Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages across the globe. There are so many types of coffee that, likely, not every coffee lover will know the names of all of these coffees. From light-bodied roasts made from fine Arabica beans to dark and full-bodied flavors crafted with intense Robusta beans, there are various ways to enjoy your daily cup of joe.
Whether you’re just starting or an experienced connoisseur, this guide will help you discover all the types of coffee and explain each in the most simplistic way possible. Browse below. We bet you’ll learn something new.
To explain the types of coffee, we have divided this post into 4 sections. We’ll be defining the different coffee types as per the following: beans, drinks, roast, and the type of machines. Well, there’s a lot of knowledge here. Keep going.
Types of Coffee Drinks
1. Cappuccino: A cappuccino is a popular Italian coffee beverage that consists of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. It is typically served in a small, ceramic cup and is known for its distinctive layered appearance. The espresso provides a strong and rich flavor, while the steamed milk adds a creamy and smooth texture. The milk foam on top adds a touch of sweetness and adds to the visual appeal. Cappuccino is often enjoyed as a breakfast or afternoon treat and is a favorite choice for coffee lovers around the world.
2. Latte: A latte is a popular coffee beverage made with espresso and steamed milk. It typically consists of a shot or two of espresso, topped with a generous amount of frothy milk. The milk is steamed to create a velvety texture and is often poured in a way that creates beautiful latte art on the surface. Lattes can be enjoyed plain or flavored with syrups such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut. It is a creamy and indulgent drink that is loved by coffee enthusiasts around the world.
3. Espresso: Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee, brewed by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water through finely-ground coffee beans. It is the base for many coffee drinks such as cappuccino, latte, and macchiato. Espresso is known for its rich flavor, creamy consistency, and a layer of crema on top—a golden, creamy foam that is the hallmark of a well-made shot.
4. Macchiato: A macchiato is a coffee drink that traditionally consists of a small amount of steamed milk added to a shot of espresso, resulting in a strong and bold flavor with a bit of creaminess. The term “Macchiato” means “stained” or “spotted” in Italian, indicating that the espresso has been “stained” with a dollop of milk. It is usually served in a smaller cup than a cappuccino or latte.
5. Americano: Americano coffee is a type of coffee made by diluting a shot or two of espresso with hot water, resulting in a strength that is similar to traditional brewed coffee but with a different flavor profile. The ratio of water to espresso can vary according to taste, but it typically involves about twice as much water as espresso. The Americano is popular for its rich flavor and versatility, as it can be enjoyed both hot and iced.
6. Café Mocha: A café mocha is an espresso-based drink blended with chocolate syrup and steamed milk. The result is a decadent, creamy treat. It is usually topped with whipped cream and sometimes sprinkled with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder. There are many variations of Café Mocha, including using different types of chocolate such as dark, milk, or white chocolate.
7. Cold Brew Coffee: Cold brew coffee is a method of brewing coffee that involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room temperature water for an extended period, often 12 to 24 hours. This process results in a coffee concentrate that is smoother, less acidic, and often has a naturally sweeter taste compared to traditional hot brewed coffee.
8. Irish Coffee: Irish coffee is a cocktail consisting of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, stirred, and topped with cream that floats on top. It is known for its warming qualities and is often enjoyed as a cozy beverage on cold days or as a comforting after-dinner drink. It is one of the rare drinks that combines alcohol and coffee.
10. Turkish Coffee: Turkish coffee is a traditional method of brewing excellent, unfiltered coffee beans. The grounds are cooked in a cezve pot with hot water and then served in small cups accompanied by sugar cubes or candy.
11. Affogato: An affogato is an Italian coffee-based dessert made with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped off with a single or double shot of espresso. This is the perfect option if you don’t prefer a hot coffee drink but still crave a little caffeine kick.
12. Breve: A breve is an espresso-based drink made with half and half cream instead of milk. This makes the drink creamier and richer than a standard latte. It’s also more calorie-dense and richer in flavor. It is often topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg or chocolate powder.
13. Cortado: A cortado is a type of coffee drink with equal parts shot of espresso and steamed milk. This drink has a more robust flavor than a cappuccino or latte, but it is still creamy and smooth. It is usually served in smaller cups or glasses (4 to 6 ounces), making it larger than a macchiato but smaller than a latte.
