Wait, We Thought Red Eye Was a Flight
Can we get an americano, please? Oh, wait. Maybe we want a macchiato instead. Hang on, what’s the difference between a flat white and a cortado? With so many options available nowadays, many coffee lovers are left stranded at the counter trying to decide between a long black and a mocha. Don’t worry! We’re here to break down the 20 most common coffee drinks so you can get exactly what you want.
1. Espresso
Before we dive into the good stuff, we need to talk about the hard stuff. Many classic drinks are made with espresso, which is a strong shot of finely ground black coffee. It has a slightly thicker consistency and a rich, bold flavor. It’s also rich in antioxidants, so don't shy away from ordering one!
2. Americano
An americano is simply an espresso shot mixed with hot water, usually with a 1:3 ratio. Don’t be fooled, though—this classic Italian drink only resembles black coffee. The water retains the volume and strength of regular coffee, but the espresso preserves its signature aroma and boasts a lighter flavor.
3. Latte
You’ve seen ‘em everywhere. Pumpkin spice and gingerbread lattes dominate holiday drink menus, but beneath all the flavor, coffeeholics are indulging in a shot of espresso with steamed milk. There’s a nice layer of foam on top, often serving as the perfect canvas for creative baristas.
4. Cappuccino
Though close to the latte, a cappuccino follows a stricter formula: a 1:1:1 ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and foam. It’s rich, it’s creamy, and it has a terrific, bold flavor that kickstarts our energy. The only downside to this one is its versatility; though beneficial on a good day, added sugars can drive up your calorie count, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.
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5. Flat White
For those interested in the taste without the bitterness, may we turn your attention to a flat white? This smooth drink follows the same ingredients without the same ratio; made with a 4:1 serving of milk to espresso, you get all the benefits and much less punch.
6. Mocha
Sure, there’s coffee and there’s hot chocolate, but why not blend both delicious drinks for the ultimate sip? For any fellow sweet tooths out there, mochas blend a cappuccino and hot chocolate for an incredible option that balances sweet and acidic. It’s made with espresso, chocolate powder, steamed milk, and topped with a layer of microfoam.
7. Long Black
Most coffee spots offer two options: a single or double shot of espresso. However, if you really want to get fancy, you can order a long black. This simple beverage is two shots of espresso poured over hot water; it doesn’t have many calories, and it boasts all the benefits of regular beans.
8. Cold Brew
Iced coffees seem like the only summertime option, but cold brews bring much more to your mug. Steeped in cold water for at least 12 hours, coffee lovers can indulge in a smooth brew without overwhelming acidity. You can also grab it plain to keep your calorie count down.
9. Nitro Cold Brew
Hold your horses—there’s a difference between cold brews and nitro cold brews! Coffee houses everywhere introduced one little tweak to the famous cup: nitrogen! Forget about ice because nitro brews come from a tap system like beer, allowing a creamy foam to sit atop like your favorite frosty ale.
10. Affogato
Why opt for vanilla syrup when you can score vanilla ice cream instead? If you’re jonesing for an energetic dessert coffee, feast your eyes on the affogato: coffee topped with espresso and a generous scoop of gelato. Sure, it might pack on the calories, but there’s nothing smoother.
11. Red Eye
So, you have a 2:00 a.m. flight and need something to keep you awake. Look no further than this aptly named beverage. A red eye coffee is simply drip coffee topped with an espresso shot. You’ll score all the benefits of an americano, but red eyes have a fuller body.
12. Doppio
If you know Italian basics, you know that “doppio” means “double.” So, as you can probably guess, a doppio is a double shot of espresso. It’s bold enough to put some hair on your chest, but thankfully comes in a small enough cup to make the bitter taste more tolerable.
13. Cafè au Lait
Okay, maybe Italian isn’t your language, but how’s your French? The name translates to “coffee with milk,” and it’s a 1:1 ratio of coffee and steamed milk. It’s usually made with a French press (go figure) and requires milk brought to a near boil. The result is a much creamier cup of joe.
14. Irish Coffee
Part dessert, part cocktail, an Irish coffee is the best of both worlds. It’s composed of two espresso shots, a shot of whiskey, and a pinch of brown sugar. Heavy whipping cream tops the whole thing off. It won’t do much for your calorie count, but it hits the spot just right—and there’s nothing wrong with a little indulgence.
15. Black Eye
It’s not every day you ask someone to give you a black eye! Don’t worry, your barista isn’t likely to start a fight. Instead, they’ll make you a fresh cup of drip coffee with two shots of espresso. If you thought a doppio kept you awake, just wait until you meet its high-strung cousin.
16. Ristretto
We’ve covered shots, double shots, and coffee enhancers—but espresso isn’t finished with you yet. “Ristretto” is Italian for “restricted,” which is more deceiving than it sounds. Rather than limit the bitter punch, you’ll get a more concentrated shot. Ristrettos only require half the amount of water used to make standard servings, leaving you with a much stronger flavor.
17. Turkish Coffee
Don’t let the tiny mug fool you; Turkish coffee packs more flavor than you’d think. It’s somehow stronger and sweeter than coffee, providing a bold yet creamy taste. Made with finely ground coffee beans, it’s brewed in a special pot called a cezve; the grounds aren’t filtered, which leaves behind a nice, rich flavor.
18. Macchiato
Simply put, macchiatos are just espresso shots with a dollop of steamed milk on top. However, we don’t blame you if you pictured something else! Commercial coffee chains adjust the ratios and often add their own flavor to make signature drinks, but those alterations detract from the original blend.
19. Breve
We hate to throw another latte your way, but the breve is too good to ignore. It’s a latte made with half-and-half instead of milk, leaving you with a much creamier finish. You’ll still get the foam on top, but this one’s more of a dessert option than an everyday cup of coffee.
20. Cortado
Though similar to the flat white, a cortado doesn’t contain the 4:1 milk-to-espresso ratio. Instead, it comes with equal parts espresso and steamed milk topped with a thin layer of foam. It’s a good middle ground for anyone who wants coffee’s signature taste without going overboard.
