Feeling overwhelmed by coffee choices? This coffee types guide will help you understand popular options, from strong espressos to smooth lattes and cold brews. Discover the variety and find the perfect coffee for your tastes.
Key Takeaways
- Espresso is the foundation of many popular coffee drinks, with variations like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos based on espresso-to-milk ratios.
- Black coffee varieties, such as ristretto and cold brew, highlight the rich flavours of the coffee beans without milk, catering to those who enjoy a pure coffee experience.
- Specialty coffee drinks like affogatos and Irish coffee combine traditional coffee with sweet or indulgent elements, offering unique and exciting flavour experiences.
Table of Contents
Espresso-Based Coffee Drinks
A plethora of popular coffee drinks globally have espresso at their core. Renowned for its robust taste and adaptability, this potent concentrated coffee is the cornerstone of numerous coffee concoctions. Espresso-based beverages such as the traditional cappuccino and the velvety latte differ chiefly in how much espresso is mixed with additional elements like water, steamed milk, or foam from milk.
Globally, certain espresso-infused coffee drinks are especially cherished and have become fundamental offerings within countless coffee shops.
Espresso
Every espresso-based beverage originates with a potent and compact shot of espresso. This intense coffee drink is created by blasting finely ground coffee beans with hot water under high pressure, typically producing around 1 ounce of concentrated coffee in about 25-30 seconds. The result is a robust brew celebrated for its full-bodied flavour that captivates the taste buds of coffee lovers.
The hallmark feature distinguishing an exquisite espresso shot is the ‘crema’—a sumptuous, amber foam topping derived from the condensed oils within the grounds that not only enriches its creamy texture but also amplifies its complex flavours. Typically presented in a petite demitasse cup, this fundamental component forms the foundation upon which many beloved coffee drinks are crafted.
Doppio (Double Espresso)
If you’re looking for a robust coffee experience, consider opting for the doppio, commonly known as a double espresso. This potent beverage consists of two espresso shots and offers an intensely rich taste designed to invigorate your palate. This double shot of espresso stands out as a pure form of intense coffee delight, ideal for individuals who enjoy their coffee with pronounced strength and purity.
Long Black
A shot of espresso is combined with hot water to craft an Americano, yielding a drink similar to drip coffee yet possessing a more robust taste. The addition of hot water dilutes the strength of the espresso shot while maintaining its intense character, offering an appealing option for those who appreciate the profound flavour profile of espresso but desire something less concentrated.
In warmer climates or during summer, an iced take on the Long Black is available by incorporating cold water and ice rather than hot. This cool variant satisfies those longing for the potent punch of espresso in a refreshing beverage format.
Due to its straightforward composition and capacity for variation, the Americano has secured its place as a fixture across global coffee establishments.
Cappuccino
Originating from Austria and becoming an integral part of Italian coffee culture, the cappuccino is a timeless espresso-based beverage. It has three main ingredients in equal measure: espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. This blend creates a richly flavourful drink that maintains balance, whether enjoyed as your morning cup or savoured as an afternoon delight in a traditional 6-ounce serving size.
With its robust flavour complemented by the velvety smoothness of frothy milk on top, the cappuccino distinguishes itself from other milky coffee drinks. The name ‘cappuccino’ comes from Italian and translates to ‘little cap,’ referencing the foamy layer that crowns this beloved concoction. A classic favourite adorned with just a sprinkle of cocoa powder or served plain, it stands tall amongst some of the most popular coffee drinks around the globe.
Latte
Renowned for its smooth consistency and gentler taste, a latte is crafted by blending a shot of espresso with steamed milk. This leads to a drink topped with a delicate layer of milk foam that provides a balanced state of coffee richness. Customarily served in a generous 12-ounce mug, it stands as the go-to option for those fond of more voluminous milky coffees.
