Common Types of Coffee Drinks Explained

If you’ve ever wondered what really counts as a ‘black coffee’ or how a macchiato differs from a latte, you’re not alone. With so many names—cappuccino, mocha, Irish coffee—figuring out what’s in your cup can feel like learning a new language. This guide breaks down the most common coffee drinks with the specifics you actually need: ratios, ingredients, and origins.

In total, we cover 12 standard coffee types: black coffee, white coffee, flavored coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte, macchiato, mocha, Americano, Irish coffee, Viennese coffee, and Vietnamese coffee. Other styles like ice coffee and single-origin mentions (e.g. Mandheling) round out the list.

What Counts as Black Coffee?

Black coffee, also called ‘clear coffee’ or in Hong Kong slang ‘’, means coffee brewed purely from roasted beans, with no milk, sugar, or other additives that mask its natural flavors. Importantly, instant coffee does not qualify as black coffee. It’s the purest way to taste the bean itself.

Milk-Based Coffee Drinks

Cappuccino: Equal Parts Espresso, Milk, Foam

A cappuccino consists of a shot of espresso (made with high-pressure hot water through finely ground coffee) topped with steamed milk and milk foam, with a classic ratio of one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third foam. Optional toppings include cinnamon, spices, or chocolate powder. A ‘double’ cappuccino uses two shots of espresso.

Latte: Espresso with Lots of Milk

The caffè latte, also known as café au lait or ‘coffee with milk’, is made with one shot of espresso and at least two parts hot milk. It often includes a small amount of foam. A ‘double latte’ uses two espresso shots. It’s creamier and milder than a cappuccino.

Macchiato: Espresso Marked with Foam

A macchiato, Italian for ‘stained’ or ‘marked’ coffee, is an espresso topped with a small amount of steamed milk foam. That’s it. The name refers to the visual mark the milk leaves on the dark espresso.

Mocha: Espresso + Chocolate + Milk

A mocha combines espresso, chocolate (often syrup), steamed milk, and sometimes whipped cream or ice. It’s essentially a café latte with added chocolate flavor, and is sometimes served cold.

Americano: Espresso with Hot Water

An Americano is made by adding hot water to a shot (or more) of espresso. The result is a diluted drink with a smoother, less intense profile compared to straight espresso.

Irish Coffee: Coffee with Whiskey

This warm cocktail-style drink includes hot coffee mixed with Irish whiskey and topped with cream. It’s a sweet, boozy twist on regular coffee.

Viennese Coffee: Coffee with Whipped Cream

Legend says this Austrian drink was created by a carriage driver. It’s made by serving coffee with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkling it with colorful, sugar-coated candy bits—often referred to as ‘seven-color rice.’

Other Common Coffee Styles

White Coffee: Malaysian Butter-Roasted Tradition

Originating in Ipoh, Malaysia, white coffee is made from beans roasted with butter, then brewed and mixed with sweetened condensed milk. In the U.S., ‘white coffee’ can also refer to lightly roasted beans brewed using espresso methods, resulting in a brighter, more acidic cup.

Flavored Coffee: Customized with Toppings

Flavored coffee involves adding ingredients like chocolate, syrups, fruit juices, cinnamon, nutmeg, or orange blossom to brewed coffee. The variety depends heavily on regional tastes.

Vietnamese Coffee: Drip Brewed with Sweetener

Made using a small metal drip filter (phin), Vietnamese coffee is brewed hot over medium or coarse grounds. The coffee drips directly into a cup, where it’s typically mixed with sugar or sweetened condensed milk. It comes in both hot and iced versions: hot coffee is often kept warm with a water bath in cooler months, while iced versions include ice cubes for refreshment in summer.

Espresso: Concentrated Coffee via High Pressure

An espresso is produced by forcing hot water through very finely ground coffee under high pressure. This method produces a small, concentrated shot with crema on top and intense flavor.

Ice Coffee: Cold, Sweet, and Refreshing

Iced coffee, also called frappé-style coffee in some markets, is made with coffee, milk foam, sugar, and ice. It’s designed to be cool, slightly sweet, and easy-drinking—with almost no bitter edge. It’s especially popular in summer.

Mandheling Coffee: Bold Indonesian Single Origin

Mandheling coffee comes from Sumatra, Indonesia. It’s known for a full-bodied, bold profile with strong aromas, a deep bitterness, and a touch of sweetness. Though not a drink type, it’s mentioned as a classic single-origin bean used in many traditional coffee styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between black coffee and espresso?

Black coffee refers to any coffee brewed without additives like milk or sugar, often using methods like drip, French press, or pour-over. Espresso is a specific brewing method that produces a concentrated shot using high-pressure hot water through finely ground coffee. While espresso can be consumed black, not all black coffee is espresso.

Is white coffee just milk with coffee?

No. Traditional Malaysian white coffee is made from beans roasted with butter, then brewed and mixed with sweetened condensed milk. In the U.S., ‘white coffee’ may also refer to lightly roasted beans used in espresso-style brewing, yielding a brighter, more acidic cup—not a milk-forward drink.

Does a macchiato have milk in it?

Yes, but very little. A macchiato is an espresso shot ‘stained’ with a small amount of steamed milk foam. It’s not a milk-heavy drink like a latte or cappuccino.

What makes a cappuccino different from a latte?

A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam (1:1:1 ratio), making it lighter and foamier. A latte uses more steamed milk and usually just a small amount of foam, resulting in a creamier, milk-forward drink.

Is Vietnamese coffee stronger than regular coffee?

Vietnamese coffee is typically brewed strong using medium or coarse grounds and a small metal filter (phin), often with sweetened condensed milk added. Its strength comes from both the concentrated brew and the sugar balance, especially in the iced version.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Milk and Espresso Drinks

For classic milk-based drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend—a well-rounded mix with smooth texture and approachable flavor, ideal for creating crema and balancing milk. The Specialty Blend, based on Brazilian and Colombian beans, delivers the familiar, balanced profile that defines traditional espresso drinks. For a richer base with deeper chocolatey notes, the Black Cocoa Blend offers full body and boldness, perfect for bold espressos used in mochas or lattes. All three blends are optimized for home and café use. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.