Coffee is one of the most cherished beverages globally, known for its diverse flavors, methods of preparation, and the unique experiences it creates. This article explores the various types of coffee drinks, coffee beans, roasting levels, and brewing techniques.
Whether you enjoy a double espresso from an espresso machine or a freshly brewed cup from properly stored beans, the world of coffee has something to offer for every palate. By understanding the subtle variations between coffee beans like Arabica and Robusta or the characteristics that define light, medium, and dark roasts, you, as a coffee drinker, can elevate your appreciation for this beloved beverage.
Types of Coffee Drinks
The coffee world is diverse and beloved, offering countless ways to enjoy this beverage. From strong, concentrated espressos to rich, creamy lattes, the possibilities are endless.
Below is a detailed exploration of the most popular types of coffee drinks, each unique in its preparation, flavor, and character
Espresso
Espresso is the foundation of many coffee drinks and is rich in flavor. Made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans at high pressure, the result is a small, concentrated shot of coffee that is both bold and intense.
Espresso’s thick, syrupy consistency and deep, complex taste highlight the pure essence of the coffee bean. While coffee shops generally serve it as a 1-ounce shot, it can also be consumed as a "doppio" or double shot.
Americano
An Americano is a simple yet distinctive coffee drink that is essentially a diluted espresso.
To make an Americano, hot water is added to a shot or two of espresso, cushioning its bold flavors for a milder coffee taste. It is similar to a traditional black coffee but with a smoother texture thanks to the underlying espresso base.
Cappuccino
Cappuccino is one of the most popular types of coffee, consisting of a harmonious blend of three equal parts—espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
Named after the Capuchin monks, whose robes resemble the color of the drink, cappuccinos are known for their creamy texture and balanced flavor. Though cappuccino is a milk-based coffee, the strong presence of espresso ensures the coffee flavor remains prominent.
Macchiato
"Macchiato" means "stained" or "spotted" in Italian, and the name derives from the way the drink is made—espresso is “stained” with a small amount of milk or foam.
A traditional espresso macchiato is simply a shot of espresso marked with a dash of foamed milk, providing a slightly creamier version of a standard espresso.
There is also the latte macchiato, which, in contrast, is a glass of steamed milk “stained” with a shot of espresso.
Flat White
The flat white originates from Australia or New Zealand (its debated birthplace) and is gaining popularity worldwide.
A flat white is akin to a cappuccino or a latte but with some key differences. It consists of a shot or two of espresso and velvety microfoam, which is milk-steamed to a fine, smooth texture.
Mocha
The mocha, also known as café mocha or mochaccino, is a chocolatey cousin to the latte. It combines espresso, steamed milk, chocolate syrup, or cocoa powder, often topped with whipped cream or chocolate shavings.
This drink melds the rich, robust flavors of coffee and chocolate, making it immensely popular among those with a sweet tooth or newcomers to coffee.
Cortado
The cortado, derived from the Spanish word "cortar," or "to cut," is made by cutting the sharpness of espresso with an equal amount of steamed milk.
Unlike a cappuccino or flat white, the milk in a cortado is steamed but not frothed, resulting in a textured drink that is more immediately drinkable and not as foamy.
Latte
A latte, short for “caffè latte,” means "milk coffee" in Italian, and it lives up to its name.
The drink is made with one shot of espresso and steamed milk, with a small layer of milk foam on top.
Lattes are creamier and milkier than cappuccinos and are usually served in larger cups. This popular drink offers endless customization options; flavored syrups, such as vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut, can be added to create personalized variations.
The smoothness and light coffee flavor make it a favorite among coffee drinkers who prefer a less intense experience.
Affogato
An affogato straddles the line between a drink and a dessert. It consists of a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream drowned ("affogato" means "drowned" in Italian) in a shot of hot espresso. This contrast between hot and cold, creamy and bold, makes for an unusual yet delightful experience. The coffee melts the ice cream slightly, creating rich, sweet, and bitter flavors, perfect for those craving both a dessert and a caffeine fix.
Tip: Sprinkling coffee grounds around plants in the garden can help deter snails and slugs from feeding on them. |
Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is a process, not just a drink, in which coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for 12 to 24 hours.
