Coffee Types and How They're Made: Espresso-Based Drinks Explained

You’ve stood in front of a coffee shop menu, recognized a few names, and ordered based on pictures or vibes. But as your taste sharpens, you start to wonder—what actually makes a cappuccino different from a flat white? Or why does a macchiato come in such a small cup? This guide breaks down the most common espresso-based coffee drinks, how they’re made, their classic ratios, and the role espresso plays as the foundation.

In short: most coffee shop drinks are espresso-based. A single shot of espresso uses 7–18g of coffee for 30ml, while milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos use double (60ml espresso shots) but with added steamed milk and foam. That means you're often drinking more coffee, not less.

What Is Espresso and How Is It Made?

Espresso is the concentrated coffee base for most specialty drinks. It’s made using a high-pressure extraction method, traditionally with a moka pot or an espresso machine. About 7–18g of finely ground coffee is brewed under pressure to produce just 30ml (1 ounce) of thick, rich liquid. This shot is known for its bold flavor, strong bitterness, and a layer of crema—a golden-brown foam that sits on top, formed by emulsified oils during extraction.

The intense flavor and dense body of espresso make it the ideal benchmark for evaluating a barista’s skill. Unlike milk-heavy drinks, espresso leaves no room for masking flaws—it’s pure coffee expression.

Popular Espresso-Based Coffee Drinks and Their Ratios

Cappuccino

A balanced coffee-milk-foam drink where all three elements are equal: 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk foam. This 1:1:1 ratio creates a drink with a strong coffee flavor and a velvety texture from the dense foam. The name comes from the resemblance of the foam’s color to the brown hood of Capuchin monks.

Latte (Caffè Latte)

This drink leans milky. The standard ratio is 1 part espresso to 2 parts steamed milk and 1 part milk foam. The name 'latte' simply means 'milk' in Italian. It’s smoother and easier to drink than a cappuccino. In many cafés, like Starbucks, a 'latte' is made by adding cold milk foam to hot steamed milk, creating a layered effect.

Mocha (Mochaccino)

Essentially a latte with added chocolate. It combines espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup or cocoa powder—some versions also include whipped cream. The drink is sweet, rich, and often considered one of the more indulgent espresso drinks. 'Mocha' refers to chocolate, highlighting its dessert-like profile.

Macchiato

Meaning 'stained' or 'marked' in Italian, a macchiato is a single or double shot of espresso with just a small amount (usually two spoonfuls) of steamed milk foam added. It’s served in a small cup and meant to be drunk quickly. The foam slightly 'marks' the espresso, changing its color without diluting the strength significantly.

Espresso Con Panna (Con Panna)

This is a shot of espresso topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Sometimes called 'single horse carriage', the name reflects its simple elegance. The contrast between the bitter espresso and the sweet cream is its defining trait.

Café Au Lait (European-Style Latte)

This is similar to a latte but follows a different preparation style. It’s made by pouring a shot of espresso together with an equal amount of hot brewed coffee or steamed milk into the same cup. In the French style, it typically uses brewed coffee instead of espresso, but in Italian-style cafés, it’s often 1:1 espresso and hot milk, with foam added last. The key is that milk and coffee are combined simultaneously for a smooth, integrated flavor.

The Role of the Moka Pot in Espresso-Style Coffee

Though not a true espresso machine, the moka pot is a stovetop brewer that uses steam pressure to force water through coffee grounds. It produces a strong, concentrated coffee similar in body to espresso. The high pressure extracts deep flavors and creates a thin layer of crema on top. Many use it as an accessible way to brew intense coffee at home, especially when crafting drinks like macchiatos or using espresso-style blends.

Why These Ratios Matter

The specific proportions of espresso, milk, and foam define each drink’s flavor balance, texture, and strength. More milk means a mellower taste; more foam adds body and mouthfeel. The base espresso shot remains consistent in most drinks, providing caffeine and intensity, while milk and foam modify the drinking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee is in a single shot of espresso?

A standard single shot of espresso uses 7–18g of ground coffee to produce about 30ml (1 fluid ounce) of liquid. This concentration gives espresso its bold flavor and crema.

What’s the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

A latte has a 1:2:1 ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and foam, making it milk-forward and smoother. A cappuccino uses a balanced 1:1:1 ratio of espresso, milk, and foam, offering a stronger coffee taste with a thicker foam layer.

Is a macchiato just a small coffee?

No. A macchiato is a shot of espresso 'stained' with just a small amount of milk foam—usually two spoonfuls. It’s served in a small cup and meant to be consumed quickly, maintaining the espresso’s intensity.

What’s espresso con panna?

Espresso con panna is a single or double shot of espresso topped with whipped cream. It’s a simple drink highlighting the contrast between bitter espresso and sweet cream.

Do all coffee drinks use the same espresso shot?

Most milk-based drinks use a double shot of espresso (about 60ml total), but the flavor and strength can vary based on the beans, roast level, and grind size. The espresso serves as the flavor base for the drink.

Can I make these drinks with a moka pot?

Yes, a moka pot brews concentrated coffee similar to espresso and can be used to make espresso-style drinks like macchiatos or as a base for homemade lattes, though it doesn’t generate true espresso machine pressure.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Espresso-Based Drinks

For making classic espresso drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is a top choice. Designed specifically for espresso and moka pot use, it delivers rich crema and a smooth, well-rounded profile even for beginners. For a more budget-friendly option with bold flavor, the Black Cocoa Blend offers full-bodied taste and strong crema at a lower price point. Both blends are optimized for milk drinks and deliver the consistency needed for professional results. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.