14. Doppio: A doppio is a double shot of espresso, usually served in a small cup. This is an intense coffee experience and should only be enjoyed by those who can handle the caffeine kick. Doppio, just like Espresso, is consumed quickly, often standing at the bar, to savor the flavors and aromas at their peak.
15. Galão: A galão is a Portuguese-style coffee drink with one part espresso and three parts foamed milk. This creamy, sweet beverage is usually served in a tall glass. The Galão is a popular morning coffee drink in Portugal, often enjoyed at breakfast alongside pastries or bread.
16. Red Eye: A red eye is an espresso-based drink made with one shot of espresso added to a regular cup of drip coffee. Generally speaking, Red Eye contains about twice the amount of caffeine as regular coffee. It may also be referred to as a “shot in the dark” as it packs an extra punch of caffeine. It provides an extra jolt of caffeine for those who need it.
17. Flat White: A flat white is an espresso-based coffee drink made with steamed, velvety milk that has been micro-foamed until it reaches a thick consistency. It is poured over two espresso shots and served in a small cup. This results in a creamy consistency without the fluffy foam on top.
18. Viennese Coffee: Viennese coffee or “Wiener Kaffee” is an espresso-based drink made with two shots of espresso, steamed velvety milk, and hot chocolate. It is often served in a tall glass and topped with chocolate shavings or additional ingredients like chocolate syrup, cocoa powder, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg.
19. Bulletproof Coffee: Bulletproof coffee is a high-fat, low-carb coffee drink made with butter, MCT oil, and espresso. This creamy mixture is believed to provide lasting energy and mental clarity due to its higher fat content. The ingredients are blended together until the mixture becomes creamy and emulsified. It ensures that the fats are well integrated with the coffee.
20. Ristretto: A ristretto is a concentrated shot of espresso that has been extracted with less water than a regular shot. This results in a bolder, more intense flavor profile and a thicker crema. It is generally served straight, without any additives like sugar, milk, or cream. This is to appreciate the pure, intense flavor of the coffee.
21. Black eye: A black eye is a cup of regular drip coffee made with a double shot of espresso. This combination provides an extra kick of caffeine. It is a straightforward, no-frills drink that’s all about delivering a strong caffeine punch. Depending on the drip coffee temperature, it can be made into iced or hot coffee.
22. Café Bombon: Café bombon is a Spanish-style coffee drink made with equal parts espresso and sweetened, condensed milk and has a smooth, creamy texture. Condensed milk is first poured into the glass, followed by a shot of espresso. It is served in a small, clear glass to showcase the beautiful layering effect.
23. Café au Lait: A café au lait is a classic coffee drink made with equal parts freshly brewed coffee and steamed milk. It is preferably made using dark roast coffee and can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on your preference. It is usually served in a large, wide cup or bowl that allows for easy dipping of breakfast pastries, which is a common way to enjoy Café au Lait in France.
24. Lungo: A lungo is a large cup of espresso with double the amount of water. The result is a less concentrated flavor but still packs a punch of caffeine. A Lungo is not as strong or concentrated as a Ristretto (a “short” espresso with less water) and is less diluted than an Americano. It occupies a middle ground in terms of strength and volume.
25. Instant coffee: It is generally weaker than traditionally-brewed coffee, as it contains less caffeine by weight. Generally speaking, a single serving (1 teaspoon) of instant coffee contains about 60 to 65 mg of caffeine, compared to 100 mg for the same size serving of freshly-brewed coffee. The strength of instant coffee can vary depending on the type and brand, so it’s best to check the label for specific information on caffeine content. Additionally, adding milk and sugar can reduce the strength of the coffee flavor.
Related Read: Instant coffee vs ground coffee
26. Café Cubano: It is known for its bold, intense flavor. It consists of dark-roasted coffee beans that are finely ground and brewed with sugar, allowing for the extraction of maximum flavor. Café Cubano generally has a higher caffeine content than other types of espresso due to the combination of sugar and steamed water. As a result, it can provide an energizing burst of caffeine when consumed.