Once strained, the result is a smooth, less acidic coffee concentrate that can be served over ice or diluted with cold water or milk. The cold brewing method brings out different flavor notes compared to hot brewing, often emphasizing chocolatey, nutty, or citrus undertones.
Ristretto
A ristretto is a highly concentrated coffee version of an espresso shot, even stronger and bolder in flavor. The word "ristretto" means "restricted" or "shortened" in Italian, and this refers to its preparation.
When making a ristretto, only the first part of the espresso shot is used, offering a smaller volume with a profoundly intense taste. By pulling the shot quicker, the barista extracts less water, meaning that fewer bitter compounds emerge, resulting in a sweeter, denser, and more flavorful coffee.
Long Black
The long black is a drink commonly enjoyed in Australia and New Zealand, similar to an Americano but with key differences in the preparation order. A long black is made by pouring a double shot of espresso over hot water, usually in a 6 to 8-ounce cup.
Café au Lait
Café au lait, literally translating to "coffee with milk" in French, is a simple coffee drink that is made by mixing equal parts strong brewed coffee or espresso and steamed milk. This classic beverage is popular throughout Europe, especially in France.
Different from a latte, which uses espresso as the base, a café au lait can also be made with drip coffee, making it accessible to home brewers.
Flat Black
The flat black is a relatively newer addition to the types of coffee gaining popularity, especially in regions where the flat white is common. It is typically made by combining two shots of espresso with hot water, but unlike an Americano, the flat black uses less water, which results in a stronger and more concentrated coffee.
Caffè Breve
This Americanized version of a latte uses half-and-half (a mixture of milk and cream) in place of regular milk, resulting in a creamier, richer beverage. It is made similarly to a latte, with a shot of espresso and steamed half-and-half rather than steamed milk.
The addition of cream gives the drink a thicker texture and more indulgent flavor. Caffè breve is often served as a dessert-like treat due to its richness, though it can also serve as a luxurious morning coffee.
Irish Coffee
Irish coffee brings together two much-loved beverages: coffee and whiskey. It’s a hot cocktail consisting of strong black coffee, a shot of Irish whiskey, and sugar, typically topped with a layer of thick, lightly whipped cream.
The heat of the coffee plumes through the cream, offering a warm, boozy sip perfect for cold evenings or as a post-dinner drink.
Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is a traditional method of coffee preparation that dates back centuries. It’s made by boiling finely ground coffee beans in water (and sometimes sugar) in a special pot known as a cezve or ibrik.
The coffee is unfiltered, and the grounds settle at the bottom of the cup, creating a thick consistency and bold flavor.
Cuban Coffee (Café Cubano)
Cuban coffee, or café Cubano, is an espresso shot brewed with a particular technique that makes it uniquely sweet. While the espresso is brewing, sugar is mixed with the first few drops of strong espresso, creating a thick, sweet foam called espuma. This is then mixed with the rest of the espresso shot.
The result?
A small, robust, powerfully sweet espresso shot. It’s traditionally served in small cups called tacitas and is a staple in Cuban communities, both in Cuba and abroad.
Fun Fact: Ludwig van Beethoven, a German composer and pianist, was known for counting exactly 60 coffee beans for each cup of coffee he made, maintaining a precise brewing routine. |
Nitro Coffee
Nitro coffee is a relatively new trend, crafted by infusing cold brew coffee with nitrogen gas and then serving it from a tap.
The nitrogen creates a creamy, cascading effect that’s typically associated with stout beers, giving the coffee a rich, frothy feel.
Nitro coffee is traditionally served without ice, as the gas gives the beverage a smooth, chilled finish.
Because of its creamy texture, nitro coffee often doesn’t require milk or sugar, making it an ideal choice for black coffee devotees who want a unique and smooth experience.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
Vietnamese iced coffee, or cà phê sữa đá, is a sweet and strong coffee originating from Vietnam. It’s made by brewing a dark roast coffee, usually with a small metal drip filter known as a phin, directly over a glass containing sweetened condensed milk.
