How to Make 8 Classic Specialty Coffee Drinks

Ever wonder how to make a proper Irish coffee—or whether you’ve ever had a real affogato? These 8 classic specialty coffee drinks mix espresso, milk, spirits, and flavorings the right way, with exact measurements and methods used in quality-focused cafes.

Here’s a clear guide to making 8 well-known specialty coffee drinks: everything from the Italian-style cappuccino to the boozy Irish coffee, with exact ingredient amounts, layering steps, and garnish details.

1. Cappuccino (Cafe Cappuccino)

A balanced shot of espresso with steamed milk and foam, served with a dusting of cinnamon and orange peel for aroma. This classic Italian drink is built with precision.

• 120ml coffee (espresso-based)
• 30ml milk foam
• Sprinkle of cinnamon powder
• Slice of orange peel
• One cinnamon stick (for stirring)

Pull a slightly bitter espresso shot, then float the milk foam on top. Dust with cinnamon, add a few slivers of orange peel on the foam, and serve with a cinnamon stick for mixing.

2. Affogato (Cafe Gelato)

An espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the classic Italian dessert coffee served in a ceramic cup.

• 60ml espresso
• 100g vanilla ice cream

Scoop vanilla ice cream into a ceramic cup, then pour the hot espresso directly over it. Serve immediately in the same cup.

3. Irish Coffee

A warm coffee cocktail with Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with lightly whipped cream—traditionally prepared at the table with an alcohol burner.

• Hot coffee
• Irish whiskey or mint liqueur (small amount)
• Sugar (small amount)
• Whipped cream
• Specialized Irish coffee glass

Add sugar and whiskey to a heat-safe Irish coffee glass. Warm the glass using an alcohol lamp until the sugar dissolves. Pour in hot coffee, then top with a layer of fresh cream. Caution: Avoid overheating the glass. Optionally, ignite the whiskey for a blue flame effect.

4. Borgia Coffee (Cafe Borgia)

A decadent layered coffee with chocolate syrup, orange zest, and whipped cream—a sweet and aromatic dessert-style espresso drink.

• Hot coffee
• Chocolate syrup
• Cointreau (or similar orange liqueur)
• Orange zest (cut into fine strips)
• Chocolate shavings
• Whipped cream (foam style)

Mix hot coffee with chocolate syrup and Cointreau. Stir well, then top with a layer of whipped cream. Garnish with thin orange zest strips and a sprinkle of chocolate powder.

5. Cinnamon Coffee

A spiced coffee made by stirring brewed coffee with orange marmalade and a cinnamon stick—simple and aromatic.

• Single coffee shot (brewed coffee)
• 2 tbsp orange marmalade
• 1 cinnamon stick

Place the marmalade in the cup first, pour in the coffee, and stir with the cinnamon stick. Serve as is.

6. Almond Coffee (Cafe Amaretto)

A warming coffee with white rum, sugar, almond slivers, and a whole almond for garnish—popular in European cafes.

• Hot coffee
• Sugar (small amount)
• White rum (small amount)
• Toasted almond slivers
• 1–2 whole almonds

Stir the coffee with sugar, then add white rum. Mix again, then top with almond slivers. Serve with 1–2 whole almonds on the saucer.

7. Walnut Coffee (Cafe Walnut)

A spiced coffee blended with hot coffee, milk, sherry, whipped cream, and chopped walnuts—rich and nutty.

• Hot coffee
• Milk
• Sherry (small amount)
• Whipped cream (foam style)
• Chopped walnuts

Combine milk and coffee in the cup, add a touch of sherry, then top with whipped cream. Garnish with chopped walnuts.

8. Pompeii Coffee (Cafe Pompadour)

A floral, spiced coffee with coffee, Cointreau, cardamom, whipped cream, and lilac or clove flowers for garnish.

• Hot coffee (120ml)
• Cointreau (10ml)
• Cardamom powder (pinch)
• Whipped cream (30ml)
• Lilac or clove flowers (for garnish)

Brew a strong coffee, add Cointreau and cardamom, then float the whipped cream on top. Decorate with lilac or clove flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between cappuccino and other coffee drinks in this list?

A cappuccino is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam. It’s typically served with cinnamon and orange zest, unlike lattes or flavored coffees that may have more milk or syrups.

How do you properly make Irish coffee?

Irish coffee is made by dissolving sugar in a heated Irish coffee glass using an alcohol lamp, then adding hot coffee and topping with cream. Irish whiskey is essential, and safety precautions should be taken when heating the glass.

Can I make affogato with any type of ice cream?

Traditionally, affogato uses vanilla ice cream. Using high-quality vanilla bean ice cream ensures the best flavor contrast with the hot espresso.

What is Cointreau and can I substitute it?

Cointreau is an orange liqueur used in Borgia coffee and Irish coffee. You can substitute it with other orange liqueurs like Grand Marnier or Triple Sec, though flavor may vary slightly.

Why is cardamom used in Pompeii coffee?

Cardamom adds a warm, floral spice note that complements the coffee and cream. It’s a traditional flavoring in some European and Middle Eastern coffee styles.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of these coffee drinks?

Yes, most of these drinks can be made without alcohol—just omit the whiskey, Cointreau, or rum. The flavor will be lighter but still enjoyable.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Specialty Coffee Drinks

For these classic coffee drinks, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright citrus and floral notes in cappuccinos and affogato, or their Colombia Narino for rich chocolate and nut tones ideal in Borgia and walnut coffee. Their Brazil Cerrado offers a smooth, low-acid base perfect for Irish coffee or cinnamon coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.