The appeal of lattes lies in their adaptability. Patrons can personalise them by adding different flavoured syrups, like vanilla or caramel, to suit their palate. They may even opt for an icy version when seeking something cool and revitalising. With its velvety texture paired with subdued coffee notes, the latte is especially beloved by individuals who appreciate espresso-based drinks but prefer them less robust.
Macchiato
A macchiato is a coffee beverage crafted with an espresso foundation. It is designed to showcase the robust taste of espresso while incorporating only a slight amount of milk. In Italian, ‘macchiato’ translates to ‘stained’ or ‘spotted,’ which describes how the espresso is lightly ‘marked’ by adding a dollop of foamed milk. The result is a concoction that delivers the potent essence of strong coffee paired with just enough creamy texture.
This particular coffee drink can be prepared using either one shot or a double shot of espresso, depending on preference. It features less milk than beverages like cappuccinos and little foam, catering perfectly to those who desire their coffee’s flavour profile to remain front and centre with merely a whisper of milky smoothness.
Traditionally served in small cups, macchiatos can be personalised by adding various flavoured syrups if you crave extra sweetness.
Flat White
The flat white, a coffee drink from Australia, is celebrated for its robust espresso flavour complemented by a smooth and creamy texture. This beverage combines a double shot of espresso with approximately 100ml of steamed milk to produce an intensely flavoured yet mellow coffee experience. The milk in a flat white is specially prepared by steaming it from the bottom of the pitcher to achieve a lustrous and silky consistency distinguished by having less microfoam than what you’d find atop a latte.
While often likened to lattes, flat whites stand apart due to their unique preparation method. This results in a creamier consistency and heightened intensity of taste. This unique blend is loved by those who enjoy strong, creamy coffee without too much froth.
Mocha
Mocha is a delicious mix of double espresso, chocolate syrup or cocoa powder, and steamed milk with froth. It offers a rich, sweet, and bold flavour. This drink appeals to coffee lovers and enthusiasts with its smooth, creamy texture and rich chocolate flavour.
Served in a 12-ounce glass, this delicious coffee blend is often topped with whipped cream or a sprinkle of chocolate for an extra indulgent touch. Ideal as an invigorating morning brew or a midday boost, the mocha presents an impeccable blend of aromatic coffee essence intermingled with smooth chocolate undertones.
Black Coffee Varieties
Black coffee varieties are celebrated for their unique preparation methods and firm, full-bodied taste characteristics. These beverages are made without milk or added flavourings, allowing the pure taste of the coffee to shine through.
Below is a selection of prominent black coffee drinks that emphasise the inherent tastes derived from the coffee beans.
Ristretto
Ristretto, often favoured by enthusiasts of robust coffee, is a more potent variant of espresso that achieves its heightened intensity and richer taste profile by utilising only half the amount of water generally used for making espresso. This decrease in water enhances the natural flavours within finely ground coffee beans, yielding an even more potent and concentrated coffee experience than traditional espresso.
Long Black
Preparing a Long Black involves filling a cup with hot water and layering it with a double shot of espresso. This keeps the prized crema from the espresso, giving the coffee a bold, rich flavour and a smooth texture. Thanks to the use of two shots rather than one, this drink stands out for its bolder coffee essence.
Careful attention must be paid during its assembly to craft a Long Black that truly showcases its unique taste characteristics. Initiate by pouring boiling water into your chosen vessel. Then, carefully add your freshly brewed double shot of espresso on top. This method protects the delicate crema and enriches your coffee experience with enhanced aroma and depth.
The Long Black is the perfect choice for coffee lovers who want a strong espresso but prefer a milder alternative to a straight shot.
Drip Coffee
Brewing coffee using the drip method is a popular and practical way to prepare coffee domestically. This technique requires that ground coffee beans be placed within a filter, where hot water is poured over these grounds, gradually dripping brewed coffee into a carafe below. Renowned for its straightforwardness and dependable results, it yields a consistently rich and tasty cup of java with each use.
