10 Common Types of Specialty Coffee Drinks

Ever stood in a coffee shop staring at the menu, unsure whether to order a macchiato or just a straight espresso? With so many names and preparation methods floating around, it’s easy to feel lost. But behind the fancy Italian names are straightforward brewing styles — each defined by how the coffee is extracted, what’s added, and in what ratio. If you've ever wondered what really separates a cappuccino from a latte, or how Vietnamese coffee differs from a standard drip, this guide breaks down the 10 most common coffee drinks you’ll actually encounter.

There are 10 widely recognised types of coffee drinks, all based on variations in beans, preparation method, milk usage, and added ingredients. These include black coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte, and more — each defined by a unique ratio or technique.

What Is Black Coffee?

Black coffee is the simplest and most direct way to enjoy brewed coffee: just ground coffee and hot water. No milk, no sugar, no flavorings. It’s valued for highlighting the pure flavours of the coffee bean, especially in single-origin offerings. This is the base from which many other coffee drinks start. Many specialty coffee drinkers prefer it black to evaluate roast quality and origin character.

What About White Coffee?

White coffee refers to any coffee drink that includes milk. Unlike black coffee, the addition of dairy softens the bitterness and rounds out the acidity. The term can also informally describe a lightly roasted coffee in some regions (not covered here), but in this context it simply means coffee with milk added — a key foundation for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

Espresso: The Heart of Most Coffee Drinks

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 typically takes 25–30 seconds to pull a single shot, yielding about 30ml (1 ounce). The result is a thick, rich brew with a crema layer on top. Espresso serves as the base for many other drinks, including cappuccinos, lattes, and americanos.

Cappuccino: Equal Parts Coffee, Milk, Foam

A traditional cappuccino consists of one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third milk foam. It’s usually made with a single or double shot of espresso and textured milk with a velvety microfoam layer. Often, it’s topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, chocolate powder, or spices. The drink is well-balanced, with equal visual and textural components, making it distinct from a latte.

Latte: Espresso with Lots of Steamed Milk

A caffè latte, or simply latte, is made with one shot of espresso and at least two parts steamed milk, often with a small amount of foam on top. It results in a milky, smooth drink with diluted coffee flavour. Lattes are popular for customisation — flavoured syrups are often added. The milk-to-coffee ratio makes it milder than an espresso or cappuccino.

Flavored Coffee: Coffee with Additives

Flavored coffee involves adding ingredients like chocolate syrup, vanilla, caramel, fruit juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, or orange blossom to brewed coffee. These additives are used to tailor taste profiles for different regional or personal preferences. While not always considered “specialty” in strict terms, flavored coffees are common in retail and café settings worldwide.

Mocha: Coffee Meets Chocolate and Milk

A mocha combines espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate — often in the form of syrup or cocoa powder. Whipped cream is sometimes added, and ice cubes may be used for a cold version. The drink bridges the gap between coffee and dessert, offering a sweet, rich alternative to straight espresso drinks. It's especially popular in coffeehouses as a comfort drink.

Americano: Espresso with Hot Water

An Americano is made by adding hot water to a shot (or shots) of espresso. This dilutes the intensity while preserving much of the espresso flavour profile. The result is a drink similar in strength to traditional drip coffee but with a different mouthfeel. It’s smoother than espresso yet stronger than regular filtered coffee, making it a favourite for those who want a less intense cup.

Irish Coffee: Coffee with Whiskey and Cream

Irish coffee blends hot coffee with Irish whiskey and is topped with a layer of cream. Sugar is usually added to balance the bitterness and enhance the whiskey flavour. It’s a warm, boozy drink intended for colder weather, combining caffeine and alcohol in a single serving. There is no milk or espresso involved beyond the coffee base.

Vietnamese Coffee: Drip Brewed with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Vietnamese coffee is brewed using a small metal drip filter (phin) that slowly drips hot water through finely ground dark roast coffee. It’s traditionally served with sweetened condensed milk added either during or after brewing. The slow extraction and use of robusta beans contribute to a bold, rich cup. Sweetness and concentration are adjusted to taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between black coffee and espresso?

Black coffee typically refers to brewed coffee made by pouring hot water over ground coffee, often using methods like pour-over or French press. Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed under high pressure with finely ground beans, resulting in a thicker, stronger shot. Both can be served without milk, but the brewing methods and flavour profiles differ significantly.

Is cappuccino stronger than latte?

Cappuccinos have a stronger coffee flavour relative to milk because they contain equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. Lattes use more steamed milk (usually a 1:2 or higher espresso-to-milk ratio) and thus have a milder, more diluted coffee taste.

Does Vietnamese coffee use a different brewing method?

Yes. Vietnamese coffee is brewed using a small metal drip filter called a phin, which slowly drips hot water through very finely ground dark roast coffee. It is traditionally served with condensed milk, resulting in a strong, sweet, and concentrated cup.

What makes espresso the base for so many drinks?

Espresso is highly concentrated, with a bold flavour and creamy crema. Its small volume and intense taste make it ideal as a base that can be stretched with milk, water, or flavourings — forming the foundation for drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, and mochas.

Is flavored coffee considered specialty coffee?

Flavored coffee is generally not categorised as specialty coffee because it often involves added syrups or flavourings that mask the bean’s natural characteristics. However, it’s a common category in mainstream coffee culture and retail products.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Brewing All Styles

Try FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright citrus and berry notes in black coffee, or their PWN Golden Mandheling for a smooth, syrupy body perfect in lattes and cappuccinos. For espresso-based drinks, their Brazil Queen Manor offers chocolate and peanut tones that blend well with milk. All beans are great entry points for exploring the full range of coffee styles. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.