Common Types of Coffee Explained

Ever wondered what makes an espresso 'double shot' different from a regular one, or how much milk goes into a proper cappuccino? Whether you're ordering at a cafe or brewing at home, knowing the real breakdown of common coffee drinks helps you choose—or make—what you actually want.

There are at least seven widely recognized coffee drinks covered here: espresso (single or double), cappuccino, Americano, latte, breve, mocha, and granita. Each has specific ingredient ratios, preparation steps, and flavor profiles that define it.

What Is an Espresso—Single or Double?

An espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. A single shot uses a standard dose of coffee; a double shot (commonly just called 'espresso' in cafes) doubles the coffee amount, resulting in a stronger, more intense, and bitter flavor. Best for those who enjoy a bold kick—but not ideal for sensitive palates.

How Do You Make a Cappuccino?

A cappuccino consists of equal thirds: 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk foam. The foam is created using a steam wand, and skilled baristas often shape the foam with cocoa powder on top. This creates a balanced drink with a strong coffee flavor, creamy texture, and light, airy top.

What’s the Deal with Americano?

An Americano is made by diluting a shot or double shot of espresso with hot water. This stretches the espresso into a larger volume, creating a drink similar to filtered coffee but with a distinct espresso base. It’s preferred by those who want a milder, longer drink without losing the espresso character.

Why Is Latte So Popular?

The latte, short for 'caffe latte', combines one or two shots of espresso with steamed milk and a small amount of milk foam. Sweetness can be adjusted with flavored syrups. It’s one of the most popular coffee drinks worldwide due to its smooth, milky flavor and accessibility—similar in concept to instant '1+2' style coffee mixes.

What’s a Breve?

A breve swaps steamed milk for steamed cream (fresh milk cream), keeping the espresso base the same. It’s richer and creamier than a latte, with a higher fat content. Ideal for those seeking a luxurious, indulgent coffee experience with a dairy-forward profile.

How Is Mocha Different?

Mocha combines espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate powder or syrup. After mixing, it’s typically topped with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Visually striking and dessert-like, it bridges the gap between coffee and chocolate, making it especially popular with those who have a sweet tooth.

What’s Granita and When Do You Drink It?

Granita is a cold, summery coffee drink made with espresso, milk, cocoa, sugar, and sometimes blended with crushed ice or snow cone-like ice crystals. It may also include fruit juice for extra flavor. It’s served chilled and is especially refreshing in hot weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a single and double espresso?

A single espresso uses a standard coffee dose, while a double shot doubles the amount of coffee grounds. This results in a stronger, more intense flavor and higher caffeine content. Most cafes serve a 'double' when you order an espresso by default.

How much milk goes into a cappuccino?

A traditional cappuccino is made with one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third milk foam. That means equal parts of each, unlike a latte which has more milk and less foam.

Can I make a breve with milk instead of cream?

Traditionally, a breve uses steamed milk cream (heavy cream), not regular milk. However, some variations use half-and-half or whole milk for a similar but less rich effect if cream is unavailable.

Is a mocha just a chocolate latte?

Essentially yes, but a mocha specifically includes espresso, milk, and chocolate—usually cocoa powder or syrup—and is often topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. It’s sweeter and dessert-oriented compared to a regular latte.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Milk Coffees

For crafting classic milk-based drinks, FrontStreet Coffee offers several excellent options. The Classic Blend delivers balanced notes of hazelnut, cereal, and dark chocolate—perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. The Brazil Queen Manor SOE features sweet milk chocolate, creamy mouthfeel, and hints of caramel, complementing milk exceptionally well. The PWN Golden Mandheling adds spicy sweetness with toffee and hazelnut layers that shine through steamed cream. All three are ideal for consistent, flavorful milk coffees. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.