Milk-Based Coffee Drinks
Coffee enthusiasts often favour milk-based coffee beverages for their rich, velvety textures and mellow tastes. These delightful concoctions blend espresso with either steamed milk or milk foam or frequently both, yielding an array of exquisite coffee adventures. This category offers something for everyone, from the classic cappuccino to the trendy flat white.
Now, let’s explore a unique yet equally delicious milk-based coffee option—the Piccolo Latte.
Piccolo Latte
The Piccolo Latte is a diminutive but powerful coffee beverage that delivers an intense coffee taste with just a tiny amount of milk. It’s prepared by pouring warm, velvety milk and microfoam over a single ristretto shot and is typically presented in a petite cup.
Ideal for individuals who appreciate the robustness of espresso while desiring only a hint of milky softness, this coffee concoction creates a perfect balance between strong coffee flavours and a smooth, creamy taste.
Cold Coffee Drinks
Cold coffee drinks offer a refreshing way to enjoy your favourite coffee flavours, especially on hot days. These beverages range from simple iced coffees to more complex cold brews and nitro cold brews, each offering a unique taste and texture.
Here’s how these chilled coffee drinks are made and what makes them unique.
Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is a delightful and straightforward beverage created by first preparing hot coffee and then cooling it with ice. To achieve the perfect iced coffee, it’s crucial to brew it with extra strength so that its rich taste isn’t lost when mixed with ice cubes.
By following this technique, you can enjoy the strong flavour of your favourite coffee in conjunction with a calm and invigorating milk-based drink.
Cold Brew
A coffee drink known as cold brew has gained popularity among those who enjoy a less bitter and more mellow taste. This brewing technique involves submerging coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water over a lengthy period, typically spanning from 12 to 24 hours, which allows the development of its robust flavour while minimising bitterness common with hot brewing methods.
To create this concentrated coffee, mix coarsely ground coffee with either room temperature or chilled water inside a sizable container or specialised cold brew pot. Once the steeping phase is complete, strain out the grounds to yield an exceptionally smooth concentrate that can be served straight up or diluted according to personal preference using water, milk, or cream.
The flexibility of adjusting your cold brew’s potency lies in altering how long you let it steep, making this method highly adaptable to different tastes among coffee enthusiasts.
Nitro Cold Brew
Nitro cold brew coffee is a refreshing variation on the classic cold brew, where nitrogen gas is used to give it a rich and creamy consistency. It’s poured from a tap in much the same way that draft beer is served, which gives this coffee drink its unique, frothy look.
Introducing nitrogen into the mix improves how the beverage feels as you sip and amplifies the coffee beans’ inherent sweetness. This results in an enjoyable, silky, smooth drink that doesn’t necessarily require additional milk or sweeteners.
Specialty Coffee Drinks
Coffee beverages in the specialty category provide a novel and thrilling taste adventure compared to standard coffee choices. They frequently include additives like syrups, spices, or non-traditional milk to fashion singular flavour combinations. Whether it’s the luxurious affogato or the celebratory Irish coffee, these exceptional drinks are designed to appeal to diverse tastes and suit various events.
Highlighted below is an assortment of these enjoyable concoctions made with coffee.
Affogato
An affogato is a lavish coffee dessert that merges the robust flavour of espresso with the velvety smoothness of vanilla ice cream. It’s crafted by drizzling a shot of hot espresso over a dollop of vanilla ice cream, resulting in an exquisite interplay between warm and cold sensations and varied textures.
The coffee drink delivers an opulent indulgence, intertwining the intense taste of coffee from the espresso with the rich, sweet sensation provided by the ice cream.
Irish Coffee
Irish coffee fuses the hearty taste of coffee with the velvety punch of Irish whiskey. This beverage is usually prepared by blending hot coffee and a shot of Irish whiskey with a teaspoonful of sugar, then crowning it with a creamy layer of whipped cream.
Extras like a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a twist of orange peel add a flavour and aroma to this classic drink.
