The 12 Classic Types of Coffee and How They’re Made

If you’ve ever stood in front of a coffee menu and wondered what actually makes a cappuccino different from a flat white—or whether a macchiato is just a small espresso—you’re not alone. With so many named coffee drinks, it’s hard to know which is which, or how they’re really made. Let’s break it down.

There are twelve standard classifications of coffee drinks, each defined by its unique combination of espresso, milk, water, cream, or chocolate. Every one follows a precise recipe for ratios and preparation.

What Is Espresso?

At the heart of most of these drinks is the espresso—also called Italian coffee or simply “” in Chinese. It’s made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under pressure. The result is a small, concentrated shot with a rich crema on top. This is the base for nearly all the drinks listed below.

Milk-Based Coffee Drinks

These drinks build on the espresso foundation by adding steamed milk, milk foam, or cream in specific proportions. Each variation changes the texture, flavor balance, and volume.

1. Macchiato (Espresso Macchiato)

A macchiato consists of one shot of espresso with 0.5 parts steamed milk foam. It’s essentially a marked or “stained” espresso—just enough foam to slightly alter its appearance. Also known as Espresso Macchiato.

2. Cappuccino

This classic drink includes one shot of espresso, 0.5 parts steamed milk, and 1.5 parts milk foam. That foam layer gives the cappuccino its signature light, fluffy texture. Called Cappuccino in English.

3. Latte (Caffee Latte)

A latte combines one espresso shot with 1.5 parts hot milk and 0.5 parts milk foam. It’s creamier and more milky than a cappuccino, with a smoother mouthfeel. Also called Caffee Latte.

4. Flat White (White Coffee)

Made with one espresso and 1.5 parts hot milk, the flat white has less foam than a latte—around 0.5 parts—and emphasizes a velvety microfoam texture. Often called Flat White, though also referred to here as White Coffee.

5. Café Breve (Half Latte or Brève)

This drink uses one espresso, 0.75 parts hot milk, 0.75 parts cream, and 0.5 parts milk foam. It’s a richer, cream-based alternative with a balanced milk-to-cream ratio. Also called Café Breve.

6. Mocha (Caffee Mocha)

A mocha blends one espresso, one part hot milk, 0.5 parts chocolate syrup, and 0.5 parts cream. It’s a café favorite that bridges coffee and dessert. Also called Caffee Mocha.

7. Caramel Macchiato

This dessert-like coffee features one espresso, 1.5 parts milk foam, sugar syrup, and 0.5 parts caramel drizzle. The order of layering creates its signature look and taste. Also called Caramel Macchiatto.

Cream-Based and Specialty Coffees

Some drinks replace milk entirely with cream or add spirits for a unique twist.

8. Espresso Con Panna (Con Panna or )

This simple drink is one espresso topped with 0.5 parts fresh whipped cream. It highlights the espresso’s flavor with a rich, creamy finish. Also called Espresso Con Panna.

9. Viennese Coffee (Vienna Caffee)

One espresso is combined with 0.5 parts chocolate syrup and 1 part fresh cream. It’s a Viennese-style treat that blends bitter and sweet. Also called Vienna Caffee.

10. Irish Coffee

This warming drink mixes one espresso with 0.75 parts Irish whiskey and 1 part fresh cream. It’s a spirited classic, perfect for cold weather. Also called Irish Coffee.

Non-Milk Coffee Preparations

Not every coffee drink involves milk or cream. Some are simpler, focusing solely on extraction or water dilution.

11. Americano

An Americano is made with one espresso shot and two parts hot water. It stretches the espresso into a larger, milder drink while preserving its core flavors. Also called Americano.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the base drink for most coffee variations?

Most coffee drinks are based on a single shot of espresso, which is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under pressure. This concentrated shot forms the foundation for drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more.

How much milk is in a cappuccino vs. a latte?

A cappuccino contains 0.5 parts steamed milk and 1.5 parts milk foam, while a latte has 1.5 parts hot milk and 0.5 parts milk foam. Lattes have more liquid milk and less foam, making them creamier and milk-forward.

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

A macchiato is one espresso with just 0.5 parts milk foam, while a cappuccino is one espresso with 0.5 parts steamed milk and 1.5 parts foam. The macchiato is stronger and less diluted, with just a hint of milk.

Does a mocha contain chocolate?

Yes, a mocha (Caffee Mocha) includes one espresso, one part hot milk, 0.5 parts chocolate syrup, and 0.5 parts cream. The chocolate syrup is what distinguishes it from other milk-based coffees.

What’s in an Irish coffee?

An Irish coffee combines one espresso, 0.75 parts Irish whiskey, and 1 part fresh cream. It’s one of the few coffee drinks that includes alcohol, making it a warm, spiced option.

Why is an Americano different from espresso?

An Americano is made by adding two parts hot water to one espresso. This dilutes the espresso, creating a larger drink with a milder strength but similar flavor profile to traditional filter coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Classic Coffee Drinks

For making these classic coffee styles, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for its bright citrus and floral notes in milk drinks, or their Brazil Santa Ines for a smooth, nutty base ideal for espresso and Americanos. Their Ethiopia Guji Hambela offers juicy berry tones and works beautifully in cappuccinos and lattes. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.