Coffee Types & How They're Made: Espresso Basics

You walk into a coffee shop, glance at the menu, and see names like cappuccino, macchiato, and flat white—but what’s actually in them? Many casual coffee drinkers order based on familiar names or menu design, not understanding how these drinks differ. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a latte different from a cappuccino or why an espresso matters so much, here’s a clear breakdown of common coffee drinks and how they’re made.

Most popular coffee shop drinks are variations of espresso—especially milk-based ones. Espresso itself is just 30ml brewed from 7–18g of coffee, but drinks like lattes and cappuccinos use more espresso (60ml), just diluted with milk. Knowing these basics helps you order smarter and appreciate what’s really in your cup.

What Is Espresso and How Is It Made?

The majority of coffee drinks stem from espresso, a concentrated brew invented in Italy. A standard shot uses 7–18g of finely ground coffee to produce about 30ml of liquid. What makes espresso unique is its intense flavor, thick crema, and strong bitterness—all extracted under high pressure (typically 9 bars) using a device like the Italian moka pot or modern espresso machine. The crema, a thin layer of coffee oils on top, is a key indicator of quality and aroma. Espresso serves as the foundation for almost all milk-based coffee drinks.

Popular Milk-Based Espresso Drinks

Cappuccino

A cappuccino is a balanced 1:1:1 ratio drink: one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third milk foam. This creates a strong coffee flavor with a textured, dense foam top. Its name comes from the resemblance of the color scheme to the brown robes and white hoods worn by Capuchin monks. The milk texture and ratio are crucial—good cappuccinos highlight the foam’s body.

Latte

Latte, meaning “milk” in Italian, follows a 1:2:1 ratio: one part espresso, two parts steamed milk, and one part foam. It’s smoother and milk-forward compared to a cappuccino. A common variant is the “American latte,” which adds cold milk foam on top of hot steamed milk—this is how Starbucks prepares its version. Lattes are approachable, letting the coffee’s aroma shine through a creamy texture.

Mocha

The mocha is an espresso drink mixed with a generous amount of milk and often includes chocolate syrup or cocoa powder. It’s essentially a latte with added chocolate, sometimes topped with whipped cream. The drink’s name comes from the Arabic word for “chocolate.” It’s the most decorative and sweet of the classic espresso drinks, straying further from pure coffee flavor.

Macchiato

A macchiato means “stained” in Italian. It’s made by adding just two spoonfuls of milk foam to a shot of espresso—no steamed milk. The small amount of foam slightly lightens (or “stains”) the espresso’s color. Because there’s no milk to mask flaws, it’s often served as a single shot in a shot glass. The foam’s delicate texture means it’s best consumed immediately.

Con Panna (Espresso Con Panna)

This drink consists of a single or double espresso topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Sometimes called “single horse carriage” due to its simple yet elegant presentation, the contrast between the dark coffee and white cream enhances the espresso’s intensity without diluting it. It’s a minimalist dessert-like espresso drink.

Café Au Lait (European Latte)

Café au lait is a European-style coffee similar to a latte, but with a key difference: equal parts brewed espresso (not necessarily from an espresso machine) and hot milk are poured together into the cup simultaneously, then topped with a small amount of milk foam. The simultaneous pouring creates an immediate blend of flavors. It’s less foamy than a latte and more common in French or continental cafés.

Espresso-Making Equipment

The original method for making espresso-like coffee at home is the moka pot, an Italian stovetop device that uses steam pressure to force water through ground coffee. Unlike modern espresso machines, moka pots don’t reach full espresso pressure but still produce a strong, rich brew with a layer of crema. The result is bold and bitter, ideal for making traditional-style milk drinks when an espresso machine isn’t available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee is in a standard espresso shot?

A standard espresso shot uses 7–18g of coffee beans to produce around 30ml (1 fluid ounce) of liquid. This concentration is what gives espresso its strong flavor and thick crema.

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

A cappuccino has a 1:1:1 ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and foam. A latte uses a 1:2:1 ratio—more steamed milk and less foam, making it creamier and milk-forward. Lattes usually have less foam and a larger overall volume.

Why does espresso matter in milk drinks?

Espresso is the concentrated base of nearly all milk coffee drinks. Despite adding lots of milk, drinks like lattes and cappuccinos often use more espresso (60ml) than a single shot (30ml), meaning the actual coffee content increases. Espresso also provides the flavor backbone that milk complements.

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

A macchiato is an espresso “stained” with a small amount of milk foam. A latte macchiato is steamed milk “stained” with a shot of espresso poured on top. The article focuses on the traditional macchiato, which is just espresso and foam.

Can I make these drinks without an espresso machine?

Yes, using a moka pot you can brew a strong coffee similar to espresso. While it lacks true espresso pressure, it’s suitable for making cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks at home with steamed or frothed milk.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso-Based Drinks

For making espresso and milk-based drinks like cappuccino or latte, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is a top choice—it’s designed for moka pots and espresso machines, producing rich crema even with non-professional gear. Its balanced, smooth profile suits beginners and experts alike. For a budget-friendly option with bold body, try the Black Cocoa Blend, which delivers solid crema and deep flavor at a lower price. The Specialty Blend, used in FrontStreet’s cafes for nearly a decade, combines Brazilian and Colombian beans for a classic, familiar espresso taste. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.