Nine Famous Specialty-Style Coffees from Around the World

Ever wondered what makes a ‘mocha’ different from a ‘mocha mint’, or how traditional Turkish coffee differs from standard espresso? If you’ve come across names like cappuccino, Nepalese-style coffee, or Russian mocha with eggs and you’re not sure what they actually are—or how to make them—this guide breaks down nine globally recognised coffee styles with their original ingredients, techniques, and cultural roots.

In total, we cover nine distinct coffee drinks from around the world, each with specific measurements: from 20ml of chocolate syrup in a classic mocha to a single pinch of salt in Indian coffee, and even egg yolk in Russian-style mocha. These aren’t just drinks—they’re cultural expressions with precise recipes.

What Is a Mocha Coffee?

The mocha coffee, or ‘mochaccino’ in some circles, is a small-format drink with a bold New York-style profile. It’s made by combining 20ml of chocolate syrup with a shot of strong dark-roast coffee, stirred together. Then, a tablespoon of cream is floated on top, topped with shaved chocolate and a cinnamon stick for garnish. It’s a dessert-like espresso-based drink with a rich chocolate-coffee balance.

What’s Mocha Mint Coffee?

Mocha mint coffee is a layered American favourite that plays with temperature contrast. It’s made by pouring warm coffee over cold cream, creating distinct hot and cold layers without mixing. The recipe includes 20g of chocolate, dark roasted coffee, a teaspoon of white peppermint, a tablespoon of cream, shaved chocolate, and a fresh mint leaf. The result is a refreshing yet indulgent coffee with chocolate and mint notes.

How Is a Traditional Cappuccino Prepared?

The cappuccino—named for its resemblance to a Capuchin monk’s hood—is a classic Italian-style drink. It’s prepared by heating strong dark roast coffee, pouring it into a small cup with two teaspoons of sugar, then topping it with a tablespoon of cream. For extra flavour, lemon or orange juice and a cinnamon stick are added instead of a spoon. It’s a balance of bitterness, sweetness, citrus, and spice.

What’s Coffee with Coconut Cream?

This aromatic coffee blends the scent of coconut with strong brewed coffee. The method involves adding two drops of coconut essence to a cup, then pouring in dark roast coffee along with 60ml of boiled milk. A tablespoon of cream is floated on top and finished with toasted coconut flakes. It’s a tropical twist on a classic brew.

What Is a Mixed Coffee?

A mixed coffee refers to a Vienna-style drink where equal parts coffee and milk are combined. The preparation involves brewing slightly dark roast coffee, while heating milk gently in a saucepan. Just before the milk boils and forms foam, cream is added, and the mixture is poured over the coffee immediately. It results in a creamy, smooth coffee drink with a milky balance.

What Is Naples-Style Coffee?

Naples-style coffee, or ‘caffè napoletano’, is a strong, bitter morning coffee often dubbed ‘dawn coffee’ by younger Americans. It’s served in a handled cup with a single slice of lemon placed on top. The tradition is to drink it black and unsweetened, embracing the intense bitterness. The lemon is meant to cut through the harshness and is consumed without mixing.

What Is Russian Hot Mocha (Mogga Java)?

Also called Russian mocha or ‘hot mocha Java’, this is a thick, spiced coffee drink. It combines dark roast coffee, melted chocolate, cocoa, egg yolk, a small amount of milk, and is heated together while stirring. A teaspoon of sugar is added, then the mixture is poured into a cup and topped with a tablespoon of cream and shaved chocolate. It’s a hearty, warming drink with both caffeine and richness from egg and dairy.

What Is Indian Coffee?

Indian coffee is traditionally prepared with a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness of the milk. The method involves heating milk until just before boiling, then adding dark roast coffee and 10g of brown sugar, along with a small pinch of salt. The salt is said to elevate the milk’s natural sweetness. This coffee is typically served in handled cups and is known for its comforting, warming qualities.

How Is Traditional Turkish Coffee Made?

Turkish coffee is unfiltered and traditionally served with the grounds left in the cup, used for fortune reading. The preparation starts by grinding coffee very finely and mixing it with spices like cinnamon. This mixture is combined with water in a pot and brought to a boil three separate times. After resting, the clear liquid is poured off, and orange juice and honey may be added. It’s a strong, ceremonial drink served in small cups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact amount of chocolate syrup in a mocha coffee?

A classic mocha coffee uses exactly 20ml of chocolate syrup mixed with strong dark roast coffee. This forms the base before adding cream, shaved chocolate, and cinnamon.

Why is the cream not mixed into the coffee in a mocha mint drink?

In a mocha mint coffee, cold cream is poured over warm coffee but not stirred, creating a two-layer drink with contrasting temperatures. This layering is intentional, offering both hot coffee and cold cream in every sip.

What’s the role of salt in Indian coffee?

A small pinch of salt is added to Indian coffee, typically when heating milk with coffee and brown sugar. The salt is believed to enhance the natural sweetness of the milk, balancing the bitterness of the coffee.

How many times is Turkish coffee boiled?

Turkish coffee is boiled three times in a pot with water and finely ground coffee mixed with spices. After boiling, it’s left to settle before serving the clear liquid, often with the grounds remaining in the cup.

Does Naples-style coffee contain sugar or milk?

No, traditional Naples-style coffee is served black, strong, and bitter, typically without sugar or milk. A slice of lemon is added on top, and the coffee is drunk straight from the cup.

What ingredients go into a Russian-style hot mocha?

Russian hot mocha includes dark roast coffee, melted chocolate, cocoa, egg yolk, a small amount of milk, sugar, cream, and shaved chocolate. All are heated and stirred together before serving.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Classic Coffee Drinks

For recreating these global coffee styles at home, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Brazil Queen Manor Yellow Bourbon for its rich sweetness and creamy body—ideal in mochas and cappuccinos. The Colombia Huila offers balanced chocolate and fruit notes, perfect for milk-based drinks. For a brighter, more complex base, the Ethiopia Humbera brings vibrant berry and citrus tones, great for iced or spiced variations. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.