31 Global Coffee Drinks with Ingredients and Ratios

If you’ve ever struggled to order anything other than an americano at a café—or just want to know what exactly goes into a flat white, a Gibraltar, or Turkish coffee—this guide lays it all out clearly. A UK travel website visualized 31 of the world’s most common coffee drinks with their full ingredients and proportions, finally making it easy to explore coffee beyond your usual order.

In total, the guide covers 31 drinks from around the globe—including iced coffees with ice cream, spiced teas with coffee, and milk-forward cafe classics—with exact ingredient ratios for each. Whether you're traveling or just curious, you’ll now know exactly what to ask for.

What’s Really in Your Favorite Coffee Drink?

Many coffee drinks sound similar but have key differences in preparation, milk type, and ratios. For example, a flat white (popular in Australia and New Zealand) is made with steamed milk and microfoam, offering a smoother, less bitter cup than a standard espresso. Meanwhile, a Gibraltar (served in San Francisco and named after the glass it’s served in) is essentially a small cappuccino with a 1:1:1 ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and foam.

European Classics: From Italy to Germany

In Italy, espresso culture dominates, with regional differences: northern regions often add more milk, while southern espresso is stronger and more direct. A unique local favorite is Espresso Romano, which includes a slice of lemon—yes, really. In Germany, Eiskaffee combines instant coffee, two scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings for a dessert-like treat that puts many frappuccinos to shame.

Spain contributes Cafe con Miel, made with espresso, honey, steamed milk, and cinnamon—perfect for an energy boost and far more exciting than churros alone. Meanwhile, Portugal offers Mazagran, a bold mix of water, espresso, and lemon juice, designed for those who enjoy a tart twist.

Global Favorites: Asia, the Americas & Beyond

Vietnam’s Ca phe sua da is meticulously prepared with precisely measured hot water, two spoons of sweetened condensed milk, and 15g of coffee—often brewed using a phin filter. Turkey’s traditional coffee stands out with a single spoon of finely ground coffee, water, and a cardamom pod floated on top—a spice known for potential health benefits.

Hong Kong’s signature drink, Yuanyang, blends black tea and coffee for a potent caffeine kick. Mexico’s Cafe de olla is brewed with cinnamon sticks and water, resulting in a comforting, spiced cup. Each of these drinks reflects local tastes and traditions, offering unique flavor profiles and preparation methods.

Decoding the Menu: Why These Drinks Matter

Understanding these coffee types helps you navigate menus confidently, whether you’re traveling abroad or exploring new options at your local café. From the creamy flat white to the spicy Turkish coffee and the sweet Eiskaffee, each drink tells a story about the culture it comes from. The visual guide makes it easier to remember names and ratios, so you can order like a local—or experiment at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Gibraltar coffee?

A Gibraltar is a small coffee drink typically served in a Gibraltar glass, made with a 1:1:1 ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam—similar to a mini cappuccino. It originated in San Francisco and is known for its balanced flavor and compact size.

What’s in a flat white?

A flat white consists of espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam. Originating in Australia and New Zealand, it has less foam than a cappuccino and a richer, smoother taste due to the higher coffee-to-milk ratio.

What makes Turkish coffee unique?

Turkish coffee is made with finely ground coffee boiled with water and often served with a cardamom pod. It is unfiltered, resulting in a thick, strong brew with grounds settling at the bottom. The addition of cardamom is both traditional and believed to offer health benefits.

What is Cafe con Miel?

Cafe con Miel is a Spanish coffee drink made with espresso, honey, steamed milk, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s a sweet, spiced beverage that’s especially popular as a morning or midday pick-me-up.

How is Vietnamese iced coffee different?

Vietnamese iced coffee, or Ca phe sua da, is made with 15g of coffee, hot water, and two spoons of sweetened condensed milk. It’s traditionally brewed using a small metal phin filter and served over ice, resulting in a strong, sweet, and refreshing drink.

What’s in Eiskaffee?

Eiskaffee is a German coffee dessert drink made with instant coffee, two scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. It’s a cold, sweet treat that blends coffee with dessert elements.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Milk-Based Coffees

For crafting milk-based drinks like flat whites, lattes, and cappuccinos featured in the global coffee guide, we recommend FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend. This blend is specifically designed for espresso and milk drinks, delivering a smooth, rounded profile with rich crema—perfect for highlighting the milk’s sweetness. Also consider the Specialty Blend, which offers a well-balanced cup with notes of caramel and dark cherry, ideal for showcasing in espresso-based beverages. Both blends are optimized for professional and home espresso setups. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.