Once brewed, the coffee and condensed milk are stirred together and then poured over a glass of ice. The resulting beverage is sweet, rich, and robust, perfectly balancing the bitterness of the coffee with the sweetness of the milk.
Espresso Romano
Espresso Romano is a charming twist on the traditional espresso that involves adding a slice of lemon or a drop of lemon juice to the shot. This addition is believed to have originated in Italy, where the lemon enhances the flavor of the coffee by cutting through its bitterness, even as the acidic lemon aroma tempers the sometimes harsh taste of poorly brewed espresso.
Some drinkers rub the lemon around the rim of the cup before drinking, while others squeeze the lemon directly into the espresso.
Red Eye / Black Eye
For those seeking an intense caffeine kick, the Red Eye or Black Eye may be the answer. A red-eye coffee is a cup of brewed drip coffee (usually a standard black coffee) with a shot of espresso added to it, while a black eye uses two shots of espresso.
The combination of coffee and espresso makes for an intensely strong and highly caffeinated beverage. This drink is popular among those who need an extra boost of energy, especially for long nights of work or study.
Lungo
A lungo, meaning "long" in Italian, is a long-pull espresso. Essentially, it’s made by pulling an espresso shot but extracting more water through the coffee grounds than a traditional espresso, creating a larger, more diluted coffee.
The process takes longer (hence the name) and results in a 2-ounce drink as opposed to a standard 1-ounce espresso shot. The lungo is stronger than an Americano but less concentrated than a ristretto or typical espresso, offering a balance between intensity and dilution.
Galão
Originating in Portugal, the Galão is one of the many delicate and creamy coffee drinks similar to a latte or cappuccino. It is made by combining one part espresso (often a shot) with three parts steamed milk.
The high ratio of milk makes the drink incredibly smooth and lightly flavored, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a less intense coffee experience.
Galao is typically served in a tall glass, and it’s enjoyed as a daytime beverage—particularly for breakfast or brunch.
Did You Know? The terms Excelso or Supremo do not indicate a higher quality of coffee when describing beans; they simply refer to the size of the coffee beans. |
How Do Arabica and Robusta Coffee Beans Differ?
Arabica and Robusta are the two most prominent species of coffee beans, each with distinct characteristics that influence their flavor profiles, caffeine content, and growing conditions.
Flavor Profile
Arabica coffee beans, scientifically known as Coffea arabica, are celebrated for their smooth, mild taste and complex flavor notes. These coffee beans often carry sweet undertones with hints of fruit and sugar.
On the other hand, Robusta coffee beans, or Coffea canephora, have a stronger, bolder flavor, often characterized by their earthy and bitter taste.
Caffeine Content and Strength
Robusta beans contain nearly twice the caffeine content of Arabica beans. This higher caffeine level not only contributes to Robusta’s more robust flavor but also provides natural pest resistance, making them a hardier option in coffee production.
Altitude and Climate
Arabica plants are more delicate, requiring higher altitudes (over 600 meters above sea level) and very specific growing conditions, including consistent rainfall and cooler temperatures.
The Robusta coffee plant, however, is hardier. It thrives in lower altitudes (sea level between 900 and 1200 feet) and warmer climates with irregular rainfall, making it easier and more cost-effective to grow.
Market Presence and Usage
Due to their superior flavor, Arabica coffee beans account for 60% of global coffee production and are especially favored in specialty coffee and high-quality offerings.
By contrast, Robusta beans are often used in instant coffee, espressos, and lower-cost coffee products thanks to their strong flavor and higher caffeine content.
Choosing Based on Flavor and Use
Ultimately, the decision between Arabica and Robusta coffee beans depends on the flavor profile and the intended use.
Arabica coffee beans are ideal for those seeking delicate, nuanced flavors, making them perfect for single-origin coffees and premium combinations.
Meanwhile, Robusta beans, with their intense flavor and high caffeine content, are preferred in espresso mixtures for their ability to produce a rich crema and add depth to the coffee’s body.
What Are the Characteristics of Light, Medium, and Dark Roasts?
Light, medium, and dark roast coffee beans differ in terms of how long they are roasted, each offering distinct characteristics in terms of flavor, aroma, and appearance.
