What Are the Different Types of Coffee Drinks?

Ever ordered a ‘macchiato’ and got something that looked nothing like what you expected? Or heard someone ask for a ‘ristretto’ and wondered what made it different from a regular espresso? If you've stood in front of a coffee menu unsure of what’s actually in each drink, you're not alone. Most coffee drinkers have faced the confusion of similar-sounding names with very different tastes and compositions.

Here’s the straight answer: a ristretto is a 20–25ml double-shot espresso made with more coffee grounds and less water than a standard shot. A standard espresso (or short black) is 25–30ml extracted in 25–30 seconds. Beyond that, drinks like macchiato, latte, cappuccino, and flat white vary mainly in how much steamed milk, foam, or water you add to that base espresso.

1. Ristretto: The Concentrated Espresso Shot

A ristretto is essentially a restricted espresso—more coffee, less water. It typically uses a double dose of coffee grounds but pulls only 20–25ml of liquid, resulting in a shorter, more intense shot compared to a standard espresso. It's often used as the base for stronger-tasting coffee drinks. Think of it as a bolder, punchier espresso shot.

2. Espresso (Short Black): The Espresso Foundation

The espresso, also called a short black, is the foundational coffee for nearly all espresso-based drinks. It’s extracted to 25–30ml over 25–30 seconds using a fine grind. The hallmark of a well-made espresso is its crema—the rich, aromatic layer of foam on top. Without this, it’s not a proper espresso. This small but mighty shot is the starting point for lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, and more.

3. Milk-Based Espresso Drinks: Macchiato to Flat White

These drinks start with an espresso base but vary dramatically based on how milk is added:

• Macchiato: An espresso 'marked' with a small amount of hot milk or, increasingly common, just a spoonful of milk foam. The traditional ratio is around 1:1 espresso to milk, but versions with just foam are now widespread.
• Caffè Latte (Latte): Made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk, usually with a thin layer of milk foam on top. In many cafés, it’s served with a bit of foam, though traditionally the espresso is poured through the milk so it settles in the middle. It's considered a classic breakfast coffee.
• Flat White: Popular in Australia and New Zealand, this drink consists of espresso with steamed milk and very little to no foam. It’s milk-forward but smoother and silkier than a latte due to the microfoam used.
• Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and thick milk foam. The defining feature is that dense, velvety foam on top, often dusted with cinnamon or chocolate powder. It leaves a creamy mouthfeel and foam residue on the lips.
• Mugaccino: A larger, mug-sized cappuccino from Australia. It uses a double shot of espresso and is topped with generous thick foam and chocolate powder. It's essentially a big cappuccino served in a cup.

4. Americano / Long Black: Espresso with Hot Water

An americano, also known as a long black, is made by pouring a shot (or shots) of espresso into a cup of hot water. The result is a coffee that’s stronger than filtered coffee but milder than straight espresso. The crema may be disrupted depending on how the water is added, but the flavor remains bold and clean. It’s a go-to for those who want an espresso-like intensity without the small serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a ristretto and a regular espresso?

A ristretto uses the same or slightly more coffee grounds but is extracted with about half the water of a standard espresso—around 20–25ml instead of 25–30ml—resulting in a smaller, more concentrated, and intense shot. It’s made in the same amount of time, typically 25–30 seconds, but yields less liquid overall.

What’s the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

A latte contains a shot of espresso with more steamed milk and a small amount of foam, while a cappuccino is equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and thick foam. Lattes have a more milky flavor and texture, whereas cappuccinos offer a stronger coffee taste with a foamy top layer.

Is a macchiato just a shot of espresso with milk?

Traditionally, a macchiato is an espresso 'stained' or 'marked' with a small amount of steamed milk or, more commonly now, just a spoonful of milk foam. It's not a full shot of milk like in a latte, but just enough to slightly alter the color and flavor of the espresso.

What’s the difference between an americano and a long black?

There’s minimal difference in most cases—an americano and a long black both consist of espresso poured into hot water. However, some purists note that a long black is made by adding espresso to hot water to preserve the crema, while an americano is made by pouring water then espresso, which can disrupt the crema layer.

What’s a flat white and where does it come from?

A flat white is an espresso-based drink with steamed milk and very little or no foam. It originated in Australia and New Zealand and is known for its smooth texture and strong coffee flavor thanks to the use of microfoam and a higher espresso-to-milk ratio compared to a latte.

Do all cafés make these drinks the same way?

No. While the definitions above are general standards, individual cafés often adjust recipes. For example, a macchiato might be made with foam instead of steamed milk, or a latte might come with extra foam. Consistency varies, so if you have a preferred style, it’s okay to ask how a specific café prepares it.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Espresso Drinks

For making classic espresso-based drinks like ristretto, macchiato, latte, and cappuccino, 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, approachable profile. For a more intense, cost-effective option, the Black Cocoa Blend offers bold flavors with great value, ideal for high-volume settings. Both blends highlight the core characteristics needed for balanced milk drinks and strong espresso shots. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.