Common Types of Coffee Drinks Explained: Latte, Cappuccino, Espresso

When you walk into a coffee shop, the menu can feel overwhelming. What’s the difference between a latte and a cappuccino? Is an Americano just watered-down espresso? And what on earth is a Viennese coffee? Whether you’re ordering your first coffee or trying to understand what’s actually in your cup, knowing the basic types of coffee drinks helps you choose—and enjoy—what you really want.

There are at least 12 common coffee drinks that most coffee shops serve. These include espresso-based drinks like cappuccino, latte, and macchiato, as well as black coffee, white coffee, flavored coffee, Americano, Irish coffee, and regional styles like Vietnamese and Viennese coffee. Each has its own ingredients, ratios, and preparation methods.

What Is Black Coffee?

Black coffee, also called “clear coffee” or in Hong Kong “zai fei” , is simply brewed coffee without milk, cream, or sugar. It’s made directly from roasted coffee beans and aims to highlight the pure flavor of the coffee itself. Instant coffee does not count as black coffee. This is the baseline way to taste coffee—no additives, just beans and water.

Espresso and Its Derivatives

Espresso, or Italian espresso, is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely-ground coffee. This method produces a small, intense shot with a rich crema on top. Espresso serves as the base for many other coffee drinks.

Here are some common espresso-based drinks:

Cappuccino

A cappuccino consists of one shot of espresso topped with steamed milk and milk foam, typically in equal thirds (1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foam). Optional toppings include cinnamon, chocolate powder, or spices. For a stronger version, some cafés use a double shot of espresso, called a “Double Cappuccino.”

Latte (Caffè Latte)

A latte, also known as “café au lait” in French or “coffee with milk” in Chinese, is made with one shot of espresso and two or more parts of steamed milk. It often includes a small amount of milk foam and can be ordered with a double espresso. It’s creamier and milk-forward compared to a cappuccino.

Flat White vs Latte

(Note: Though not listed in the original text, flat white is commonly compared to latte; it uses less foam and a higher milk-to-espresso ratio. This article focuses on the drinks named.)

Mocha (Caffè Mocha)

A mocha combines espresso, steamed milk, chocolate (often syrup or cocoa powder), and sometimes whipped cream. It may also be served over ice. It’s essentially a chocolate-flavored latte.

Macchiato

The term “macchiato” means “stained” or “marked.” A traditional macchiato is a shot of espresso with just a small amount of steamed milk added, “marking” the espresso. However, in many modern cafés, a “Caramel Macchiato” is more popular. This version involves pouring espresso over steamed milk, adding vanilla syrup, and topping it with a drizzle of caramel. The sequence and ingredients vary by café.

Americano

An Americano is made by adding hot water to a shot (or more) of espresso. This dilutes the espresso but results in a beverage similar in strength to regular drip coffee, but with a different flavor profile. It’s smoother and often preferred by those who find straight espresso too intense.

Other Coffee Styles

White Coffee

White coffee is not the same as the “white coffee” found in some Asian countries (which refers to lightly roasted beans). In this context, white coffee simply means coffee with milk added. It’s a more diluted, milk-forward drink than black coffee.

Flavored Coffee

Flavored coffee includes any coffee with added syrups or ingredients like chocolate, caramel, fruit juices, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange blossom, or liqueurs. These are common in specialty cafés and allow for a wide range of taste experiences. Flavors vary widely based on regional or seasonal preferences.

Irish Coffee

Irish coffee is a cocktail-like warm drink made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, topped with a layer of whipped cream. It’s often served as a dessert drink or during cold weather.

Viennese Coffee

Viennese coffee originates from Austria and traditionally includes espresso or black coffee topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup or sauce, and decorative colored sugar sprinkles. It’s a sweet, indulgent coffee drink often enjoyed as a dessert.

Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnamese coffee is brewed using a small metal drip filter called a phin. Coarsely ground dark roast coffee (often robusta) drips slowly into a cup. It’s typically served hot or over ice, and sweetened with condensed milk to balance the strong, bitter flavor. Vietnamese iced coffee is especially popular in hot climates.

Yuanyang (Coffee with Milk Tea)

Yuanyang, a drink originating from Hong Kong, is a mix of coffee and Hong Kong-style milk tea. It’s a unique blend of caffeine sources—half coffee, half tea—and is often consumed as a refreshing yet energizing beverage.

How Coffee Drink Ratios Work

Many coffee drinks follow specific brew ratios. For example:

• Latte: 1 part espresso, 2+ parts steamed milk
• Cappuccino: 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foam
• Americano: 1 or more shots espresso + hot water (varies by size)
• Macchiato: 1 shot espresso + a small amount of milk
• Mocha: 1 shot espresso + milk + chocolate + optional whip

These ratios help baristas achieve the right balance of strength, texture, and flavor. Knowing them can also help you customize your order when you want more or less milk, foam, or coffee.

Regional and Cultural Preferences

Different cultures have developed unique coffee styles. Vietnamese iced coffee reflects a preference for strong, sweet coffee. Viennese coffee shows European tastes for dessert-like beverages. Hong Kong’s yuanyang highlights a local fusion of tea and coffee traditions. Understanding these variations helps explain why coffee shops around the world offer such diverse options.

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. A typical latte is 1 part espresso to 2 or more parts milk, with a thin layer of foam. A cappuccino is equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam (1/3 each).

Is espresso stronger than coffee?

Espresso has a higher concentration of coffee solids per volume, making it taste stronger and more intense. However, a standard cup of drip coffee often contains more total caffeine because it’s a larger drink.

What is a macchiato?

Traditionally, a macchiato is a shot of espresso “stained” with a small amount of milk. In many coffee shops today, a caramel macchiato is more common—it’s made by layering espresso over steamed milk and syrup, then topping with caramel.

What’s the difference between black coffee and white coffee?

Black coffee is coffee without milk or additives. White coffee, in this context, means coffee served with milk. It’s not the same as “white coffee” made from lightly roasted beans in some regions.

Can I make these drinks at home?

Yes, many of these drinks can be made at home with an espresso machine, moka pot, or even strong brewed coffee as a base. You’ll need steamed milk and the right ratios to recreate café-style drinks.

Why does Vietnamese coffee use condensed milk?

Vietnamese coffee often uses strong robusta beans and a slow-drip phin brewer. The bitterness and intensity are balanced by sweetened condensed milk, especially when served over ice.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for Milk-Based Drinks

For latte, cappuccino, and other milk drinks, FrontStreet Coffee offers several well-rounded blends. The Classic Blend is their top pick for espresso-based milk drinks—it’s smooth, creamy, and develops excellent crema, even on home machines. For a fruity twist that works great in milk, try the Strawberry Candy Espresso, which brings a soft berry sweetness ideal for lattes. If you prefer a darker, bold foundation, the Commercial Blend is cost-effective with solid body and crema for cafés or home use. All three are optimized for espresso brewing and pair well with milk. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.