How to Make Every Type of Espresso-Based Coffee Drink

If you’ve ever stood in front of an espresso machine wondering how to make a proper cappuccino—or whether your ‘latte’ is actually a ‘flat white’ in disguise—you’re not alone. Most coffee drinkers know the names, but not the exact measurements, techniques, or differences between similar drinks. This guide breaks down 18 classic espresso-based beverages with the precise details you need to make them right.

In short: a single espresso (solo) uses 7g coffee for 25–35ml; a double (doppio) uses 14g for 50–60ml. A cappuccino has more foam than milk, while a latte layers coffee under steamed milk and foam. Each drink has defined ratios, volumes, and steps—here’s exactly how they’re done.

Espresso Basics: Solo & Doppio

Every espresso-based drink starts with a shot—or two—of espresso. These are not just strong coffee; they’re precisely extracted under pressure with specific coffee doses and yields.

• Solo (Single) Espresso: Made with a single spout portafilter, using 7g of coffee, extracted to yield 25–35ml.
• Doppio (Double) Espresso: Made with a double spout portafilter, using 14g of coffee, extracted to yield 50–60ml.

These serve as the base for nearly all other drinks in this guide.

Milk-Based Espresso Drinks

When you add steamed milk and foam to espresso, you get the drinks most people drink daily. But the ratios and layering techniques define their identity.

Cappuccino

An Italian classic with more foam than milk. There are three common styles:

• Poured directly with no latte art; foam thickness is about 1cm, filling the cup without spilling.
• With latte art or etching; same foam volume and full cup.
• Made with other brewers (not espresso machines), filled 7/10 with hot coffee, then topped with foam or cream. Common in retail settings.

Latte (Caffe Latte)

Comes in multiple forms:

• Layered (‘dancing’ or ‘romantic’ latte): Three layers—coffee, milk, foam—or two layers (coffee + milk + foam).
• Standard: Eight-tenths full with hot coffee, then add foam, cinnamon, and lemon zest.
• Iced Latte: No latte art; can use espresso or cold brew, layered with milk and foam; made with a manual milk frother.

Variations on the Latte Theme

• Espresso Macchiato: A single or double espresso ‘marked’ with a spoonful of foam—no requirement to fill to the brim.
• Latte Macchiato: Made by pouring milk first, then adding espresso to ‘mark’ it—creates a smoother mouthfeel.
• Caramel Macchiato: Like a latte macchiato, but with caramel syrup added on top for sweetness and flavor.

Other Popular Espresso + Milk + Chocolate Drinks

• Caffe Mocha (Mocha): Espresso + milk + cocoa—topped with foam or cream. A classic combo of bold espresso and chocolate.
• Iced Caffe Mocha: Ice espresso + ice milk + ice cocoa, layered, topped with foam or cream and optional chocolate drizzle.
• Mochaccino (Mocha Frappe Style): Espresso + cocoa + foam—essentially a cappuccino with cocoa powder sprinkled on top.

Espresso With Additives & Modifications

These drinks tweak the espresso base with water, cream, flavors, or alcohol for a different experience.

• Espresso Con Panna: Espresso topped with a small amount of smooth whipped cream.
• Romano Espresso: Espresso served with a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Americano: Espresso + hot water. Combines the strength of espresso with the volume and depth of filter coffee.
• Corretto: Espresso ‘corrected’ with a shot of brandy, rum, or other liqueur.
• Arma (Flavored Syrup Espresso): Espresso with flavored syrup or cordial—no milk added.

Espresso Extraction Styles: Ristretto & Lungo

These two methods change the espresso’s strength and flavor profile by adjusting either time or volume—without changing the dose.

• Ristretto: Extracted for 20–30 seconds to yield just 15–20ml. Often achieved by reducing extraction time (though some adjust grind fineness).
• Lungo: Extracted for 20–30 seconds to yield 40–50ml. Usually done by increasing extraction time (some adjust grind coarseness).

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a solo and a doppio espresso?

A solo espresso uses 7g of coffee and yields 25–35ml, while a doppio uses 14g and yields 50–60ml. Both are extracted under standard espresso pressure but differ in dose and output volume.

How much milk goes into a cappuccino vs a latte?

A cappuccino has more foam and less milk, with a foam layer about 1cm thick and the cup filled to the top. A latte has more steamed milk with a thinner layer of foam, often layered (coffee, then milk, then foam).

What’s the difference between an espresso macchiato and a latte macchiato?

An espresso macchiato is espresso ‘marked’ with a spoon of foam. A latte macchiato is milk first, then espresso added to mark it—resulting in a smoother, milk-forward drink.

What’s the difference between a ristretto and a lungo?

A ristretto is a shorter extraction (20–30 sec) yielding 15–20ml, resulting in a stronger, more concentrated shot. A lungo is a longer extraction (same time) yielding 40–50ml, producing a milder, more diluted shot.

Can I make these drinks with any espresso machine?

Most of these drinks require a machine that can produce proper espresso (15–30 seconds, 9–10 bar pressure), steam milk, and control volume. Simpler brewers may make adaptations (like using drip coffee for mochas), but the results differ.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso Drinks

For authentic espresso-based drinks, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is the go-to choice—it’s designed specifically for espresso and milk drinks, producing rich crema even on home machines. Its traditional Mocha-Java style offers a balanced, approachable profile. For a more budget-friendly option that still performs well in lattes and cappuccinos, try the Black Cocoa Blend, which delivers solid body and chocolatey notes. Alternatively, the Specialty Blend delivers the classic espresso taste many cafés built their menus on, using Brazilian and Colombian beans for a familiar profile. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.