10 Famous Coffee Drinks You’ll Find in Specialty Cafés

If you’ve ever stood in front of a café menu wondering what exactly makes a ‘mocha’ different from a ‘mochaccino’ or why anyone would drink black coffee with salt, you’re not alone. Many coffee drinks have storied histories, unique preparation methods, and very specific ingredients—yet they often get lumped together under vague names. Here’s a clear breakdown of ten famous coffee drinks you’ll find in cafés around the world, with exact measurements, techniques, and the cultural context behind each.

In total, we cover ten well-known coffee drinks: mocha, mocha mint, cappuccino, coconut cream coffee, mixed coffee, Neapolitan-style coffee, hot mocha Java, Indian coffee, Turkish coffee, and iced cream block coffee. Each has a distinct recipe, from chocolate and cinnamon to salt and egg yolk.

What Is a Mocha Coffee?

Mocha coffee is a small, rich drink with bold New York-style flavor. It combines chocolate syrup with strong dark-roast espresso, then is topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, finished with a cinnamon stick. To make it, add 20ml of chocolate syrup to a cup, pour in freshly brewed strong dark-roast coffee, stir, then float a tablespoon of cream on top. Garnish with shaved chocolate and a cinnamon stick.

How Do You Make Mocha Mint Coffee?

Mocha mint coffee is a layered American favorite that contrasts hot coffee with cold whipped cream and fresh mint. The warm coffee sits atop chilled cream without mixing, creating a temperature-play experience. It includes chocolate, mint, and espresso. To prepare, add 20g of chocolate and a small spoon of white mint to your cup, pour in brewed dark roast coffee, float a tablespoon of cream, shave chocolate on top, and finish with a fresh mint leaf.

What’s the Deal with Cappuccino?

Cappuccino is named for its resemblance to a monk’s hood and traditionally includes a citrus element like lemon juice or orange, along with a cinnamon stick. It’s made with espresso and steamed milk, but unlike lattes or flat whites, it uses less milk and more foam. For the classic version, preheat strong dark roast coffee, pour into a small cup with two teaspoons of sugar, float a tablespoon of cream, and add lemon or orange juice. Serve with a cinnamon stick instead of a spoon.

Coconut Cream Coffee: What’s in It?

This fragrant coffee features strong coconut aroma thanks to added coconut essence. It combines brewed dark roast coffee with boiled milk and is topped with cream and toasted coconut flakes. To make it, add two drops of coconut essence to a cup, pour in strong dark roast coffee and 60ml of boiled milk, float a spoon of cream, and garnish with toasted coconut pieces.

What Is Mixed Coffee?

Mixed coffee is a Vienna-style drink with equal parts coffee and milk, creating a balanced milk coffee. It’s similar to a light latte but made by directly combining the two ingredients. Prepare it by brewing slightly dark roast coffee, heating milk in a saucepan without letting it boil over, adding cream just before foam dissipates, and pouring it over the coffee while the foam is still present.

Why Do Americans Drink Neapolitan-Style Coffee?

Neapolitan-style coffee, or ‘dawn coffee,’ is a very strong, dark-roast brew typically consumed black and served with a lemon slice. It’s an intense morning coffee favored by some younger Americans. To make it, pour strong dark roast coffee into a handled cup, place a lemon slice on top, and drink it straight without stirring.

What’s Hot Mocha Java?

Hot mocha Java, also known as Russian-style coffee or ‘hot mocha Java,’ is a thick, spiced coffee drink. It includes espresso, chocolate, cocoa, egg yolk, a touch of milk, and sugar. To prepare, heat dark roast coffee with melted chocolate, cocoa powder, egg yolk, a bit of milk, and sugar. Stir well, pour into a cup, float a tablespoon of cream, and top with shaved chocolate.

What’s Indian Coffee?

Indian coffee is a sweet and salty brew often served in ornamental cups. A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the milk and sugar. It’s served hot and enjoyed for its warming qualities. To make it, heat milk almost to boiling, then add dark roast coffee and 10g of brown sugar just before it boils. Add a pinch of salt and stir well.

How Is Turkish Coffee Made?

Turkish coffee is unfiltered and traditionally read for fortune-telling based on the coffee grounds left in the cup. It includes spices like cinnamon and is brewed multiple times. To prepare, mix finely ground dark roast coffee with spices like cinnamon, add water, and bring to a boil three times. Let it settle, pour the clear liquid into a cup, then add orange juice and honey to taste.

What’s Ice Cream Block Coffee?

Ice cream block coffee isn’t made with actual ice cubes—it’s served with frozen coffee ‘ice’ and layered with hot milk and brewed coffee. The result is a two-layer drink with milk foam on top. To make it, add coffee ice cubes to a glass, pour in hot sweetened milk, then slowly pour over iced coffee. The milk floats on top, and you can sprinkle cinnamon powder for garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between mocha and mocha mint coffee?

Mocha is a chocolate and coffee drink topped with cream and cinnamon, while mocha mint layers hot coffee over cold cream with mint flavoring and chocolate. Mocha is stirred and served warm, whereas mocha mint is meant to be drunk with the layers separate for contrast in temperature and flavor.

Do you need an espresso machine to make these drinks?

Most of these drinks traditionally use espresso, especially mocha, cappuccino, and mixed coffee. However, alternatives like strong brewed coffee can be used at home if an espresso machine isn’t available. For true cappuccino results, a machine helps achieve the right milk texture.

What’s the purpose of salt in Indian coffee?

A small amount of salt is added to Indian coffee to enhance the natural sweetness of the milk and sugar. It balances flavors and is a traditional addition that makes the coffee taste smoother and less bitter.

Is Turkish coffee the same as espresso?

No, Turkish coffee is unfiltered and brewed with finely ground coffee boiled multiple times. It’s much thicker and includes spices like cinnamon. Espresso is a filtered, concentrated shot made under high pressure with a specific grind size and brewing time.

Can I make cappuccino without a milk frother?

Yes, you can create a cappuccino-style drink with hand-whipped milk or a jar shake method, though it won’t have the same microfoam texture as with a steam wand. For best results at home, a milk frother or steam wand helps achieve the signature cappuccino foam.

Why is there lemon in Neapolitan coffee?

Neapolitan-style coffee is an intense, black coffee often served with a lemon slice. The lemon is not for sweetness but for contrast, cutting through the bitterness and adding a bright note. It’s traditionally consumed quickly and without stirring.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Classic Coffee Drinks

For these classic coffee recipes, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for a balanced, bold espresso base with caramel and dark cherry notes—ideal for mochas and cappuccinos. The Black Cocoa Blend offers deep chocolate and roasted tones, perfect for drinks with chocolate syrup or mint layers. Both beans are expertly roasted in Guangzhou and deliver the rich crema and body needed for traditional café-style drinks. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.