How to Make Different Types of Espresso-Based Coffee Drinks

If you’ve ever stood in front of an espresso machine or a coffee menu wondering what exactly makes a doppio different from a solo shot—or whether your cappuccino should have foam or latte art—you’re not alone. Many coffee drinkers are curious about how classic espresso drinks are actually made, what measurements are used, and what defines each style. This guide lays out the precise details behind 18 well-known espresso-based drinks.

To answer the big question: a solo espresso (single) uses 7g of coffee and extracts 25–35ml; a doppio (double) uses 14g for 50–60ml. Every other drink builds on these basics with specific milk, foam, and flavor ratios.

Espresso Basics: Solo and Doppio

The foundation of most coffee drinks starts here. A solo (single) espresso is made with a single spout portafilter, using 7g of coffee and extracting 25–35ml of liquid. A doppio (double) uses a double spout portafilter, 14g of coffee, and yields 50–60ml. These two are the standard building blocks for almost every drink on this list.

Milk-Based Espresso Drinks

These drinks all start with espresso and add steamed milk and/or foam in specific ways.

Cappuccino

A traditional Italian cappuccino has less milk than a latte but more foam. There are several common styles: (1) Pour steamed milk foam (no latte art) over espresso, with a 1cm foam layer and full cup. (2) Pour with latte art, still maintaining 1cm foam and no overflow. (3) Use another device to brew 7/10 full hot coffee, then add foam or cream—this is a common street-style version.

Latte / Caffe Latte

This category includes multiple forms: (a) Layered ("dancing" or "romantic") lattes with coffee, milk, and foam in layers. (b) An 8/10 full cup of hot coffee with milk foam, cinnamon, and lemon zest. (c) Iced latte: no latte art, ideal for layering, can use espresso or cold brew, topped with manual milk foam.

Espresso Macchiato

Means “marked espresso”: just 1 shot of espresso with 1 spoonful of milk foam on top. The foam lightly ‘marks’ the espresso—no need for a full cup or overflow.

Latte Macchiato

The reverse of a macchiato: pour milk first, then add espresso to ‘mark’ it. This creates a smoother mouthfeel.

Caramel Macchiato

Like a latte macchiato but with caramel syrup added on top after marking with espresso. Adds sweetness and a smooth texture.

Coffee Mocha / Mocha

A classic mix of espresso, milk, and cocoa—often using chocolate syrup or powder. Topped with milk foam or whipped cream.

Iced Mocha

Made with iced espresso, iced milk, and iced cocoa. Topped with milk foam or whipped cream, and optionally drizzled with chocolate syrup.

Mochaccino (Mocha + Cappuccino)

Espresso with cocoa and milk foam—essentially a cappuccino with cocoa powder added.

Espresso With Additives & Variations

These drinks modify the espresso base with additional ingredients beyond milk and foam.

Espresso Con Panna

Espresso topped with a small amount of whipped cream. Simple and elegant.

Ristretto

A short shot extracted in 20–30 seconds to yield 15–20ml. Achieved either by grinding finer (in theory) or more commonly, by cutting the extraction time shorter.

Lungo

A long shot extracted in 20–30 seconds to yield 40–50ml. Done by grinding coarser (theoretically) or more often, by extending extraction time.

Espresso Romano

Espresso served with a squeeze of lemon juice—traditional in some European cafes.

Americano

Espresso with hot water added. Combines the strength of espresso with the volume and smoothness of filter coffee.

Corretto

Espresso “corrected” with a splash of spirits such as brandy or rum.

Arma

Espresso mixed with flavored syrup or cordial—no milk added.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a solo and a doppio espresso?

A solo (single) espresso uses 7g of coffee and extracts 25–35ml, while a doppio (double) uses 14g of coffee and yields 50–60ml. Both are brewed using a single or double spout portafilter respectively, and form the base for most coffee drinks.

How much milk is in a traditional cappuccino?

A traditional cappuccino has less milk than a latte and more foam. The standard version includes a 1cm thick layer of milk foam, poured directly over espresso without latte art, filling the cup to the top without overflowing.

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

An espresso macchiato is espresso marked with a spoonful of foam. A latte macchiato is milk first, then espresso added to mark it—resulting in a smoother, milk-forward drink.

What is a ristretto shot?

A ristretto is a short espresso shot, extracting 15–20ml in 20–30 seconds. It’s usually made by reducing extraction time rather than just grinding finer.

Can you make an iced mocha without whipped cream?

Yes. An iced mocha typically combines iced espresso, iced milk, and iced cocoa, topped optionally with whipped cream and often drizzled with chocolate syrup. The cream is optional.

What’s in an espresso corretto?

An espresso corretto is a regular espresso with a shot of liquor such as brandy or rum added. It’s a traditional Italian way to “correct” or enhance the espresso.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso Drinks

For making classic espresso-based drinks, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is an excellent starting point—it’s designed for milk drinks and espresso with rich crema, even on home machines. The Black Cocoa Blend offers a bold, affordable option with solid body and chocolatey tones, great for lattes and mochas. For a more premium option, the Specialty Blend delivers a balanced, traditional espresso profile using Brazilian and Colombian beans. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.