There are so many different types of coffee for you to appreciate and enjoy. Even the biggest coffee fans may not know all of them or understand what they are about. In fact, unless you have a good memory, it’s hard to keep track of all of them. If you’ve ever been caught unprepared in a Starbucks trying to figure out the difference between cold-brew and regular iced coffee or what size a “Venti” is, then you’re not alone. You’re in good company: me!
Coffee is one of the most popular and common drinks around and if you’d like to learn more about it, we’ve got you covered. Following is a thorough list of different types of coffee drinks:
15 Different Types of Coffee Drinks
Let’s take a look at some of the most common coffee drinks.
#1. Americano – Strong espresso combined with hot water
This classic coffee drink combines a strong espresso shot with hot water, resulting in a flavorful yet smooth burst of caffeine. The Americano is perfect for those who want something stronger than a plain cup of joe, but not quite as intense as a straight-up espresso. Plus, it’s a versatile drink that can be customized with milk, sweetener, or even a splash of flavor syrup.
#2. Cappuccino – Espresso mixed with steamed milk and topped with foam
All the cool kids drink cappuccino! This delicious coffee drink combines the rich, intense flavor of espresso with the silky smoothness of steamed milk, and tops it all off with a frothy layer of foam. It’s the perfect balance of bold and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness.
#3. Latte – Espresso and steamed milk, usually served in a larger cup
I have a lat-te love for this drink! HA! Get it?! Anyways, the latte is the perfect blend of rich espresso and silky steamed milk. It’s no wonder why it’s a staple at coffee shops all around the world. What’s really great about lattes is that they come in a larger cup, so you can savor every last sip. They’re also highly customizable: You can add any flavor syrup you like or even switch up the type of milk for a plant-based twist.
#4. Macchiato – Espresso “marked” or “stained” with a small amount of foamed milk on the top
Ahhh, the macchiato! A macchiato is made by adding a small amount of foamed milk to a shot of espresso. It’s like a little mark, or stain if you will, on top of your espresso. But don’t let its small size fool you – the macchiato packs a punch with its strong espresso flavor and touch of sweetness from the milk. If you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or just want to indulge in a delicious coffee treat, the macchiato is definitely worth a try. Plus, whatta fun word to say – macchiato!
#5. Mocha – A latte made with chocolate syrup added to it
Look no further than a mocha for a tasty frrickin’ drink! It takes a classic latte and adds a delicious twist by including chocolate syrup. The result is a creamy, dreamy beverage that combines the richness of espresso with the sweetness of chocolate. Whether you’re a coffee fanatic or just looking to switch up your routine, mocha is the perfect choice for a tasty pick-me-up. In fact, once in a rare while, I treat myself to a mocha when doing chores or after lunch. Mhmmm.
#6. Iced Coffee – Cold-brewed coffee over ice cubes, typically served with cream and sugar
When the summer heat starts to rise, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of iced coffee. This beverage is made by cold-brewing coffee over ice cubes, creating a smooth, bold flavor that’s perfect for beating the heat. And of course, no iced coffee would be complete without a splash of cream and a bit of sugar.
#7. Doppio – Double shot of espresso with a jolt of caffeine
The doppio is a double shot of espresso that’s perfect for those who want an extra-strong jolt of caffeine. This bold and intense drink is made by pulling two shots of espresso in the same cup, resulting in a concentrated yet smooth flavor. The doppio can be enjoyed as-is or customized with some steamed milk and sweetener to make it even more delicious. If you need a serious boost of energy, this is definitely the coffee drink for you!
#8. Irish Coffee – Espresso with Whiskey and Cream
Irish coffee is an indulgent and unique blend of espresso, whiskey, cream, and sugar. This tasty beverage brings together the bold flavor of espresso with the sweetness of sugar and the warmth of whiskey. The creamy layer on top adds a smooth, velvety finish that’s perfect for those cold winter nights. Enjoy it on its own or as an after-dinner treat!
#9. Affogato – Espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla gelato
Last but not least, the affogato is a heavenly combination of espresso and ice cream that’ll make your taste buds sing. This decadent treat starts with a scoop of creamy vanilla gelato that’s topped with hot espresso. The heat from the espresso melts the ice cream and creates an out-of-this-world flavor experience. Affogatos are best enjoyed as an after-dinner dessert or anytime you’re in need of a sweet pick-me-up!
#10. Cafe Au Lait – A Sweet and Creamy Blend of Espresso and Milk
A cafe au lait is a classic coffee drink that combines the richness of espresso with the smooth sweetness of steamed milk. This dreamy beverage is made by blending espresso with steamed milk in a ratio of 1 part espresso to 1 part milk. The result is a creamy, sweet concoction that’s perfect for sipping on a lazy Sunday morning.
