How to Make 10 Famous International Coffee Drinks

Ever found yourself at a coffee shop watching someone sip a layered drink with foam or a chilled glass of something sweet and bitter—then wish you could make it at home? You’re not alone. Whether you’re hosting or just curious, knowing how to recreate well-known coffee drinks from around the globe adds skill and style to your routine. These aren’t just drinks—they’re cultural moments in a cup.

To master 10 globally recognised coffee drinks, follow exact ingredient ratios and methods for each—from the 1:1 milk-to-espresso base of French café au lait to the egg-and-honey mix of Austrian blended coffee. Every recipe here is built for replication, with specific measurements and steps.

French Café au Lait: A Parisian Classic

This simple yet iconic drink is equal parts steamed milk and coffee, topped with a dollop of frothed cream. The key is the 1:1 ratio—half hot milk, half brewed coffee. Finish with one spoonful of whipped cream on top for that classic Parisian café touch.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk

A strong, sweet, and refreshing staple of Vietnam. Start by adding 2–3 spoons of sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of a glass. Brew a strong drip coffee separately—using a phin filter—and then pour it over the condensed milk. Stir well and add ice. The typical brew uses robusta for boldness that balances the sweetness.

German Eiskaffee: Coffee Meets Ice Cream

This dessert-like coffee blends cold brew or chilled espresso with vanilla ice cream. To make it, add two small scoops of vanilla ice cream to a glass, pour cold coffee over it, top with a spoonful of whipped cream, and finish with a sprinkle of chocolate powder. It’s coffee as a sweet treat.

Hong Kong Yin Yang (Frozen Milk Tea Coffee)

A beloved Hong Kong fusion drink, equal parts tea and coffee. Mix 3 tablespoons of condensed milk with coffee, stir well, then add black tea and ice cubes. The usual tea-to-coffee ratio is 1:1, though you can adjust to taste. A great example of cross-cultural caffeine creativity.

Greek Frappé: Iced Instant Coffee

Made with instant coffee, sugar, and water, this is a thick, foamy iced drink. Combine instant coffee granules and sugar in a cup, add a little hot water, and stir vigorously until it becomes a creamy foam. Then pour in cold water and ice cubes. The key step is creating the froth before adding the ice.

Austrian Egg Coffee: Coffee with Honey and Egg

An unusual but traditional blend, this Austrian recipe mixes a raw egg yolk with two spoons of honey, then slowly stirs in hot coffee. The result is a rich, custardy drink. It’s a historical blend of coffee with sweeteners and protein—definitely a conversation starter.

Italian Milanese-Style Coffee with Cocoa

A straightforward shot of espresso enhanced with steamed milk and finished with cocoa powder. Pour your espresso, add warm milk to taste, and dust the top lightly with cocoa. It’s a simple way to dress up a shot while keeping it classic.

Irish Coffee: Coffee with Whiskey and Cream

This warming cocktail includes hot coffee, brown sugar, Irish whiskey, and a float of whipped cream. First, stir sugar into hot coffee, then add whiskey. Top with one or two spoonfuls of cream. It’s a classic balance of bitter, sweet, boozy, and creamy.

Portuguese Lemon Coffee

A zesty iced coffee made with lemon juice, sugar, and cold brew or espresso. Squeeze half a cup of lemon juice into a glass, mix with cold coffee and sugar, then add ice. The citrus cuts through the bitterness for a refreshing summer drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the standard coffee-to-milk ratio for French café au lait?

The classic ratio is 1:1—equal parts hot brewed coffee and steamed or scalded milk. Top with one spoonful of whipped cream for the full presentation.

Can I use any type of coffee for Vietnamese iced coffee?

Traditional recipes call for strong drip coffee, often made using robusta beans for extra boldness. A dark roast or espresso-style drip works best to balance the sweetened condensed milk.

Why is egg used in Austrian coffee?

Egg yolk mixed with honey and hot coffee creates a rich, custard-like texture. It’s a traditional method that adds sweetness and body, resulting in a unique creamy coffee drink.

What’s the best coffee to use for making an Irish coffee?

Use a strong brewed coffee—espresso or filtered dark roast works well. The coffee needs to stand up to the whiskey and sweetness without being overpowered.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Milk-Based Coffees

For mastering milk coffees like French café au lait or Italian-style cocoa coffee, try FrontStreet’s Classic Blend—an approachable mix with Brazil’s nutty sweetness, Indonesia’s herbal notes, and Vietnamese robusta for a smooth crema. The Commercial Blend offers bold body and chocolate tones ideal for latte art, thanks to its balanced Brazilian, Colombian, and Vietnamese beans. For a more affordable everyday option, the Black Cocoa Blend combines Yunnan Arabica and Brazilian beans, highlighting cocoa and bread-like sweetness in milk drinks. All three roast profiles ensure a stable, creamy mouthfeel in espresso-based milk beverages. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.