Coffee Drinks Explained

I recently watched a video about how confusing it can be just trying to order a “simple” cup of coffee at a café — and honestly, as someone who loves coffee, I get it. So I put together a quick breakdown of some of the most popular drinks and what’s actually in them.

If you’ve ever stood at the counter feeling overwhelmed by the menu, keep reading. This will help make your next coffee run way less confusing.

For my non sip-pers…

  • A clear glass cup filled with black coffee on a white surface.

    Espresso

    Think of espresso as the foundation for many coffee drinks, but it's much more than just what sits at the bottom of your cup. A good espresso meets three essential components, which I like to call "espresso theory": brew ratio, time, and temperature. These factors are crucial during the pulling process, following the thorough roasting of the beans, where most flavors are developed. I recommend trying espresso at least once; even just understanding its intricacies can greatly enhance your appreciation of coffee.

  • Macchiato

    The traditional macchiato is a 2-ounce drink that consists of espresso topped with a scoop of milk foam. This drink is perfect for those who desire a quick, flavorful shot of energy with a little something extra. The foam on top adds the perfect touch, providing a comforting and invigorating experience to help you conquer the day.

  • A glass cup of latte with foam art in the shape of a leaf, placed on a green saucer with a spoon on a wooden table, background includes a blurred plant.

    Cortado

    This traditional 4-ounce drink gets its name from the Spanish word "cortado," which translates to "cut." It consists of equal parts espresso and steamed milk, topped with a light layer of foam. Served at a temperature between 130-140 degrees, it's an excellent option for those in need of a quick pick-me-up.

For my craft lovers…

  • A white ceramic cup filled with frothy cappuccino topped with cocoa powder, sitting on a matching saucer on a dark wooden table, with a small potted plant in the background.

    Cappuccino

    The cappuccino is my personal favorite. It's an 8-ounce drink consisting of espresso, steamed milk, and a thick layer of foam on top. Comforting and flavorful, I prefer mine made with oat milk and a dash of cinnamon. Ideally, it should be served at a temperature of 140-150 degrees with a top layer of about an inch of microfoam.

  • Top-down view of a latte with latte art in a white cup on a matching saucer, placed on a wooden table with a spoon beside it.

    Flat White

    This drink is originated in Australia and New Zealand. It consists of an espresso base, and steamed milk topped of with a flat white layer of foam, hence its name. It’s typically between 5-8ozs making it one of the smaller options on the menu. Its perfect for those who prefer a stronger coffee taste with a creamy texture.

  • A cup of coffee with latte art resembling a leaf pattern, placed on a saucer on a wooden table.

    Latte

    This drink consists of an espresso base, milk, and a light layer of foam. Typically served in sizes ranging from 12 to 16 ounces, lattes are often enhanced with flavorful syrups such as vanilla, caramel, and mocha. Some coffee shops offer specialty syrups like Havana, or seasonal flavors like lavender and pumpkin spice. This drink allows for a broad range of customizations, including size, flavors, temperature, and milk alternatives.

  • Top-down view of a white coffee mug filled with black coffee on a wooden surface.

    Americano

    The Americano consists of espresso and water. It is typically served in a 12 oz cup and can be enjoyed either iced or hot. It's a great alternative to a latte or drip coffee. One of the highlights of an Americano is the golden brown crema from the espresso that rises to the top, as seen in the image above.

  • Coffee brewing via pour-over method with a white dripper on top of a glass container, steam rising from the dripper, and coffee in the container.

    Drip

    Drip coffee, also known as "regular" coffee, is made differently from espresso-based drinks. It offers a simpler and easier brewing method but can vary widely in flavor profiles. Drip coffee is typically categorized into three roasts: light, medium, and dark. While this primarily refers to the coffee's roast level, other factors also influence these classifications.

    Darker roasts usually have tasting notes of chocolate and often originate from Colombia. In contrast, lighter roasts tend to have more vibrant, fruity flavors and typically come from Ethiopia. The caffeine content also differs among the roasts. When choosing drip coffee, I suggest asking a barista for a recommendation based on your preferred flavor profile and caffeine intake.

I hope you enjoyed learning about the variety of coffee drinks you can try . I’d love to know what your current favorite drink is or what’s something you’d like to try next time you visit your local coffee shop!

Thank you for reading!

What’s your preferred caffeinated drink?