Common Types of Espresso-Based Coffee Drinks

When you walk into a coffee shop or think about making coffee at home, you’re likely choosing between familiar drinks like espresso, cappuccino, or maybe a latte. But how many of us actually know what makes each drink distinct — or how they originated? This guide breaks down the most common espresso-based and Italian-style coffee drinks, explaining their preparation, ratios, and cultural roots.

There are at least eight common coffee drinks covered here: espresso (the base), cappuccino, latte, moka pot coffee, French milk coffee, Turkish coffee, Irish coffee, and mocha. Each varies by coffee-to-milk ratio, texture, and preparation method — with some, like the moka pot, using steam pressure just like early espresso machines.

What Is Espresso and How Is It Made?

"Espresso" means "fast" in Italian, and espresso coffee refers to coffee extracted quickly under pressure. Invented in 1946 by Italian Achille Gaggia with the first steam-pressure coffee machine, it’s commonly known as Italian coffee. Traditionally, people make espresso at home using a moka pot, which works on steam pressure much like an espresso machine, though less powerful. The pressurized steam forces water through finely-ground, dark-roasted coffee, extracting intense flavor compounds and producing a thick layer of crema — the golden-brown coffee oil on top that carries much of the aroma. Because of its concentration, espresso is served in small cups, usually 25–30ml.

What’s the Difference Between Cappuccino and Latte?

Cappuccino was developed around the same time as the espresso machine in the early 20th century. It consists of a shot of strong espresso topped with steamed milk and foam, creating a color reminiscent of a Capuchin monk’s brown robe and white headband — hence the name. The typical ratio is roughly 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk foam. A latte, short for caffè latte, is another espresso-based drink with a similar preparation method but uses a higher milk-to-espresso ratio — usually about 1/6 to 1/3 espresso, 2/3 steamed milk, and a thin layer of foam. It results in a creamier, milder drink compared to cappuccino.

Other Regional and Specialty Coffee Drinks

Beyond espresso-based drinks, several other coffee styles have unique histories and preparation methods. French milk coffee is made with a 1:1 ratio of coffee to hot milk, traditionally poured simultaneously from two separate pitchers for a smooth blend. Turkish coffee is unfiltered and brewed using finely ground coffee boiled in a cezve — a small, long-handled pot — resulting in a thick, sludgy cup full of grounds. Irish coffee adds whiskey to hot coffee, often sweetened and topped with cream, using the alcohol’s warmth and flavor to complement the coffee. Mocha combines espresso with chocolate, typically in the form of syrup or cocoa, creating a dessert-like drink. Royal coffee is made by igniting brandy added to coffee, originally inspired by Napoleon’s troops during the Russian campaign. Finally, green tea coffee is a fusion drink where brewed coffee is topped with whipped cream and green tea powder, blending Eastern and Western flavors.

Using a Moka Pot for Home Espresso

For those brewing at home without an espresso machine, the moka pot is the most common tool. It uses steam pressure to push hot water through finely-ground, dark-roast coffee — producing a strong, concentrated brew similar to espresso. The key to a good moka pot coffee is using freshly ground, dark-roasted beans and applying the right heat to create crema. The resulting brew has a bold flavor, rich aroma, and a layer of crema, making it ideal for drinks like cappuccinos or lattes when milk is added.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between espresso and coffee?

Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure, resulting in a small, strong shot with crema. Regular coffee typically refers to drip or filter coffee, which is brewed more slowly with less pressure and results in a larger, milder beverage.

What’s the traditional coffee-to-milk ratio in a cappuccino?

A traditional cappuccino uses a 1:1:1 ratio — roughly one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third milk foam. This creates a balanced drink with equal parts coffee flavor, milk texture, and foam.

How is moka pot coffee different from espresso?

Moka pot coffee is made using steam pressure to brew coffee through fine grounds, similar to espresso, but typically at lower pressure. It produces a strong, concentrated brew with some crema, but lacks the full extraction pressure of a commercial espresso machine, resulting in a slightly different flavor and body.

What coffee is used in French-style milk coffee?

French-style milk coffee is made with regular brewed coffee and hot milk in a 1:1 ratio. While the article does not specify the roast, any medium or dark roast coffee can be used, brewed as filtered or press coffee before mixing with milk.

Why does espresso have crema on top?

Espresso crema is a layer of golden-brown foam created during extraction from the emulsification of coffee oils, proteins, and CO2 under high pressure. It contributes to aroma and is a sign of a well-extracted shot.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for Espresso Drinks

For making classic espresso-based drinks like cappuccino and latte, FrontStreet Coffee offers three excellent blends. The Classic Blend is designed specifically for espresso and moka pot use, delivering rich crema and a smooth, approachable profile even for beginners. The Black Cocoa Blend offers bold, affordable flavor with ample crema, ideal for cafés balancing cost and quality. The Commercial Blend is a proven, cost-effective option optimized for shop use, with reliable taste and lower pricing. All three blends work well for milk drinks and espresso shots alike. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.