What Is the Best Coffee in the World?

You’ve probably heard terms like espresso, latte, cappuccino, and macchiato—but what do they really mean? And more importantly, which one is the 'best' coffee? Whether you’re new to specialty coffee or just curious about the differences between milk-based drinks and single-origin beans, this guide breaks down the most well-known coffee styles from around the world with exact recipes, origins, and tasting notes so you can decide for yourself.

The 'best' coffee depends on your taste—but many experts consider Jamaica Blue Mountain among the finest single-origin beans, while espresso is the foundation of most popular drinks. Milk drinks like lattes and cappuccinos are loved for their balance, and each style has specific ratios, techniques, and cultural roots worth knowing.

Popular Milk-Based Coffee Drinks

One of the most popular coffee drinks worldwide is the latte—or Caffè Latte. This Italian classic consists of a small cup of espresso (about 30ml) and 150–200ml of steamed milk. Unlike cappuccinos, lattes have much more milk than coffee. The drink is made simply by pouring nearly boiling milk into a freshly brewed shot of espresso. There’s no fixed rule for the amount of milk—it’s adjusted to taste.

If you add cold milk foam on top of hot milk, you get an American latte. Starbucks versions typically include a shot of espresso, 65–75°C steamed milk, and a final layer of cold foam no thicker than half a centimeter. For an espresso macchiato—Italian for “stained espresso”—skip the hot milk and just add two spoonfuls of milk foam on top of the espresso shot.

What Is a Café au Lait?

Café au Lait is essentially the French version of a latte. It’s made by pouring equal parts of brewed espresso and hot milk into a cup, then topping with two spoonfuls of whipped cream. Unlike Italian or American lattes, the French method combines milk and espresso at the same time for a smoother, more relaxed flavor profile. It’s especially popular in France, often served in large cups as a comforting breakfast drink.

Espresso-Based Coffee Classics

Cappuccino: Origins and Variations

The cappuccino originated in early 20th-century Italy alongside the invention of the steam pressure coffee machine. It’s traditionally made with equal thirds of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The name is said to come from the brown robes and pointed hats worn by Capuchin monks—the color resemblance inspired the name, which derives from the Italian word for head covering, ‘cappuccio.’

There are two main styles: dry cappuccino, with more foam and less milk (stronger coffee flavor), and wet cappuccino, with more milk and lighter foam (milder and creamier). Both are distinct from lattes but share the same espresso base. The traditional ratio is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam.

To make a cappuccino, start with a shot of espresso, steam milk to produce microfoam, and pour the steamed milk first, then top with a generous layer of foam. Serve in a pre-warmed cup to maintain texture.

How to Make a Traditional Latte

To prepare a classic latte: warm your cup, pull a shot of espresso using a 1:1 coffee-to-milk ratio (usually around 30ml espresso to 150–200ml milk), steam the milk to nearly boiling, and pour it over the espresso. For extra flair, you can create latte art with the foam. The drink is smooth and milky, designed to soften espresso’s intensity.

Single-Origin & Regional Specialty Coffees

Jamaica Blue Mountain

Blue Mountain coffee is grown at elevations above 2,500 feet in Jamaica. It’s known for being mild, smooth, sweet, and softly acidic. The flavor is subtle yet refined, making it one of the most prestigious and expensive coffees globally. It’s considered a coffee for connoisseurs.

Ethiopian & Yemeni Mocha

Mocha coffee, primarily from Yemen and secondarily Ethiopia, features a unique balance of medium to strong acidity, smooth body, and natural chocolate notes. It’s often described as having an elegant, almost feminine character. Yemeni mocha is especially prized for its distinctive terroir-driven complexity.

Colombian Supremo

Among Colombian coffees, Supremo is noted for its soft, sweet flavor with moderate acidity. It’s a reliable, high-quality bean often used in blends, offering consistent taste and aroma.

Indonesian Mandheling

Mandheling coffee from Indonesia’s Sumatra region is bold, rich, and full-bodied with low acidity. Though intense, it remains smooth and is considered one of Indonesia’s finest coffees.

