground coffee simmered in a cezve pot with water and sugar. Unfiltered, so grounds settle at the bottom. Rich, thick, and aromatic—often spiced with cardamom. Sipped slowly, leaving the grounds behind.
Café Cubano
Cuban espresso with a thick layer of espuma (sugar foam) on top. Sugar is whipped with the first drops of espresso to create a sweet, caramelized foam. Intense, sweet, and served in tiny cups.
Drink Comparison at a Glance
| Drink | Size | Strength | Milk | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 25-30ml | Very Strong | None | Purists, quick caffeine |
| Cappuccino | 150-180ml | Medium | Foamy | Mornings, texture lovers |
| Flat White | 150-180ml | Medium-Strong | Silky | Coffee lovers who like milk |
| Latte | 240-350ml | Mild | Lots | Sipping, flavor additions |
| Americano | 180-240ml | Medium | None | Black coffee fans |
| Cold Brew | 240-350ml | High | Optional | Hot days, low acid |
Ready to Try These Drinks?
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