Common Specialty Coffee Types and Their English Names

If you’ve ever stood in a coffee shop abroad or browsed an international menu and wondered how to order your usual in English, you’re not alone. Many coffee drinkers know their favorite drinks by local or brand names—but when it comes to speaking the international language of coffee, knowing the right English terms makes all the difference.

Here’s a straightforward guide to the English names of 50+ common and specialty coffee types, from classic espressos to fruity iced lattes and regional single origins. Whether you're ordering abroad or just brushing up your coffee vocabulary, this list has you covered.

Single-Origin and Regional Coffees

These coffees are named after their country or region of origin, often reflecting specific growing regions known for distinct flavor profiles:

• Colombian Coffee – General term for coffee from Colombia, often balanced and medium-bodied.
• Jamaican Coffee – Broad term for coffee from Jamaica; often associated with high-altitude growing regions.
• Blue Mountain Coffee – Premium coffee grown in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains; known for mild flavor and lack of bitterness.
• Brazil Santos Coffee – A classic Brazilian coffee, typically medium roast with low acidity and nutty tones.
• Brazilian Coffee (also called Mandheling or Mandeling) – Often refers to Brazilian beans or blends; can also denote a mix of Brazilian and Mandheling (Indonesian) beans, labeled as 'Special Coffee'.
• Hawaiian Kona Coffee – Grown on Hawaii’s Big Island; smooth, medium-bodied with sweet notes.
• Tarrazu Coffee – High-quality coffee from Costa Rica’s Tarrazú region; bright acidity and full body.
• Mexican Ice Coffee – Iced coffee made with Mexican beans; often light and fruity.

Popular Espresso-Based Drinks

Espresso is the foundation of many beloved coffee drinks. These are the classic espresso-based beverages with their correct English names:

• Espresso – A concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee.
• Cappuccino – Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
• Café Latte (Coffee Latte) – Espresso with a larger amount of steamed milk and a light layer of foam.
• Espresso Con Panna – Espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Espresso Macchiato – Espresso 'stained' with a small amount of steamed milk or foam.

Iced, Flavored, and Blended Coffee Drinks

Cold and flavored coffees have become staples in coffee culture worldwide. Here’s how to refer to them in English:

• Iced Coffee – Brewed coffee served over ice.
• Iced Espresso – Espresso served over ice.
• Americano – Espresso diluted with hot water; Iced Americano is the cold version.
• Café Americano – The standard term for an Americano.
• Latte Variants (Iced & Flavored):
  • Iced Café Latte
  • Iced Caramel Latte
  • Iced Vanilla Latte
  • Iced Hazelnut Latte
  • Iced Pineapple Latte
  • Iced Strawberry Latte
  • Iced Fruit Latte
  • Blackberry Latte
  • Vanilla Bean Latte
  • Lavender Latte
• Cappuccino Variants (Iced & Flavored):
  • Iced Cappuccino
  • Iced Mint Cappuccino
  • Iced Caramel Cappuccino
  • Iced Vanilla Cappuccino
  • Iced Hazelnut Cappuccino
  • Iced Fruit Cappuccino
  • Lavender Cappuccino
• Other Flavored Iced Coffees:
  • Iced Mochaccino
  • Iced Strawberry Mocha
  • Iced Cherry Mocha
  • Iced Coconut Mocha
  • Iced Mango Mocha
  • Iced Banana Mocha
  • Iced Fruit Coffee
  • Chocolate Coffee
  • Iced Chocolate Coffee
  • French Vanilla Coffee
  • Floating Iced Coffee (Iced Coffee Float)
• Regional & Themed Blends:
  • French Coffee – Traditional French-style drip coffee.
  • Iced French Coffee – Cold version of French drip.
  • Carbon Coffee (Carbonated Coffee) – Also called Charcoal Coffee; often refers to coffee with charcoal-infused beans or brewing methods.
  • Tres Rios Coffee – Coffee from Costa Rica’s Tres Ríos region.
  • Vienna Coffee – Coffee with whipped cream, often similar to a Cafe Viennois.
  • Saronno Coffee – Likely refers to coffee with amaretto-like flavor notes; possibly Italian-inspired.
  • Rose Lady Coffee – Floral-flavored coffee, possibly a flavored blend.
  • Coconut Coffee – Coffee with coconut flavor or milk.

  

• Other International or Flavored Coffees:
  • Blue Mountain Coffee – Jamaica’s famous premium coffee.
  • Hawaiian Kona Coffee – Single-origin coffee from Hawaii.
  • French Vanilla Coffee – Coffee with French vanilla syrup or flavor.
  • Chocolate Coffee – Coffee blended or served with chocolate.
  • Ice Fruit Coffee – Iced coffee with fruit flavors or syrups.
  • Ice Pineapple Americano
  • Ice Mango Americano
  • Ice Peach Americano
  • Ice Banana Americano
  • Ice Mochaccino
  • Ice Strawberry Mocha
  • Ice Cherry Mocha
  • Ice Coconut Mocha
  • Ice Mango Mocha
  • Ice Banana Mocha
  • Ice Fruit Coffee
  • Ice Blackberry Mocha
  • Ice Mango Latté
  • Ice Peach Latté
  • Ice Cherry Latté
  • Ice Hazelnut Latté
  • Ice Pineapple Latté
  • Ice Coconut Latté
  • Ice Belgian Mocha-style Drinks (e.g., Iced Caramel Mocha, Iced Vanilla Mocha variants)
  • Decaffeinated Coffee – Coffee with caffeine removed.
  • Instant Coffee – Soluble coffee powder or granules.
  • Fresh Ground Coffee – Coffee brewed from recently ground beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

A latte (café latte) has more steamed milk and a thinner layer of foam compared to a cappuccino, which has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. A latte is creamier and milder, while a cappuccino has a stronger coffee flavor with a balanced foam top.

What does 'espresso macchiato' mean?

Espresso macchiato means 'stained espresso'—a shot of espresso with just a small amount of steamed milk or foam added, just enough to 'mark' the espresso. It highlights the coffee’s pure flavor with minimal milk.

Is Blue Mountain Coffee a type of blend or single origin?

Blue Mountain Coffee is a single-origin coffee grown exclusively in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains. It is not a blend, and it is renowned for its mild flavor and lack of bitterness.

What is 'charcoal coffee' or 'carbon coffee'?

Charcoal coffee, also called carbon coffee, typically refers to coffee made with charcoal-roasted beans or brewed using charcoal-infused filters. It may also refer to a cold brew method involving activated charcoal for a smoother taste.

What’s the difference between iced coffee and iced espresso?

Iced coffee is regular brewed coffee served over ice, while iced espresso is a shot (or shots) of espresso poured over ice. Iced espresso is stronger and more concentrated.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Global Coffee Flavors

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Jamaica Blue Mountain to experience the legendary mildness of true Blue Mountain Coffee. For a Brazilian classic, their Brazil Santos offers low-acidity balance with nutty sweetness—similar to what’s known as Brazilian Coffee or Santos type. And for a taste of Hawaii, look for single-origin Hawaiian Kona-style beans (not directly listed but akin to the region’s profile). These beans let you explore the origins behind the English coffee names. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.