Common Types of Specialty Coffee You Should Know

Ever stood in a coffee shop menu unsure whether to order a cappuccino or a flat white? Or tried making espresso at home and ended up with sour, thin shots? This guide breaks down the most common types of specialty coffee drinks, how they’re made, and what makes each one unique—from the thick crema of a proper espresso to the layered steamed milk of a cappuccino.

There are at least 10 widely recognised coffee drinks covered here: espresso, cappuccino, latte, French coffee, Turkish coffee, Irish coffee, mocha, royal coffee, green tea coffee, and drinks brewed via moka pot. Each has specific ratios, brewing methods, and cultural origins that define its flavour and texture.

What Is Espresso and How Is It Made?

"Espresso" means "fast" in Italian, and espresso coffee refers to a concentrated shot brewed in seconds using high pressure. Originating from the 1946 steam-pressure coffee machine invented by Italian Achille Gaggia, it’s commonly called Italian coffee. At home, it’s typically brewed using a moka pot, which uses steam pressure—like an espresso machine—to force hot water through finely ground, dark-roasted coffee. The high pressure extracts the coffee’s essence rapidly, resulting in a bold, bitter shot topped with a thin layer of crema (coffee oils). That crema is the source of its rich aroma. Because it’s highly concentrated, espresso is served in small cups.

The moka pot, much like a stovetop espresso maker, uses steam pressure to push water through coffee grounds. It extracts intense flavours, especially when using dark-roasted beans, and produces that signature thick crema. Freshly roasted beans release more CO₂, which contributes to a more stable and aromatic crema during extraction.

What’s the Difference Between Cappuccino, Latte, and Other Milk-Based Coffees?

Cappuccino was developed around the same time as the espresso machine in the early 20th century. It consists of a shot of strong espresso topped with steamed milk and foam, creating a colour reminiscent of a Capuchin monk’s brown robe with a white headscarf—hence the name. The coffee, milk, and foam are more evenly balanced than in other milk drinks.

Latte, another Italian variation, follows a similar brewing method but adjusts the ratio of coffee, steamed milk, and milk foam. It typically has more milk than a cappuccino, making it creamier and milder in coffee flavour.

French coffee, or café au lait, is a simpler drink with a 1:1 ratio of coffee to hot milk. The traditional method involves pouring both simultaneously from two separate pitchers into the cup.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso Brewing

For rich espresso crema and bold flavour, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend, which combines Brazilian, Mandheling, and a touch of Robusta for notes of butter, toasted bread, and caramel. The Commercial Blend also offers a strong profile ideal for milk drinks. Both blends use medium-to-dark roasts to develop thick, stable crema and work well in home espresso setups or moka pots. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.