10 Common Coffee Drinks Explained: From Espresso to Vietnamese

You walk into a coffee shop and see a menu full of drinks: espresso, cappuccino, latte, macchiato... What’s the real difference? If you’ve ever wondered what makes a black coffee just coffee, or why a cappuccino has equal parts milk and foam, this guide breaks down the 10 most common coffee drinks with no fluff, just facts.

There are 10 widely recognized coffee drinks covered here: black coffee, white coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte, flavored coffee, mocha, Americano, Irish coffee, and Vietnamese coffee. Each has specific ingredients, preparation methods, and standard ratios that define it.

What Is Black Coffee?

Black coffee is simply brewed coffee made from roasted coffee beans, served without any additions like milk or sugar. It highlights the pure flavor of the coffee itself. This is the base form of nearly all other coffee drinks.

What Is White Coffee?

White coffee is regular brewed coffee with milk added. Unlike lattes or cappuccinos, there’s no fixed ratio, but it generally refers to coffee served with milk to soften its bitterness and lighten its color.

How Is Espresso Different?

Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water (around 90–96°C) through finely-ground coffee under high pressure (9–10 bar). It produces a small shot (about 30ml) with a rich body, intense flavor, and crema on top. Standard single shots use about 7–9 grams of coffee.

What’s in a Cappuccino?

A cappuccino consists of one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third milk foam. Traditionally, it follows a 1:1:1 ratio and may be topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, chocolate powder, or spices. It’s known for its balanced texture and equal parts of each component.

What Makes a Latte Different?

A latte (or caffe latte) is made with one shot of espresso and at least two parts steamed milk, often with a small layer of foam on top. The higher milk content makes it creamier and milder than a cappuccino. It’s typically served in larger cups and can include flavored syrups.

What Are Flavored Coffees?

Flavored coffees are regular coffees with added ingredients like chocolate, vanilla syrup, fruit juices, cinnamon, nutmeg, or orange blossom. These are mixed according to taste preferences and regional traditions, altering the coffee’s original flavor profile.

What’s in a Mocha?

A mocha combines espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate—usually in the form of syrup or cocoa powder. It may also include whipped cream and sometimes ice. It’s essentially a chocolate-flavored latte and a popular café treat.

What Is an Americano?

An Americano is made by adding hot water to a shot (or more) of espresso. This dilutes the espresso, resulting in a coffee similar in strength to traditional drip coffee but with a different flavor profile. It’s smoother than straight espresso but retains much of its character.

What’s Irish Coffee?

Irish coffee is a warm cocktail made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, topped with a layer of whipped cream. It’s served in a glass and combines caffeine with alcohol, typically enjoyed as a dessert drink.

How Is Vietnamese Coffee Made?

Vietnamese coffee is brewed using a small metal drip filter (phin) that slowly drips hot water (typically near boiling) through finely ground coffee. The coffee is usually strong and sweetened with sugar or mixed with sweetened condensed milk after brewing. It’s traditionally served over ice or hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between black coffee and espresso?

Black coffee is any brewed coffee served without additives, often made with drip, French press, or pour-over methods. Espresso is a concentrated coffee extracted under high pressure with fine grounds, producing a small, intense shot. Both can be made from the same beans, but the brewing methods create very different results.

Is white coffee stronger than black coffee?

No, white coffee refers to coffee with milk added—it is not stronger or weaker in caffeine. The term “white coffee” can also confusingly refer to lightly roasted beans in some regions, but in this context, it simply means coffee with milk.

Why does cappuccino have equal parts foam, milk, and espresso?

The traditional cappuccino is based on a 1:1:1 ratio: one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third milk foam. This balance creates a drink with distinct layers and a uniform texture that highlights the coffee, steam, and foam equally.

Can I make Vietnamese coffee without a phin?

Traditionally, Vietnamese coffee is made using a small metal drip filter called a phin, which controls the slow extraction. Without a phin, you can’t replicate the same drip-style concentration, though you could brew strong coffee separately and add sweetened condensed milk afterward.

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