Matcha Latte
The matcha latte is created by blending the distinctive, earthy taste of matcha green tea with the smooth, creamy feel of steamed milk. This velvety beverage is crafted by combining matcha powder with a shot of espresso and steamed milk, culminating in a drink that’s both rich and silky and characterised by its unique green colour.
As a rejuvenating option apart from conventional coffee drinks, The matcha latte offers a rich and delightful experience for anyone looking to try something new in their coffee choices.
Brewing Methods Explained
The coffee-making technique significantly affects the drink’s taste, potency, and general enjoyment. Each method unlocks distinctive characteristics within the coffee beans, whether through drip brewing or achieving a dense and robust flavour with a French press.
Let’s explore some prevalent methods for preparing your coffee beverage and examine how they alter its essence.
French Press
The French press, renowned for its immersion brewing technique, delivers a robust cup of coffee with a rich body. By steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water for 2 to 5 minutes and subsequently filtering it via a mesh plunger, this method preserves more of the coffee’s natural oils. The result is a beverage offering a more substantial mouthfeel than other brewing methods.
This approach is perfect for individuals who appreciate strong and tasteful coffee, making the French press an excellent choice for those seeking depth in their brew.
AeroPress
Utilising an AeroPress, a highly adaptable coffee-making device, one can swiftly and effortlessly produce a rich and creamy cup of coffee. Begin by placing ground coffee into the cylindrical compartment. Then pour in hot water. After stirring this blend, employ the plunger to push it through a filter.
The brewing process with an AeroPress offers considerable control over both the duration of brewing and the intensity of the coffee’s flavour, which is why it has garnered popularity among those who sincerely appreciate coffee.
Chemex
The Chemex, an elegant and efficient pour-over coffee brewer, employs a distinctive filter to create a smooth and robust-flavoured cup of coffee. One places coarsely ground coffee within its cone-shaped filter through which hot water is poured over. This method permits the brewing of the beverage as it filters down into the vessel underneath.
Due to its dense filtering system, the Chemex eliminates most oils and sediments from the ground coffee. This process ensures that each brewed cup has a refined taste with balanced flavours.
Summary
Through exploring 20 popular coffee drinks, we’ve uncovered the diverse world of coffee and its many delightful variations. From the robust flavours of espresso-based drinks to the refreshing chill of cold brews, each coffee drink offers a unique taste experience. Milk-based coffees provide creamy, comforting flavours, while specialty drinks introduce exciting new combinations.
Whether you are brewing at home or visiting your favourite coffee shop, understanding the different types of coffee drinks and their brewing methods can enhance your appreciation for this beloved beverage. So, next time you order a coffee, try something new and savour the rich, aromatic flavours each coffee drink offers. Cheers to great coffee and endless possibilities!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an espresso and a doppio?
An espresso is a single shot of concentrated coffee, while a doppio is a double shot, providing a bolder and richer flavour.
So, if you want more kick in your cup, go for the doppio!
How is a Long Black different from a drip coffee?
A Long Black is different from drip coffee because it’s made by adding espresso to hot water. This gives it a richer flavour while still mimicking the consistency of drip coffee.
So, a Long Black might hit the spot if you’re after a bolder taste!
What makes a flat white different from a latte?
A flat white is different from a latte because it has a double shot of espresso and less steamed milk and foam, giving it a stronger coffee flavour and creamier texture.
So, if you want something bold yet smooth, go for the flat white!
What is the key difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
The key difference is that cold brew is steeped in cold water for a long time, creating a smooth and low-acidity flavour, while iced coffee is brewed hot and then chilled, which can lead to a more diluted taste.
So, if you’re after a mellow sip, a cold brew is the way to go!
How does the French press brewing method differ from the AeroPress?
The French press steeps coarsely ground coffee in hot water and uses a mesh plunger, resulting in a rich, full-bodied brew.
In contrast, the AeroPress combines immersion with air pressure for a quick and smoother coffee experience.
