Common Types of Espresso and Popular Coffee Drinks Explained

If you’ve ever been curious about what really goes into your favorite café drinks—why a Cappuccino looks fluffy, why a Latte tastes milky, or just what makes an Espresso 'double shot' different—this guide breaks down the most common espresso-based coffee drinks with exact ratios, methods, and key details you won’t find in a menu.

In short: a standard double shot Espresso uses twice the coffee grounds for a stronger, more bitter brew; a Cappuccino is 1/3 Espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk foam; a Latte is Espresso with added hot milk and optional syrup; and there are at least five other common espresso drinks with specific recipes.

What Is Espresso—and Why the Double Shot Matters

An Espresso (double shot) is not just a small black coffee. It’s brewed using the same method as a single shot, but with double the amount of coffee grounds. This results in a bolder, more intense flavor and higher caffeine concentration. The crema (the golden-brown foam on top) is richer, but the taste is also more bitter, making it less suitable for those sensitive to caffeine or strong flavors. Many coffee drinks, like Cappuccinos and Lattes, start with a double shot as the base.

The Classic Milk-Based Espresso Drinks

These drinks all begin with Espresso but differ mainly in how much milk and foam they contain, as well as how the milk is prepared.

Cappuccino

A traditional Cappuccino consists of one-third Espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third milk foam. The milk is steamed to create microfoam, and the foam is spooned on top. For baristas with skill, the foam can be styled or dusted with cinnamon powder, often shaped into artistic forms on the surface.

Latte (Caffè Latte)

A Latte is made with a single or double Espresso combined with hot steamed milk, and typically includes added flavored syrup to taste. It’s one of the most popular espresso drinks worldwide and similar in concept to a '1+2' instant coffee mix (like Nescafé), though made with fresh milk and real Espresso.

Breve

Very similar to a Latte, a Breve substitutes steamed milk with steamed light cream (or half-and-half). The rest of the recipe remains the same: Espresso plus hot cream and optional syrup. It has a richer, creamier mouthfeel due to the higher fat content of the milk substitute.

Mocha (Mochaccino)

A Mocha blends Espresso with hot milk and chocolate powder or syrup. Once mixed, it’s often topped with whipped cream and finished with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Visually appealing and sweet, it bridges the gap between coffee and dessert.

Other Common Espresso-Based Drinks

These include brewed Espresso served with water or blended with ice and other ingredients.

Americano

An Americano is made by adding hot water to a single or double shot of Espresso. The result is a diluted drink with a similar strength to regular filter coffee but with the distinct flavor profile of Espresso. It’s essentially Espresso cut with hot water to make a larger, milder cup.

Granita (Espresso Granita)

This is a seasonal or summer version of Espresso, combining it with steamed milk, cocoa, sugar, and sometimes blended with ice or snow-cone-like ice crystals (granita). It may also include fruit juice according to taste. Though not always found on standard menus, it’s a refreshing Espresso-based frozen or semi-frozen drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a Latte and a Cappuccino?

A Cappuccino is equal parts Espresso, steamed milk, and foam (1:1:1), making it lighter and foamier. A Latte contains more steamed milk and less foam, usually around 1/3 to 1/6 foam, resulting in a creamier, milk-forward drink. Lattes often include flavored syrup.

Does a double shot Espresso mean it’s stronger?

Yes. A double shot uses twice the amount of coffee grounds compared to a single shot, resulting in a more concentrated, intense flavor and higher caffeine content. It’s also typically more bitter, which some drinkers prefer.

What is the foam on top of a Cappuccino called?

It’s called milk foam or microfoam, created by steaming milk to introduce tiny air bubbles. Skilled baristas can texture this foam finely enough to shape or sculpt it, often dusted with cinnamon or cocoa powder.

Can you make a Mocha without chocolate syrup?

Traditionally, a Mocha includes chocolate powder or syrup mixed into the Espresso and milk. Without it, the drink would lack the defining chocolate flavor, though you could substitute cocoa powder, though the texture and mix may vary.

Is an Americano just watered-down Espresso?

Essentially, yes. An Americano is made by adding hot water to a shot or double shot of Espresso, diluting it to resemble the strength of drip coffee while preserving the Espresso’s flavor base.

What is Granita coffee?

Granita is a lesser-known Espresso-based iced or semi-frozen drink that combines Espresso with milk, cocoa, sugar, and sometimes fruit juice or ice crystals. It’s a refreshing option, typically enjoyed in warmer seasons.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso Drinks

For making classic espresso-based drinks like Cappuccino, Latte, and Mocha, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is the go-to choice. Designed specifically for espresso and Moka pot use, it produces excellent crema even with non-professional machines. The Black Cocoa Blend is another great option, offering rich, full-bodied flavor at an affordable price—ideal for cafés or home users wanting a bold base without high cost. Both blends deliver the body and crema needed for layered drinks with milk or chocolate. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.