So there you have it – 27 types of coffee drinks from cappuccino to café mocha. Now you know a thing or two about types of coffee! With this knowledge, it won’t be hard to make an informed decision the next time you head out for your daily cup of joe. Cheers!
Different Iced Coffee Drinks
Iced coffee drinks are refreshing to cool down in the summer months. They can be enjoyed at home or even on the go. Let’s explore some of the most popular chilled coffee drinks available:
1. Iced Latte: This classic iced coffee is made with a shot of espresso and cold milk over ice. The taste of an Iced Latte is creamy and smooth, with the coffee flavor being more subtle compared to an iced coffee or cold brew due to the higher milk content. The cold milk and ice mellow out the espresso’s intensity.
2. Frappuccino: A Frappuccino is a trademarked line of blended ice coffee drinks sold by the international coffeehouse chain Starbucks. It typically consists of coffee or crème base, blended with ice and other various ingredients, often topped with whipped cream and flavored syrups. The Frappuccino has become popular for its wide range of flavors and customizable options, catering to those seeking a sweet, cold beverage.
3. Cold Brew: As the name suggests, cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period of time. Steeping coffee beans gives you an excellent dose of caffeine and a smooth flavor. Know more about cold brew here.
4. Frappe: This is made with espresso, milk, ice, and syrup, all blended together. It can also be topped off with whipped cream for extra sweetness. The key characteristic of a Frappe is its frothy top layer, which is created by vigorously shaking or blending the coffee with water and ice. The result is a foamy, refreshing drink.
5. Iced Americano: An iced Americano is similar to the hot version, but cold water is used to make this drink instead of hot water. It’s less acidic and has a more nuanced flavor than iced coffee made from brewed coffee.
6. Iced Mocha: This cold brew is a mix of espresso, cold milk, cocoa powder, or chocolate syrup and topped off with some whipped cream. The drink offers a rich balance between the boldness of the coffee and the sweetness and creaminess of the chocolate and milk. Iced Mochas can be made with various milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
7. Vietnamese Iced Coffee: Vietnamese iced coffee also known as “Cà Phê Đá,” is a robust and condensed version of regular brewed coffee. It is brewed with chicory and sweetened condensed milk over ice to give it an intense flavor. The coffee is brewed using a small, metal, drip filter (phin) placed over a cup.
8. Iced Macchiato: An iced macchiato is a shot of espresso served over ice and topped with a dollop of milk foam or cream. Unlike a latte or cappuccino, the milk in a macchiato is not frothed or steamed, resulting in a less creamy texture and a more pronounced coffee taste.
9. Café Melange: This is a classic iced coffee drink consisting of espresso, sugar, and hot milk all stirred together before being served over ice. It’s a delightful and elegant coffee beverage popular in countries like Austria and Hungary. Many times, whipped cream is used instead of or in addition to milk.
10. Granita: A granita is a semi-frozen slushy drink made by combining brewed coffee with sugar and sometimes other flavors such as chocolate or vanilla. It can be served as a dessert or a refreshing snack. Coffee granita has a bold, rich coffee flavor with a sweet undertone.
Types of Flavored Coffee
A coffee shop menu is incomplete without some unique flavors of brewed coffee. Flavored coffees offer a wide variety of tastes and aromas to satisfy the cravings of most coffee lovers. Here are a few popular ones.
1. Caramel Macchiato: The overall flavor profile of Caramel Macchiato is slightly sweet from the caramel syrup, creamy from the steamed milk, and bold from the espresso. One of the distinctive features of a Caramel Macchiato is its layered presentation. The espresso is poured on top of the milk, creating a gradient effect. The caramel drizzle adds a decorative and flavorful top layer.
2. Vanilla Latte: It is a creamy, sweet coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup. The flavor of this type of latte is usually described as smooth and creamy, with a hint of sweetness from the vanilla syrup. It can also have caramel or nutty undertones, depending on the espresso used.
3. Hazelnut Latte: Hazelnut Latte is a sweet and creamy drink popular at most coffee shops. The flavor is nutty (from hazelnut syrup) and slightly sweet, with hints of caramel and chocolate. It’s a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts who enjoy flavored lattes.
