How 31 Global Coffee Drinks Actually Differ by Country

Traveling abroad and craving coffee? Beware—ordering your usual "latte" or "americano" might get you something completely different. Even the same name can hide wildly different recipes, ratios, and expectations depending on where you are. A British travel site broke down 31 common coffee drinks worldwide, showing just how much variety exists under familiar names.

In short: yes, the same coffee name can mean drastically different drinks. For example, an "Americano" is just hot water with espresso in the U.S., but in Germany, an "Eiskafee" is half instant coffee, two scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate flakes. Knowing these differences helps you order what you actually want.

America’s Espresso Culture

In the U.S., ordering "coffee" gets you actual coffee—but the real variety lies in regional specialties. The most popular drinks are built around espresso, but the names and ratios vary. For instance, a "Gibraltar" (

) is a San Francisco favorite: a double shot of espresso with steamed milk in a 4.5 oz glass. It’s similar to a cortado but with local branding. Meanwhile, a standard "americano" is simply espresso with hot water, but the ratio isn’t strictly fixed.

European Espresso Variations

Italy, the birthplace of espresso, shows regional differences even within the country. In the north, espresso often comes with more milk, while the south serves it more intense and direct. The "Espresso Romano" (

) adds a twist: a slice of lemon in the cup, which some claim balances the bitterness. Meanwhile, Germany’s "Eiskafee" (

) is a dessert-like creation: half instant coffee, two scoops of ice cream, topped with whipped cream and chocolate flakes. It’s more ice cream float than traditional coffee.

Southern Europe and Beyond

Spain’s "Cafe con Miel" (

) combines espresso with honey, steamed milk, and cinnamon—a warming, spiced drink that’s perfect with churros. Portugal’s "Mazagran" (

) is a daring mix of water, espresso, and lemon juice, served cold. For milk-based drinks, Australia and New Zealand popularized the "Flat White" (

), which uses microfoam and a higher coffee-to-milk ratio than a latte, resulting in a richer, velvety texture. Vietnam’s "Ca phe sua da" (

) is made with 15g of coffee, two spoons of sweetened condensed milk, and hot water over ice—a strong, sweet, and refreshing iced coffee.

Global Oddities and Classics

Ireland’s coffee culture leans into whiskey: their signature drink combines whiskey, coffee, whipped cream, and sugar for a boozy, creamy treat. Turkey’s traditional coffee (not pictured) is served unfiltered, with a single spoon of finely ground coffee per cup, topped with a cardamom pod for a spicy finish. Mexico’s "Cafe de Olla" (

) is brewed with cinnamon sticks and brown sugar, giving it a warm, spiced flavor. Hong Kong’s "Yuan Yang" (not pictured) blends black tea and coffee for a caffeine-packed hybrid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a Gibraltar and a cortado?

A Gibraltar is a double shot of espresso with steamed milk, served in a 4.5 oz glass—it’s essentially a cortado by another name, popularized in San Francisco. The ratios are similar, but the glassware and local branding differ.

Why does Espresso Romano have lemon?

The Espresso Romano, an Italian variation, includes a slice of lemon in the cup. It’s said to cut through the bitterness and enhance the espresso’s acidity, though the practice is regional and not universally loved.

What’s in Germany’s Eiskafee?

Germany’s Eiskafee is a dessert-like coffee: half instant coffee, two scoops of ice cream, topped with whipped cream and chocolate flakes. It’s more ice cream float than traditional espresso drink.

What makes a Flat White different from a latte?

A Flat White, popular in Australia and New Zealand, uses microfoam and a higher coffee-to-milk ratio than a latte. The result is a richer, velvety texture with less milk and a stronger coffee flavor.

Why is Cafe con Miel served with cinnamon?

Cafe con Miel, originating in Spain, combines espresso with honey, steamed milk, and cinnamon. The spices add warmth and depth, making it a comforting drink often paired with churros.

What’s unique about Turkish coffee?

Turkish coffee is unfiltered, with a single spoon of finely ground coffee per cup. It’s often served with a cardamom pod, which adds a spicy note and is believed to have health benefits.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Global Coffee Styles

For exploring global coffee styles, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui—bright and fruity, perfect for milk drinks like Flat White or Cafe con Miel. Their Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 offers a clean, balanced cup ideal for Americano-style brewing. For a bold base, PWN Golden Mandheling brings heavy body and low acidity, great for Vietnamese-style iced coffee or Turkish-style brewing. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.