Other Notable Coffee Types

• Carbonic Coffee: A dark, heavy roast from Sumatra with strong bitter notes and visible oil on the beans. Ideal for espresso.
• Brazil Santos: The world’s largest coffee producer, Brazil offers mild, low-acid beans that are neutral and ideal for blending.
• Kenya AA: Grown at high altitudes, Kenya AA beans are round, flavorful, and typically lightly roasted for a bright, complex cup.
• Hawaii Kona Fancy: The only coffee grown in the U.S., Kona has a strong flavor and pronounced acidity, valued by travelers to Hawaii.

Flavored & Cultural Coffee Specialties

Viennese Coffee

Viennese coffee is a rich drink topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with colorful candy beads. Sipped through a layer of chocolate syrup and cream, it’s a luxurious treat best enjoyed leisurely. However, it’s high in sugar and fat, making it less suitable for those avoiding calories.

Hazelnut and French Vanilla Lattes

These are flavored lattes made with espresso (typically a short ristretto shot of 15–20ml) and around 200ml of steamed milk, with added syrups—hazelnut or French vanilla. They follow the same milk-to-espresso ratios as standard lattes but include commercial flavorings.

White Coffee

Originating exclusively in Malaysia, white coffee is produced by roasting beans at low temperatures without adding sugar. This process preserves more of the bean’s natural flavors, resulting in a smoother, less bitter cup compared to traditional high-heat roasted black coffee. It’s lower in acidity and caffeine, and easier on the stomach.

Coffee Brewing Methods & Regional Drinks

Espresso & Moka Pot

Espresso is made using pressurized hot water forced through finely-ground coffee. At home, many use a moka pot, which operates on similar steam-pressure principles. The resulting brew is strong, oily (with visible crema), and intensely flavorful.

Macchiato Variants

A macchiato can mean different things: a caffè macchiato is an espresso 'stained' with just a small amount of milk or foam, while a latte macchiato is mostly steamed milk 'marked' with a shot of espresso poured through it.

Other Regional Specialties

• French Milk Coffee: Equal parts coffee and milk, poured simultaneously into the cup for a balanced flavor.
• Turkish Coffee: Made with finely ground beans boiled with water and sometimes sugar, served unfiltered for a thick, strong cup.
• Irish Coffee: A cocktail of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, topped with cream—sweet, boozy, and warming.
• Royal Coffee: Invented by Napoleon, this mix includes coffee, hot chocolate, and flambéed brandy for a decadent treat.
• Green Tea Coffee: A Japanese invention blending green tea’s aroma with coffee’s boldness.
• Iced Latte & Frozen Variants: Popular cold versions include layered iced lattes, affogato-style desserts, and blended frozen drinks like magic coconut or mocha frost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most highly regarded single-origin coffee in the world?

Jamaica Blue Mountain is widely considered one of the best single-origin coffees. Grown at elevations above 2,500 feet, it has a mild, smooth, and delicate flavor with low acidity. It’s expensive and sought after by coffee connoisseurs for its refined taste.

What’s the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

A latte contains more milk than a cappuccino, with a typical ratio of 1/6 espresso, 4/6 steamed milk, and 1/6 foam. A cappuccino is evenly divided into thirds: 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam. Lattes are creamier and milder, while cappuccinos have a stronger coffee flavor.

What is an espresso macchiato?

An espresso macchiato is a shot of espresso 'stained' with just a small amount of milk or foam—usually two spoonfuls. It highlights the espresso flavor with minimal milk interference.

Which countries are known for distinctive coffee styles?

Yemen and Ethiopia are known for mocha coffee with chocolatey, acidic profiles. Colombia produces smooth, balanced Supremo beans. Indonesia’s Mandheling is bold and full-bodied. Jamaica is famous for its mild Blue Mountain coffee. Each region offers unique flavors based on climate, altitude, and processing.

Is white coffee healthier than regular black coffee?

White coffee is roasted at lower temperatures without sugar, resulting in less bitterness and acidity. It’s often considered easier on the stomach and lower in harsh compounds, though it’s not necessarily 'healthier' in all aspects. It has a milder taste compared to traditional high-heat roasted black coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Milk Drinks & Espresso

For crafting classic espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is an excellent choice. Designed for espresso machines and moka pots, it produces rich crema and a smooth, well-rounded profile ideal for milk drinks. For a more budget-friendly option with full flavor, the Black Cocoa Blend offers a deep, chocolatey profile at an accessible price. Both blends are optimized for professional and home setups alike. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.