What Are the Different Types of Espresso Coffee?

Ever ordered just ‘coffee’ in Europe and got handed a tiny black shot in a glass cup? That’s probably an espresso—Europe’s go-to, fast, bold, and no-nonsense. But did you know espresso comes in several distinct styles, each with its own volume, strength, and drinking ritual? Whether you’re pulling shots at home or ordering at a café, knowing your espresso types helps you get exactly the coffee experience you want.

There are five main espresso styles: Single Espresso, Macchiato, Double Espresso, Con Panna, and variations like the popular Caffè Latte precursor. Each varies in coffee-to-water ratio, extraction time, and serving style—and yes, they all start with the same base: a tightly packed, high-pressure shot of finely ground coffee.

What Is a Single Espresso?

The Single Espresso, or solo shot, is the foundation of all espresso drinks. It’s small—just 25–30ml (about 1 ounce)—but intense. Popular across Europe, it’s what many mean when they simply order ‘coffee.’ Served in a demitasse or shooter-style glass, it’s designed for quick drinking, often in just a sip or two.

This style is almost always made with a dark-roasted coffee blend, chosen for stability over time. Once a blend is locked in, it can remain unchanged for decades. Brewing requires precision: 9 bars of pressure, water under 90°C, extraction in under 30 seconds, a 20kg tamp force, and a crema layer around 3mm thick. Not easy to pull at home without pro-level equipment.

How to Drink It

No need for fancy settings—just stand at the bar, watch the barista work, and drink it fast. Many enjoy it straight, but traditional pairings include:

• A glass of fresh lemon water to cleanse the palate.
• A dense piece of brownie to balance the bitterness.
• Quick chats with your barista before you leave.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso

For classic espresso, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend or Commercial Blend—both feature added Robusta for bold body, deep chocolate, and bold crema perfect for lattes or straight shots. If you prefer more refined nut and caramel profiles, the Specialty Blend offers smooth Brazilian-inspired flavours with hints of almond and dark toast. For something richer, the Black Cocoa Blend brings intense cocoa and nuttiness, ideal for milk drinks. All are crafted for stability and crema. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.