Common Coffee Drinks Explained: Latte, Cappuccino, Mocha & More

If you’ve ever stood in a coffee shop unsure whether to order a latte or a cappuccino—or whether a macchiato is just a tiny espresso—you’re not alone. With so many coffee drinks on the menu, knowing what’s actually in each cup can feel overwhelming. Here’s a clear guide to the most common types of coffee drinks, from espresso-based classics to regional specialties.

There are at least 12 common coffee drinks mentioned here, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, macchiato, mocha, americano, black coffee, white coffee, flavored coffee, Irish coffee, Vietnamese coffee, and more. Each has specific ingredients, ratios, and preparation methods that define it.

What Is Espresso?

Espresso is the foundation for many popular coffee drinks. It’s made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure. This method produces a small, concentrated shot with a rich crema on top. Espresso serves as the base for drinks like cappuccino, latte, and macchiato.

Milk-Based Coffee Drinks

These drinks start with espresso but differ mainly in their milk-to-espresso ratios and textures.

Cappuccino

A cappuccino consists of one shot of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, with a 1:1:1 ratio. Often topped with cinnamon, chocolate powder, or spices. A 'double' cappuccino uses two shots of espresso.

Latte (Caffè Latte)

A latte is made with one shot of espresso and two or more parts steamed milk. Sometimes called 'café au lait' or 'coffee with milk'. Can also be made with double espresso for a stronger flavor.

Macchiato

A macchiato is a shot of espresso 'stained' with a small amount of steamed milk foam. The name means 'stained' or 'spotted' in Italian. It’s a stronger, less diluted coffee drink.

Mocha (Caffè Mocha)

A mocha combines espresso, steamed milk, chocolate (often syrup), and sometimes whipped cream or ice. It’s a café-style hybrid of coffee and hot chocolate.

Black Coffee Varieties

These are served without milk or with minimal additives, focusing on the coffee’s pure flavor.

Black Coffee

Also known as 'clear coffee' or in Hong Kong as 'zai fei' , it’s brewed coffee without milk or sugar. Does not include instant coffee. Highlights the bean’s unadulterated taste.

White Coffee

Originating in Ipoh, Malaysia, it traditionally refers to coffee brewed from butter-roasted beans, then mixed with sweetened condensed milk. In the U.S., it may also refer to lightly roasted beans with high acidity, brewed using espresso methods.

Flavored and Regional Specialties

These include added flavors or cultural preparation methods.

Flavored Coffee

Coffee infused with syrups or spices such as chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange blossom, fruit syrups, or liqueurs—varies widely by region and personal taste.

Irish Coffee

A warm cocktail of coffee, Irish whiskey, and topped with thick cream. Served as a dessert-like drink, especially in colder climates.

Vietnamese Coffee

Brewed using a small metal drip filter (phin) over hot water. Served black or with sugar or sweetened condensed milk. Popular in both hot and iced versions. A distinct regional style with strong, sweet profiles.

Viennese Coffee

Includes whipped cream and is often topped with colored candy sprinkles. Created by Austrian coachman Eduard Schernberg.

Single-Origin and Regional Coffee Types

These refer to beans or brews associated with particular geographic origins and flavor profiles.

Mandheling Coffee

Grown in Sumatra, Indonesia, also known as Sumatran coffee. Known for its bold, earthy, and slightly sweet profile with heavy body and low acidity.

Other Common Coffee Drinks

Americano

An americano is made by adding hot water to one or more shots of espresso. Results in a milder, larger drink compared to straight espresso, with a similar strength but less intensity.

Conclusion

Understanding these coffee types helps you order with confidence and appreciate the variety in preparation, flavor, and tradition. From a strong macchiato to creamy lattes and rich Indonesian Mandheling, there’s a coffee style for every palate.

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, with a typical ratio of 1 part espresso to 2 or more parts milk. A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam (1:1:1). Lattes are milkier and smoother; cappuccinos have a stronger coffee flavor with a thicker foam top.

Is black coffee the same as espresso?

No. Black coffee refers to any brewed coffee without milk or sugar, including drip, pour-over, or French press. Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed under high pressure with fine grounds, and is much stronger and smaller in volume. Black coffee does not include instant coffee either.

What is a macchiato?

A macchiato is an espresso 'marked' with a small amount of steamed milk foam. It’s typically just one shot of espresso with a dollop of foam, making it stronger than a latte or cappuccino. The name means 'stained' in Italian.

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

White coffee often refers to coffee with added milk or a lighter roasted bean (especially in the U.S.), while black coffee is any coffee served without milk or sugar. In Malaysia, white coffee is butter-roasted beans served with condensed milk. In both cases, white coffee usually appears lighter in color and flavor profile compared to black coffee.

Does a mocha contain chocolate?

Yes. A mocha (caffè mocha) combines espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate—usually in the form of syrup or cocoa powder. It often includes whipped cream or ice and is considered a mix between coffee and hot chocolate.

What makes Vietnamese coffee unique?

Vietnamese coffee is brewed using a small metal drip filter called a phin, producing a strong, concentrated brew. It’s typically served with sweetened condensed milk or sugar, and enjoyed both hot and iced. The use of the phin and the sweet milk distinguish it from other brewing methods.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Milk Drinks and Espresso

For classic milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright citrus and floral notes, or their PWN Golden Mandheling for a heavier body with earthy sweetness. Both work beautifully as espresso shots or in milk drinks. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.