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

If you’ve ever stood in front of a coffee shop menu and wondered what actually makes a latte different from a cappuccino—or how a flat white differs from an Americano—you’re not alone. Most coffee drinks start with espresso, but milk type, volume, and foam change everything. This guide lays out the most common espresso-based drinks with clear explanations and a visual reference.

In total, there are at least 10 widely recognised espresso-based coffee drinks, each defined by its espresso-to-milk ratio and preparation method. The most common include espresso, macchiato, americano, cappuccino, latte, flat white, mocha, cortado, piccolo latte, and affogato. A visual chart details how each is built from a shot (or shots) of espresso.

What Is an Espresso-Based Drink?

An espresso-based coffee drink starts with a shot (or multiple shots) of espresso—typically a 25–30ml (1-ounce) brew made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure. From there, milk, foam, water, or chocolate may be added, depending on the drink. The base espresso provides the core flavour, body, and caffeine, while additions modify texture, temperature, and taste balance.

The Core Espresso Drink: Just Espresso

The simplest espresso-based drink is, unsurprisingly, espresso itself. This is a single or double shot (25–60ml total) of concentrated coffee, with no additions. It serves as the foundation for all other espresso-based drinks. A well-pulled shot has a rich crema on top, balanced bitterness, and intense aroma. Most other drinks begin here.

Popular Espresso-Based Drinks & How They’re Made

Here’s how the most common espresso-based drinks are prepared, including their typical ingredients and ratios:

• Espresso: 25–30ml of pure espresso, no milk or water.
• Macchiato: Espresso “stained” with a small amount of steamed milk or foam (about 10–20ml), creating a light mark. Often served in a demitasse.
• Americano: Espresso (usually 30ml) topped with hot water to create a larger drink (around 150–200ml total), diluting the intensity but maintaining the espresso flavour base.
• Cappuccino: 1/3 espresso (30ml), 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk foam. Served in a medium cup, typically around 150–180ml total.
• Latte: 1/6 to 1/3 espresso (30ml), with the rest mostly steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. Usually served in a larger cup (240–350ml), with a smoother, milk-forward taste.
• Flat White: Similar to a latte but with a higher ratio of espresso to milk and a velvety microfoam rather than stiff foam. Typically 30–50ml espresso with 150–200ml steamed milk, served in a 170–200ml cup.
• Mocha: Espresso mixed with chocolate syrup or cocoa powder, then combined with steamed milk and topped with whipped cream or foam. A dessert-like coffee drink.
• Cortado: Equal parts espresso and warm steamed milk (around 30ml each), served in a small glass or cup, with little to no foam. Popular in Spain and Latin America.
• Piccolo Latte: A single shot of espresso (30ml) with around 90–100ml of steamed milk, served in a 100–120ml glass. Intense coffee flavour with a touch of milk smoothness.
• Affogato: A shot of espresso poured over a single or double scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato. Served as a dessert drink.

Why These Ratios Matter

The specific espresso-to-milk (or water) ratios define not just the name of the drink, but also its strength, texture, and temperature. For example, a cappuccino’s equal parts create a balanced drink with a strong espresso presence, while a latte’s higher milk content results in a creamier, mellower cup. The crema, texture, and temperature of the milk all contribute to mouthfeel and flavour balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A latte has more steamed milk and a thinner layer of foam compared to a cappuccino. A cappuccino is roughly one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third foam, making it stronger and foamier. A latte usually contains around 1/6 to 1/3 espresso with much more milk, resulting in a creamier, milder drink.

Is a flat white stronger than a latte?

Yes, a flat white generally has a higher espresso-to-milk ratio than a latte, giving it a stronger coffee flavour. It uses velvety microfoam instead of stiff foam and is served in a smaller cup, intensifying the espresso taste.

What’s the smallest espresso-based drink?

The piccolo latte is among the smallest, typically made with a single 30ml shot of espresso and around 90–100ml of steamed milk, served in a small 100–120ml glass. The affogato is also small but is technically a dessert drink.

Do all espresso-based drinks start with a shot of espresso?

Yes, all espresso-based drinks begin with at least one shot (25–30ml) of espresso, which provides the base flavour, caffeine, and body. From there, milk, water, or flavourings are added to create different drinks.

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

A macchiato is an espresso “stained” with a small amount of milk or foam (10–20ml), keeping it mostly espresso. A cortado is equal parts espresso and steamed milk (around 30ml each), with little to no foam, resulting in a more balanced drink.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso-Based Drinks

For making classic espresso-based drinks, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend, a well-balanced espresso roast with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and a hint of nuts. For something fruitier, their Strawberry Candy Espresso offers bright acidity with strawberry and candy-like sweetness, ideal for milk drinks. The Black Cocoa Blend brings deep cocoa, roasted almond, and a smooth finish—perfect for lattes and mochas. All three roasts are designed to perform well under pressure and complement milk-based drinks. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.