Discover 20 Essential Coffee Drink Types (Ranked!)

Coffee has been a part of daily life for centuries, with millions of people worldwide relying on it to start their day or to stay energized. Coffee is not just about caffeine; it’s about the rich history and the incredible variety of flavors. There are countless coffee drink types, each with its unique preparation method, flavor, and cultural significance.

In this article, FnB Coffee will take you through 20 of the most essential and popular coffee drink types. Whether you’re an espresso purist or prefer a creamy, milky brew, there’s something for everyone. These drinks range from the bold and strong to the sweet and indulgent, each with its distinctive preparation method.

The World of Coffee Drinks: What Sets Them Apart?

Coffee drink types share a common foundation—espresso. Espresso is the base for many coffee drinks, providing a rich, concentrated shot of coffee. However, what makes each coffee drink unique is the way milk, syrups, and even alcohol are combined with espresso to create different flavors, textures, and experiences.

Some coffee drink types, such as lattes and cappuccinos, use steamed milk to create a smooth, creamy texture, while others like cold brew focus on a milder, less acidic profile. Understanding the difference in these drinks can help you find the perfect brew to suit your tasteSome drinks. The versatility of coffee allows it to be shaped into a drink that caters to all preferences.

Read also: 8 Types of Coffee Beans in Indonesia, Unique & You Must Try!

Ranking the Top 20 Essential Coffee Drink Types

Here are the 20 coffee drink types that every coffee lover should try. From the classic espresso to the trendy nitro coffee, each drink offers a unique taste that can either energize your day or offer a moment of indulgence.

1. Espresso – The Foundation of All Coffee Drinks

Espresso is the starting point of almost every coffee drink types. This concentrated coffee is brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans.

The result is a small but intense shot of coffee that provides a strong, robust flavor. Espresso serves as the base for drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos.

2. Americano – The Strong, Diluted Espresso

An Americano is made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water. The result is a coffee that retains the depth of espresso but is smoother and less intense. It’s perfect for those who find straight espresso too strong.

3. Latte – A Creamy Espresso with Steamed Milk

The latte is one of the most popular coffee drink types worldwide. It combines espresso with steamed milk, creating a creamy, mild coffee experience. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy coffee but prefer a more subdued, smooth flavor.

4. Cappuccino – Balanced, Rich, and Frothy

A cappuccino is similar to a latte but with more foam. It’s made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. The frothy texture makes the cappuccino stand out, offering a rich coffee experience with a velvety finish.

5. Flat White – A Smooth and Velvety Espresso Drink

The flat white hails from Australia and New Zealand. It’s similar to a latte but uses microfoam (steamed milk with tiny bubbles) for a velvety texture.

The flat white’s coffee-to-milk ratio is higher, creating a smoother and creamier drink than a traditional latte.

6. Macchiato – Espresso with a Hint of Milk

A macchiato is a shot of espresso “stained” with a small amount of steamed milk. It’s a perfect option for those who like the intense flavor of espresso but want a slight touch of creaminess.

7. Mocha – A Decadent Combination of Coffee and Chocolate

For those who enjoy a sweet, dessert-like coffee, the mocha is the answer. It combines espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup, often topped with whipped cream.

The mocha is a delightful treat, offering a balance of rich coffee and smooth chocolate.

8. Cold Brew – The Smooth and Low-Acid Coffee

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period (usually 12-24 hours). The result is a smoother, less acidic coffee that’s perfect for hot days.

It’s typically served over ice and is ideal for those who find regular coffee too harsh.

9. Iced Coffee – A Refreshing Coffee for Hot Days

Iced coffee is simply brewed coffee that has been chilled and served over ice. While it’s not as smooth as cold brew, it’s a quick and refreshing way to enjoy coffee during the warmer months.

10. Cortado – A Short, Strong Espresso with Equal Milk

A cortado is made by combining equal parts espresso and warm milk. The milk reduces the intensity of the espresso, but not by much, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a balanced but strong coffee.

11. Affogato – Coffee and Dessert in One

An affogato is a dessert-style coffee drink that involves pouring a shot of espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The hot espresso melts the ice cream, creating a rich and indulgent treat that combines the best of coffee and dessert.

12. Ristretto – A Shorter, More Intense Espresso

A ristretto is a more concentrated version of espresso. Made with the same amount of coffee but less water, ristretto produces a stronger, more intense flavor profile, ideal for those who want a quicker, bolder shot of coffee.

13. Turkish Coffee – A Strong and Bold Brew

Turkish coffee is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water and sugar in a special pot called a cezve. The coffee is unfiltered, resulting in a thick, strong drink with a unique texture and flavor.

14. Café au Lait – The French Coffee and Milk Combination

Café au lait is a French-style coffee made with equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk. It’s similar to a latte but uses brewed coffee instead of espresso, making it slightly less intense but still rich and flavorful.

15. Café Bombón – A Sweet, Rich Spanish Coffee

This Spanish coffee drink is made by mixing espresso with condensed milk. The result is a sweet, creamy coffee with a rich flavor. Café bombón is a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth.

16. Irish Coffee – A Whiskey-Infused Coffee Delight

Irish coffee combines strong coffee with Irish whiskey, sugar, and a layer of cream. It’s both a warming and indulgent drink, often enjoyed after dinner or on cold days.

17. Spanish Latte – A Sweetened, Creamy Coffee Drink

The Spanish latte is similar to a traditional latte but includes sweetened condensed milk, giving it a rich, creamy texture with a hint of sweetness. It’s a popular variation in Spain and Latin America.

18. Nitro Coffee – Cold Brew with a Frothy Finish

Nitro coffee is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas, creating a frothy, creamy texture similar to draft beer. The nitrogen gives the coffee a smoother mouthfeel and a slightly sweeter taste.

19. Doppio – The Double Shot of Espresso

A doppio is simply two shots of espresso served together. It’s ideal for coffee drinkers who enjoy a bolder, more robust flavor than a single espresso shot can provide.

20. Long Black – A Powerful Espresso with Hot Water

A long black is similar to an Americano but with a more robust flavor. It’s made by adding hot water to a shot of espresso, resulting in a drink that’s strong but not as diluted as an Americano.

Read also: Types of Coffee Grind Size And How to Pick The Right Size

Conclusion

Exploring different coffee drink types is a journey through flavor and culture. Each coffee drink has its own story and is crafted to suit a variety of preferences, whether you enjoy a quick espresso shot or a creamy, dessert-like mocha.

By understanding the unique characteristics of these drinks, you can elevate your coffee experience and discover new favorites.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

A latte has more milk and less foam, making it creamier, while a cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, creating a frothier texture.

2. What is the strongest type of coffee?

Espresso is typically the strongest type of coffee due to its concentrated form.

3. How do you make an espresso at home?

To make espresso at home, you’ll need an espresso machine, freshly ground coffee beans, and clean water. Use about 18 grams of ground coffee per shot.

4. What’s the best coffee drink for beginners?

A latte or cappuccino is great for beginners because they’re mild and creamy, offering a smoother coffee experience.

5. Can you make cold brew without a special machine?

Yes, cold brew can be made at home using a jar and a fine-mesh strainer. Simply steep coarse coffee grounds in water for 12-24 hours, then strain.