Common Types of Coffee Explained

Ever stood in line at a coffee shop, staring at the menu and wondering what on earth an 'Americano' really is—or whether you’d prefer a 'macchiato' or a 'flat white'? You’re not alone. Most coffee drinkers have faced that moment of confusion over drink names and what’s actually in them. This guide breaks down the most common coffee types, how they’re made, and what goes into each cup.

In short, there are at least 12 widely recognised coffee drinks, each defined by its ingredients and preparation: from a single shot of espresso (about 1/4 ounce, extracted under high pressure) to layered drinks like the cappuccino (1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foam) or flavoured options like the caramel macchiato (espresso with vanilla, steamed milk, and caramel drizzle).

What Is Espresso?

Espresso, from the Italian for "made for you," is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing nearly boiling water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. The result is about 1/4 ounce (30ml) of thick, dark coffee with a rich crema on top. It’s bold, bitter, and intensely aromatic—often just an ounce or two, but packed with flavour.

Milk-Based Coffees: Latte, Cappuccino & More

These drinks start with espresso but mix in steamed milk, foam, or both in varying proportions:

• Cappuccino: Traditionally equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam (1:1:1). A 'dry' cappuccino has more foam and less milk; a 'wet' cappuccino has more milk and less foam.
• Latte (Caffè Latte): Espresso with a larger amount of steamed milk—no fixed ratio, but usually around 1/3 espresso to 2/3 milk, often topped with a little foam.
• Flat White: An espresso-based drink with velvety microfoam, originating from Australia or New Zealand. Uses ristretto-style shots and steamed whole milk, resulting in a smoother, richer texture than a latte. It has less foam than a cappuccino and a lighter colour due to the milk quality.
• Macchiato (Espresso Macchiato): A shot of espresso "stained" with a small amount of steamed milk foam—just enough to lighten the colour slightly. The milk softens the espresso’s intensity while keeping it strong.
• Breve (Café Breve): Espresso mixed with half-and-half (half milk, half cream) and sometimes a bit of foam, creating a richer, creamier texture than a standard latte.

Flavoured & Specialty Coffee Drinks

These include added flavours, sweeteners, or alcoholic components:

• Mocha (Caffè Mocha): Espresso with chocolate syrup or powder, steamed milk, and often topped with whipped cream. A chocolate lover’s latte.
• Affogato: Not listed in the source but commonly grouped here—a shot of espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Caramel Macchiato: Steamed milk with vanilla syrup, topped with espresso, then finished with a drizzle of caramel. The layers provide a mix of sweet, creamy, and bitter notes.
• Irish Coffee: A mix of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with cream. It’s part coffee, part cocktail.
• Viennese Coffee: Black coffee served with powdered sugar at the bottom of the cup, topped with a generous pour of strong black coffee and finished with two spoonfuls of cold whipped cream.
• Con Panna (Espresso Con Panna): Espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Often served with a chocolate or toffee alongside for dipping.

Other Common Coffee Types

• Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water. It has a lighter body than espresso but similar strength, and often higher caffeine content due to longer extraction time depending on the number of shots used.
• White Coffee (Flat White noted above): Originally from Malaysia, this is not a pale-coloured coffee but a drink made with high-grade beans and skimmed milk powder or non-dairy creamer, processed to create a smoother, less acidic cup. Its colour is lighter than standard espresso-based drinks, and it’s known for being easy on the stomach.

Image Reference for Coffee Components

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, typically in a ratio close to 1/3 espresso, 2/3 milk, and a thin layer of foam. A cappuccino is evenly divided into thirds: 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam. A 'dry' cappuccino has more foam and less milk, while a 'wet' cappuccino is closer to a latte.

Is a macchiato just a shot of espresso?

No. A macchiato is an espresso shot 'stained' with a small amount of steamed milk foam. It’s stronger than a latte but not as intense as a straight espresso because the foam slightly lightens the colour and mellows the flavour.

What’s the difference between a flat white and a latte?

A flat white uses a smaller amount of milk with a higher proportion of microfoam, giving it a richer, velvety texture. It typically has a stronger coffee flavour compared to a latte, which has more steamed milk and foam, making it milder and creamier overall.

What is an Americano and how is it made?

An Americano is made by adding hot water to a shot (or more) of espresso. It results in a coffee with a similar strength to brewed coffee but made using espresso, and often has a higher caffeine content depending on the number of espresso shots used.

Does a con panna contain coffee?

Yes. Espresso con panna consists of a shot of espresso topped with whipped cream. It’s a simple drink with a strong coffee flavour balanced by the sweetness and richness of the cream.

What makes white coffee different?

White coffee refers to a drink made with specially selected beans and non-dairy creamer or skimmed milk powder, processed to produce a smoother, less acidic taste. Despite the name, it isn’t white in colour but lighter than typical espresso drinks, and it originated in Malaysia.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Classic Coffee Drinks

For making classic espresso-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is an excellent choice. Designed specifically for espresso and compatible with home machines, it delivers rich crema and a smooth, well-rounded profile. The Specialty Blend, based on Brazilian and Colombian beans, offers a familiar and balanced taste ideal for everyday espresso drinks. For a more cost-effective option without sacrificing too much on flavour, the Commercial Blend provides solid body and crema suitable for high-volume brewing. All three blends are suited for crafting the milk-based and flavoured coffees detailed in this guide. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.