The roasting process during coffee production significantly affects the beans' taste profile and overall sensory experience.
Light Roasts Maintain Bright, Original Flavors
Ethiopia Single-Origin Coffee | 12oz |
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- Bright, fruity notes with vibrant acidity for a refreshing flavor. - Sourced from premium Ethiopian regions, known for their distinctive coffee profile. - Small-batch roasted to emphasize the bean’s natural complexity and floral undertones. |
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Light roasts are known for their light brown color, which means they do not have any oil on the beans' surface. These coffee beans are roasted to an internal temperature between 356°F and 401°F, typically right before or during the first crack.
Due to the shorter roasting time, light roasts preserve the bean's original flavors, resulting in a brighter acidity and more nuanced flavor notes, such as fruity or floral tones for your taste buds.
Coffee drinkers who enjoy a more delicate and complex taste often prefer these types of coffee.
Common names for light roasts include Cinnamon, New England, and Half City.
Medium Roasts Offer a Balanced Coffee Experience
Highland Grog | 12oz | Salty Siren | 12oz |
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- Rich, buttery flavor with hints of caramel and rum for a smooth, warming experience. - Perfect for those seeking a cozy, dessert-like coffee with a complex, sweet undertone. - Available in both whole bean and ground options, making it versatile for different methods of brewing coffee. | - Unique taste of sweet and salty with indulgent chocolate, caramel, and sea salt notes. - For coffee lovers who enjoy a balance of savory and sweet in their cup. - Crafted for those looking for a distinct fusion of salty richness and chocolatey decadence. |
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Medium roasts are roasted to an internal temperature between 410°F and 428°F, giving them a medium brown color, sometimes with a slight oil sheen on the surface. This roast level provides a balance between the bean's natural flavors and the flavors developed during roasting.
The result is a well-rounded flavor profile with moderate acidity, a balanced aroma, and a satisfying mouthfeel.
Medium roasts are popular coffee drinks because of their versatility and approachable taste, often referred to as American, Breakfast, or City roasts.
Dark Roasts Deliver Bold and Intense Flavors
Army of Dark Chocolate | 12oz | Sumatra Single-Origin Coffee | 12oz | Dragon's Lair Dark Roast Blend | 12oz |
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- Rich dark chocolate-infused coffee for a bold, dessert-like experience. - Made from premium Brazilian Arabica beans, roasted in small batches. - Best served hot or chilled for classic coffee with chocolate goodness. | - Earthy and smoky flavor with deep dark chocolate notes. - Sourced from Mandheling, Sumatra, using the unique wet-hulled process. - Crafted from a blend of Bourbon, Typica, and Caturra varietals for a distinct and full-bodied cup. | - Smooth, sweet berry undertones with a dark, full-bodied roast. - Small-batch roasted from premium beans for complex flavor. - A unique, adventurous taste perfect for coffee lovers seeking new and exciting flavors. |
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Dark roasts are roasted at higher temperatures, typically from 437°F to 482°F, and coffee roasts often reach the second crack.
The coffee beans take on a dark brown or nearly black color with a shiny, oily surface. These roasts deliver pronounced bitterness, a fuller body, and smoky flavors that dominate the taste profile, masking the coffee bean's original characteristics.
Dark roasts are favored for their robust flavors and intense brewing experience.
Common names for dark roasts include French, Italian, Espresso, and Viennese.
Interesting Insight: Coffee beans are actually the seeds found inside the berries that grow on coffee trees or bushes, rather than true beans. |
Embrace the Variety in Coffee Drinks
Exploring the various types of coffee helps highlight how coffee beans, roast levels, and brewing methods contribute to a unique flavor and aroma experience. From the fruity acidity of light roasts to the smoky richness of dark roasts, and from single-origin coffee beans to intricate combinations, there is a coffee to suit every taste preference.
Whether you prefer the mild complexity of Arabica or the bold intensity of Robusta, discovering different types of coffee enhances the overall enjoyment. By aligning your coffee choice with your personal palate and brewing style, you can enjoy a richer, more flavorful experience with each cup.