4. Mocha Mint: Mocha Mint is a coffee beverage combining mocha and mint flavors. The flavor is sweet with a subtle hint of mint, giving it a refreshing taste. It can be prepared in various ways, including as a hot coffee drink, an iced beverage, or even as a blended frappe. It’s perfect for those craving something different from traditional iced espresso.
5. Cinnamon Dolce Latte: The Cinnamon Dolce Latte is a sweet and spicy drink that combines espresso, steamed milk, and cinnamon dolce-flavored syrup. The flavors blend to create an indulgent experience sure to please the taste buds.
6. Gingerbread Latte: It has a sweet and spicy flavor with hints of molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It is typically served hot or warm but can also be enjoyed as an iced beverage. The creamy texture of the milk, combined with the bold spices, makes it a comforting and delicious drink that is perfect for cold days.
7. White Chocolate Mocha: White Chocolate Mocha is a creamy, indulgent coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and white chocolate syrup and topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder. It has a mild flavor compared to other stronger coffee types due to the addition of white chocolate syrup.
8. Pumpkin Spice Latte: The Pumpkin Spice Latte is a popular fall drink with an intense cinnamon and pumpkin flavor. It is made with espresso, steamed milk, and flavored syrups such as vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. It is topped with milk foam and usually finished with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
9. Caramel Brûlée Latte: It has a sweet, rich caramel flavor with hints of vanilla and espresso. It is usually topped with crunchy burnt sugar for an extra special treat. The coffee beverage is made by mixing steamed milk, espresso, and flavored syrup before being topped with cream and caramel sauce. This decadent latte can also be enhanced with various spices and flavorings.
10. Honey Vanilla Chamomile Latte: The Honey Vanilla Chamomile Latte is a creamy, sweet beverage with a delicate flavor of chamomile and subtle notes of honey and vanilla. The smoothness of the milk and the sweetness of honey make this espresso drink a perfect way to relax after a long day. The chamomile adds a soothing element that helps enhance the flavor of both honey and vanilla.
So there you have 10 delicious flavored coffee drinks to tantalize your taste buds! Whether it’s for a mid-morning pick-me-up or an evening treat, these hot or iced espresso delights will indeed have something to satisfy everyone. Enjoy!
Types of Coffee Beans
There are four different types of coffee beans available, each with its own unique flavor and aroma.
Arabica: Arabica beans are known for their sweet and mild flavor, making them popular in espresso drinks. These come from Ethiopia and are usually grown at high altitudes. They are the most widely consumed coffee beans in the world, accounting for about 60% of global coffee production.
Robusta: Robusta beans have a strong, bold flavor and higher caffeine levels than Arabica beans. These come from Brazil, Vietnam, or Indonesia and make excellent French press coffee. They are often used in espresso blends to create a rich crema and add a strong, earthy note to the coffee.
Liberica: Liberica coffee beans are characterized by their strong aroma and smoky flavor notes. The beans are larger and more irregular in shape compared to Arabica and Robusta. They mostly come from Southeast Asia and are often used to make instant coffee.
Excelsa: Excelsa coffee beans have a floral aroma and nutty flavor, making them popular for cappuccinos and lattes. These come from Central America and Africa. They make up a small percentage of the world’s coffee production, making them a more exotic choice.
By Coffee Roasts
The type of coffee roast impacts the flavor of the coffee, as each roast gives off its own unique aroma and taste.
Light Roast: This coffee roast has a light brown color with no oil on the surface of the coffee beans. It is mild in flavor and contains more caffeine than darker coffee roasts since it’s roasted for a shorter time.
Medium Roast: A medium roast has a medium brown color, with some oil beginning to appear on the surface of the coffee beans. It has a stronger flavor and mild acidity and contains slightly less caffeine than light roasts.
Medium Dark Roasts: Medium dark roast beans have a dark color, with some oils on the surface of the beans. They may leave a slightly bittersweet taste after brewing coffee.
Dark Roast: Dark roast beans have a dark brown color with an oily surface. Also known as French roast, it has a strong, smoky taste and heavy body with very low acidity. Dark roast coffee has less caffeine than light and medium roasts.
Read more on beans: Light roast vs dark roast.
Whether you’re after an intense cold brew or a smooth latte, the perfect espresso cup starts with the right coffee beans and roast. With so many options to choose from, have fun experimenting until you find your favorite.