#11. Black Coffee – Bold and Unadulterated
Black coffee is an uncomplicated but bold beverage made from freshly ground beans steeped in hot water. Unlike many other coffee drinks, black coffee contains no added sweeteners or creamers, making it the perfect choice for those looking to cut down on sugar or extra calories. The intense flavor of black coffee might take some getting used to, but once you fall in love with it, there’s no going back. Whether you’re an early bird needing a kick-start or a night owl looking for an energy boost, black coffee is sure to hit the spot.
#12. Frappe – A Refreshing Blend of Coffee and Ice
Frappe is a delicious and refreshing cold coffee drink made with espresso, ice, and your choice of sweetener. This unique blend creates an icy and creamy beverage that’s perfect for hot summer days. Frappe can also be customized with other ingredients like chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and flavored syrups for an even more indulgent treat. So if you’re looking for a cool and tasty way to beat the heat, frappe is just what you need!
#13. Chai Latte – An Exotic Blend of Tea and Spices
A chai latte is a creamy Indian-inspired drink that combines black tea, milk, and a blend of sweet spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. This warming beverage is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that’s sure to please even the pickiest of palates. Enjoy it on its own or customize it with some steamed milk for extra creaminess. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or just want to break away from your usual coffee routine, a chai latte is definitely worth a try!
#14. Milk Coffee – A Creamy and Delicious Combination
Milk coffee is a delicious combination of espresso and milk that creates a creamy beverage that’s perfect for sipping any time of day. To make milk coffee, all you need to do is combine espresso and steamed milk together in a ratio of 1 part espresso to 2 parts milk. This simple drink can also be customized with flavors like vanilla extract or chocolate syrup for an extra dose of sweetness. If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, try adding some foam-topped whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Milk coffee is sure to become an instant favorite!
#15. Red Eye – A Robust Blend of Coffee and Espresso
Red Eye is a robust blend of coffee and espresso that packs an extra punch of caffeine. This intense drink is made by combining one shot of espresso with a cup of hot brewed coffee. The unique combination creates a bold and flavorful beverage that’s sure to wake you up. Red Eye can be enjoyed black or with a splash of cream and sugar for added sweetness. With its smooth taste and extra energy boost, it’s no surprise that this coffee favorite is here to stay!
#16. Mocha Latte – Rich Chocolate and Espresso in One Delicious Drink
A mocha latte is a delicious blend of espresso, hot milk, and rich chocolate syrup. This indulgent beverage is made by combining espresso and steamed milk in a ratio of 1 part espresso to 2 parts milk and then adding sweetened cocoa powder. The combination creates a sweet and creamy treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Mocha lattes can also be customized with other ingredients like vanilla extract, whipped cream, and flavored syrups for an even more decadent cup. Enjoy it on its own or as a way to start off a lazy Sunday morning — either way, you won’t be disappointed!
#17. Vietnamese Coffee – A Bold Brew with an Authentic Taste
Vietnamese coffee is an intensely flavorful brew made from a specialty blend of dark-roasted beans and served with sweetened condensed milk. This unique combination creates a bold and rich cup that’s unlike any other in the world. Vietnamese coffee has become a favorite among coffee lovers around the world and can be enjoyed both hot and cold. Enjoy it black or with a splash of sweetened condensed milk for an authentic taste that’s sure to please any coffee enthusiast!
The foundation of any coffee drink is always going to be the coffee beans. While you can go to any supermarket today and find hundreds of different coffee brands available, you may not understand the different types that exist. Let’s take a look.
Types of Coffee Beans
Great coffee always begins with the coffee bean. For the best coffee grinder, check out our guide here. Next, let’s explore some different types of coffee beans.
- Arabica – Arabica is the most popular type of coffee bean, and you’ll find many different types and brands in your local supermarket. This is the type you’ll typically use for black coffee because it has a sweet taste and a more complex flavor that is good if you drink it straight. It doesn’t have as much caffeine as Robusta.
- Robusta – This type is cheaper and stronger. It will have more caffeine but a stronger taste that some people feel is too bitter, especially when taken straight. It’s often used in espresso or in instant coffee mixes.
- Excelsa – This type of bean used to be classified as its own type but has now been reclassified as a type of Liberica bean family. It’s found mostly just in Southeast Asia and amounts for about 7% of the coffee in the world.
- Liberica – This is a rare type of coffee bean that is much harder to find. They are larger in size than other coffee beans and they have an irregular shape. It has a very different taste to the traditional Liberica bean, however. The beans have a unique smell and flavor. They’re fruity and floral and also a bit smoky.
Conclusion
You may not be a full-fledged coffee aficionado yet, but you should have a much better understanding of the types of coffee now. At the very least, you’ll be able to hold your own when ordering at a coffee shop. Feel free to print this page out and put it on your pin board for an easy reference!
Are there any of these types of coffee you’ve never tried before that you may want to explore now that you know what they are?
