Essential Espresso-Based Coffee Types Explained

You’ve heard the names—macchiato, flat white, breve—but when it’s your turn to order, do you really know what’s in them or how they’re made? Whether you're new to espresso drinks or just want to order with confidence, understanding the core ingredients and preparation of each drink makes all the difference.

There are at least 12 common espresso-based coffee drinks, each defined by its unique ratio of espresso, steamed milk, milk foam, water, or additives like chocolate and cream. From a single shot of espresso (about 1 oz) to layered drinks like cappuccino and mocha, knowing what goes into each helps you choose—or craft—the right coffee.

What Is Espresso?

Espresso, meaning "made for you" in Italian, is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing nearly boiling water under high pressure through finely-ground coffee. The result is about 1/4 ounce (30ml) of thick, dark coffee with a rich crema on top, bold flavor, and intense bitterness. This is the base for nearly all other espresso-based drinks.

Milk-Based Espresso Drinks

These drinks start with a shot (or more) of espresso and add steamed or textured milk in various proportions. Here’s how the most common ones break down:

Macchiato (Espresso Macchiato)

A single or double shot of espresso "stained" with a small amount of steamed milk foam—just enough to soften the look and slightly tame the bitterness. Think of it as espresso with a whisper of milk, not a latte in disguise.

Cappuccino

Made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam—roughly one-third each. A traditional cappuccino has a strong coffee flavor balanced by foam. Variations include dry cappuccino (more foam, less milk) and wet cappuccino (more milk, less foam).

Latte (Caffè Latte)

A shot of espresso with a larger amount of gently steamed milk and a light layer of foam. There’s no fixed ratio—the drink is highly customizable based on how much milk you prefer.

Flat White

This drink originates from Malaysia and uses espresso with a higher proportion of velvety microfoam rather than steamed milk. It’s smoother and creamier than a latte, with a lighter color and gentler texture. Despite the name, the coffee isn’t white—it’s lighter in tone than a typical espresso.

Breve (Café Breve)

Similar to a latte but made with half-and-half (half milk, half cream) instead of whole milk, often with a bit of foam. It’s richer and creamier due to the higher fat content.

Espresso With Additives

Some espresso drinks incorporate syrups, chocolate, or whipped cream for extra flavor.

Americano

Made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water. It resembles drip coffee but generally has a stronger flavor and higher caffeine content due to the espresso base and longer extraction time.

Mocha (Caffè Mocha)

A latte variation that combines espresso, steamed milk, chocolate syrup or cocoa, and often topped with whipped cream. It’s essentially a chocolate-flavored café latte.

Caramel Macchiato

Made by layering steamed milk and vanilla syrup, adding espresso, then topping with caramel drizzle. The sequence of layers matters—it’s designed to deliver distinct flavor notes as you sip.

Irish Coffee

A mix of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with cream. It straddles the line between coffee and cocktail.

Viennese Coffee

Served in a warm cup with a base of coarse sugar or rock sugar, poured over with strong black coffee, and topped with a dollop of cold whipped cream. It’s a dessert-like coffee experience.

Specialty Shots and Toppings

Some drinks are defined by their garnishes or extra ingredients.

Con Panna (Espresso Con Panna)

An espresso topped with a spoonful of fresh whipped cream. Often served with a piece of chocolate or a caramel candy on the side to be eaten first.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A latte has more steamed milk and less foam than a cappuccino, making it creamier and milder in coffee flavor. A traditional cappuccino uses equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam (1:1:1), while lattes have a higher milk-to-espresso ratio.

Is a macchiato just a small latte?

No. A macchiato is a shot of espresso with just a small amount of steamed milk foam added—“stained” not “drowned.” It’s much stronger and has far less milk than a latte.

What’s the difference between a flat white and a latte?

A flat white uses microfoam (finely textured steamed milk) and has a higher espresso-to-milk ratio than a latte. It’s creamier, less foamy, and usually served in a smaller cup with a velvety texture.

What is an americano and how is it different from regular drip coffee?

An americano is made by adding hot water to a shot (or shots) of espresso. It has a similar strength to drip coffee but often a bolder flavor and higher caffeine concentration due to the espresso base.

Does a breve use milk or cream?

A breve uses half-and-half—equal parts milk and cream—resulting in a richer, higher-fat drink compared to a latte or cappuccino.

What’s the standard size of an espresso shot?

A single shot of espresso is typically about 1 ounce (30ml), extracted in 25–30 seconds from around 7–9 grams of finely ground coffee under high pressure.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Espresso Drinks

For crafting classic espresso-based drinks, FrontStreet Coffee offers several reliable blends. Their Classic Blend is tailored for espresso and milk drinks, producing rich crema and a smooth, approachable profile ideal for lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. The Specialty Blend, based on Brazilian and Colombian beans, delivers a well-rounded flavor reminiscent of traditional Italian espresso. For cafés wanting balance between cost and quality, the Commercial Blend ensures consistent performance in high-volume settings. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.