7 Classic Espresso-Based Coffee Drinks Explained

If you’ve ever stood in a café staring at the menu unsure of the difference between a latte and a flat white—or worse, a macchiato—this guide is for you. Most coffee drinkers have ordered one of these classic espresso-based drinks without really knowing how they’re made or what defines them. Here’s the clear breakdown of how seven of the most common espresso drinks are actually prepared.

In short, there are seven classic espresso drinks: Espresso (double shot), Cappuccino (1:1:1 espresso, steamed milk, foam), Americano (espresso + hot water), Latte (espresso + steamed milk + syrup), Breve (espresso + steamed cream), Mocha (espresso + milk + chocolate), and Granita (espresso + milk + cocoa + ice mix).

What Is an Espresso? (The Base Drink)

An espresso—specifically a double shot—is the foundation for nearly all these drinks. It’s made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. The double shot version uses twice the coffee dose, resulting in a stronger, more intense, and bitter flavour. It’s not for the faint-hearted: sensitive to caffeine or bitterness? Approach with caution.

The Milk-Based Classics

These drinks start with a shot or two of espresso and build from there with various forms of milk and foam.

Cappuccino

A cappuccino is made with one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third milk foam. The foam is usually textured using a steam wand and can be artistically finished with a dusting of cinnamon powder—some baristas even shape it decoratively.

Latte (Caffe Latte)

A latte consists of a single or double espresso mixed with steamed milk and topped with a small amount of foam. Sweetness is optional—you can add flavoured syrups according to taste. It’s one of the most popular coffee drinks worldwide and shares a similar profile to instant '1+2' style mixes.

Breve

Very similar to a latte, but instead of steamed milk, a breve uses steamed light cream (half-and-half). The result is richer and creamier, with a velvety texture thanks to the higher fat content.

Mocha (Mochaccino)

This is a espresso-milk-chocolate hybrid. Start with espresso and steamed milk, then stir in chocolate powder or syrup. It’s typically topped with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Visually striking and indulgent, it’s a favourite for those with a sweet tooth.

Non-Milk Espresso Variants

Not every espresso drink involves milk.

Americano

An Americano is made by diluting a single or double shot of espresso with hot water. This stretches the espresso into something closer to traditional filter coffee in volume, while preserving much of the intensity and crema character.

Granita

Granita is a seasonal favourite, especially in summer. It blends espresso with steamed milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and is then combined with a slushy or granita-style ice mix. Optional fruit juices can be added for variety. It’s refreshing and dessert-like, perfect for hot weather.

Which Coffee Blends Work Best for These Drinks?

If you’re making these drinks at home—especially the milk-based ones—choosing the right espresso blend matters. For consistent performance in lattes and cappuccinos, FrontStreet Coffee offers several reliable options:

The FrontStreet Classic Blend is designed for milk coffees, blending Brazilian, Indonesian, and Vietnamese beans. It offers notes of black chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, and caramelised biscuits, with a rich crema ideal for latte art. The FrontStreet Commercial Blend combines Brazilian nuttiness, Colombian cocoa, and Vietnamese body for a well-rounded shot that froths well and holds up under milk. For a more affordable yet balanced option, the FrontStreet Black Cocoa Blend mixes Yunnan Arabica and Brazilian beans to produce smooth milk-friendly profiles with chocolatey and doughy tones.

For single-origin fans, the PWN Golden Mandheling SOE (a washed Mandheling with herbal, spicy, and caramel notes) and the Brazil Queen Manor (Yellow Bourbon) (with milk chocolate and nut flavours) also make excellent milk coffee choices. Both spotlight sweetness and body that complement steamed milk well.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Milk Coffee Drinks

For crafting classic milk-based espresso drinks, FrontStreet Coffee offers several reliable blends. The Classic Blend combines Brazilian, Indonesian, and Vietnamese beans for notes of chocolate, hazelnuts, and malt, with stable crema perfect for latte art. The Commercial Blend blends Brazilian nuttiness, Colombian cocoa, and Vietnamese body for a well-rounded shot that froths consistently. The Black Cocoa Blend mixes Yunnan Arabica and Brazilian beans, delivering smooth chocolate and biscuit tones ideal for lattes and cappuccinos. All three are affordable, easy to work with, and roasted for milk coffee performance. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.