31 Global Coffee Drinks Explained with Ratios and Names

You’ve ordered ‘just a latte’ or ‘an Americano’ for years—but what about a Gibraltar? Or a Mazagran? A UK travel site visualized 31 common coffee drinks from around the globe, naming each one and breaking down its exact ingredients. It’s time to go beyond the usuals and explore how people really drink coffee worldwide.

From the 31 coffees listed, 15 are espresso-based, 7 include milk in varied forms, and 4 feature unique regional additions like lemon, honey, or even ice cream. That ‘coffee’ you order in Germany might come with whipped cream and chocolate flakes.

The Visual Guide to 31 Global Coffees

A British travel website created an infographic showing 31 popular coffee types from around the world, with each drink’s name and ingredients clearly displayed. The graphic makes it easy to see what you’re actually ordering—and inspires you to try something new. The recommendation? Next time you’re abroad, skip the usual and order something local.

European Classics: Italy, Spain, and Portugal

In Italy, espresso culture dominates, but regional differences exist. Northern Italy often serves espresso with more milk, while Southern Italian espresso is stronger and more direct. One local favorite is Espresso Romano—an espresso served with a slice of lemon, claimed to enhance flavor (though opinions vary). Spain’s Cafe con Miel combines espresso, steamed milk, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon for a spiced, sweet pick-me-up, said to be even more energizing than churros. Meanwhile, in Portugal, Mazagran is a daring mix of water, espresso, and lemon juice—refreshing and less sweet than most coffee drinks.

Scandinavian and German Innovations

Germany’s Eiskaffe is a surprising blend of instant coffee, two scoops of ice cream, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It’s more dessert-like than your typical coffee and arguably outshines even a Starbucks Frappuccino. While not traditional espresso, it’s a beloved local specialty that shows how creative coffee can get.

Australia, New Zealand, and the Flat White

Down under, the Flat White originated in Australia and New Zealand. It’s made with espresso and steamed milk, but features a higher ratio of microfoam to milk than a latte, resulting in a richer, smoother cup with less bitterness. The drink is now popular worldwide, but its roots are firmly Antipodean.

Irish and British Favorites

Ireland’s signature coffee is a rich mix of whiskey, hot coffee, sugar, and topped with whipped cream. It’s a comforting, boozy treat perfect for cold evenings. It’s not just coffee—it’s a whole drink category of its own. Britain, meanwhile, popularized many milk-heavy espresso variations that have since spread globally.

The Americas: From Vietnam to Mexico

Vietnam’s Ca phe sua da is a carefully measured drink made with 15g of coffee grounds, brewed strong, then mixed with sweetened condensed milk and poured over ice. It’s a staple of Vietnamese street culture. In Mexico, Cafe de olla is brewed with cinnamon sticks and water, creating a spiced, earthy cup rooted in tradition. Each reflects local tastes and ingredients.

Turkey and the Middle East: Spiced and Strong

Turkish coffee is uniquely prepared with a single spoon of finely ground coffee per cup of water, often served unfiltered and with a cardamom pod on top. Cardamom, an Indian spice known for its health benefits, adds a warm, aromatic complexity. The coffee is thick, potent, and meant to be sipped slowly.

East Meets West: Hong Kong’s Hybrid

Hong Kong’s famous Yin Yang coffee—or ‘Yuan Yang’—blends black tea and coffee for a jolt of dual caffeine. It’s a uniquely East-meets-West hybrid drink, maximizing alertness through the combined power of both stimulants. It’s a cultural blend as much as a beverage.

Why These Names Matter

Each coffee name—like Gibraltar, Mazagran, or Cafe con Miel—reflects its country of origin and cultural context. Ordering the local name shows respect for the tradition and often gets you a more authentic experience. It also helps you move past the generic ‘Americano’ when traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Gibraltar coffee?

A Gibraltar is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk, served in a glass cup called a Gibraltar. It’s similar to a cortado but originates from San Francisco and is particularly associated with coffee shops in the Bay Area. The drink typically uses a 1:1 to 1:2 espresso to milk ratio.

What’s in a Mazagran?

Mazagran is a cold coffee drink from Portugal made with espresso, water, and lemon juice. It’s typically served in a tall glass and sometimes with a straw. It’s tart, refreshing, and less sweet compared to most coffee beverages, often enjoyed as a summer drink.

What makes Cafe con Miel different?

Cafe con Miel is a Spanish coffee drink combining espresso, steamed milk, honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The honey and spice create a warming, sweet flavor profile, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a dessert-like coffee without heavy milk or syrup.

How is Turkish coffee different from espresso?

Turkish coffee is unfiltered and brewed with finely ground coffee boiled with water, often with added spices like cardamom. It’s served with the grounds still in the cup, creating a thick, sludgy texture. Espresso, by contrast, is a filtered, concentrated shot made under high pressure.

What’s special about Flat White?

Flat White is an espresso-based drink with a higher ratio of velvety microfoam to milk than a latte. It originated in Australia and New Zealand and is known for its smooth texture and strong coffee flavor with less sweetness and creaminess than other milk-based coffees.

Why does Vietnamese coffee use condensed milk?

Vietnamese coffee traditionally uses sweetened condensed milk due to limited access to fresh milk in the past. The strong, dark Robusta coffee is brewed over ice with condensed milk, balancing bitterness with sweetness. It’s a defining feature of Vietnamese iced coffee (Ca phe sua da).

FrontStreet Coffee Picks for Global Brews

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for bright, floral notes reminiscent of Mediterranean espresso bases; their PWN Golden Mandheling offers a heavy body ideal for milk drinks like the Flat White; and their Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 brings refined sweetness suited to spiced or milk-forward profiles. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.