What are the different types of coffee drinks? That question can feel overwhelming to the uninitiated, but this comprehensive coffee guide breaks down all the essentials, with popular coffee drinks explained in clear, simple terms. Whether you're a casual sipper or a passionate home barista, understanding coffee variations helps you craft your perfect cup.
How many types of coffee are there?
When exploring the vast array of types of coffee in the world, preparation methods makes all the difference. Coffee's versatility spans from espresso shots to intricate layered beverages, with countless regional variations and modern twists emerging constantly. The coffee world keeps expanding as baristas and enthusiasts experiment with new combinations.
A French press creates a full-bodied brew with rich oils, while pour-over brings out delicate flavor notes. The Flask brewer combines the best of both - delivering French press richness with unprecedented convenience and zero mess thanks to its innovative chamber design.
Looking through famous coffee names, you'll find everything from Italian classics to modern café innovations. Before diving into specific drinks, let's explore the fundamental brewing methods that create these beloved beverages. Understanding how extraction affects flavor will help you choose the right brewing approach for your perfect cup.
Let me walk you through the essential coffee drink categories, starting with espresso-based beverages that form the foundation of café menus worldwide. We'll explore everything from straight shots to creamy lattes, plus filter coffee variations, cold brew innovations, and regional specialties that showcase coffee's incredible range.
What are the different types of coffee drinks?
Exploring all types of coffee reveals an amazing spectrum of flavors and styles. Rather than a basic list of coffee drinks, let's explore coffee alphabetically - from the pure intensity of an Americano to the warmth of Vietnamese coffee. While each drink has its ideal brewing method, achieving consistently great results starts with your equipment. The Flask brewer's innovative design offers precise control over brewing temperature and extraction, bringing out the best in every style.
Affogato
An Italian dessert-coffee hybrid that translates to "drowned" in Italian. This luxurious treat consists of a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream "drowned" in a shot of hot espresso. The contrast between hot and cold creates a delightful sensory experience as the gelato slowly melts into the espresso. Traditionally served in a small glass, the affogato offers complex layers of flavor - from the intense, bitter notes of espresso to the sweet, creamy vanilla. Popular in cafes worldwide, it's often enjoyed as an after-dinner indulgence or afternoon pick-me-up.
Americano
Born during World War II when European baristas added hot water to espresso for American soldiers who found traditional espresso too strong. This dilution created a drink similar in strength to drip coffee but with distinct characteristics from its espresso base. An Americano consists of 1-2 shots of espresso topped with hot water, creating a rich crema layer. The flavor profile maintains espresso's complexity but with a gentler intensity, offering notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel depending on the beans used.
Antoccino
A petite but mighty drink featuring a 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk, served in a tiny cup. This perfectly balanced coffee originated in Australia and has gained popularity among those seeking a concentrated coffee experience without the intensity of straight espresso. The equal parts create a harmonious blend where neither the coffee nor milk dominates. Often confused with a piccolo latte, the antoccino maintains its distinct identity through its precise ratio and smaller serving size.
Black Coffee
The purest form of coffee, made by brewing ground coffee beans with hot water and served without any additives. This fundamental preparation method allows the coffee's natural flavors to shine through - from bright, acidic notes to deep, rich undertones. The taste varies dramatically based on factors like bean origin, roast level, and brewing method. Whether prepared using our Flask coffee brewer, pour-over, or drip machine, black coffee showcases the true character of the beans.
Black Eye
A bold creation that combines drip coffee with a double shot of espresso, delivering an intense caffeine punch. Popular among those needing serious energy boosts, this drink earned its name from the dark circle that forms when espresso is added to coffee. Also known as a "dead eye" or "train wreck" in some regions, it packs a robust flavor profile with heightened acidity and a full body. The combination creates a complex layering of flavors that's both smooth and powerful.
Breve
An American variation of a latte that uses half-and-half instead of whole milk, resulting in a decadently creamy beverage. The higher fat content creates an extraordinarily rich, velvety texture and slightly sweet flavor that complements espresso's natural bitterness. When steamed, half-and-half produces a particularly luxurious foam. Popular in cafes across the United States, the breve (Italian for "short") offers a more indulgent alternative to traditional milk-based espresso drinks.
Bulletproof Coffee
A modern innovation combining coffee with grass-fed butter and MCT oil, popularized by Dave Asprey in 2011. This unique preparation claims to boost energy and mental clarity through the combination of caffeine and healthy fats. When blended, the ingredients create a creamy, latte-like consistency without any dairy. Popular among followers of ketogenic and low-carb diets, bulletproof coffee has sparked a movement in alternative coffee preparations.
Café au Lait
A French classic combining hot coffee with steamed milk in equal parts, distinct from a latte in its use of brewed coffee instead of espresso. Traditionally served in a wide-brimmed bowl rather than a cup, allowing French breakfast-goers to dip their croissants. The coffee base is usually French press or drip coffee, creating a gentler flavor profile than espresso-based drinks. The steamed milk adds body and smoothness without overwhelming the coffee's character.
Café con Miel
A sweet Spanish invention meaning "coffee with honey," this drink combines espresso, steamed milk, honey, and often a touch of cinnamon. The honey adds natural sweetness and unique floral notes that complement coffee's natural flavors. Each region in Spain might use local honey varieties, creating subtle variations in taste. The drink offers a perfect balance of sweet and bitter, with the cinnamon adding warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Cappuccino
Italy's gift to the coffee world, consisting of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Traditionally consumed at breakfast, this drink gets its name from the Capuchin friars, whose brown robes with white hoods resembled the drink's appearance. A properly crafted cappuccino should be about 6 ounces total, with the foam thick enough to hold a sprinkling of cocoa powder on top. The microfoam should have a glossy, paint-like texture that blends seamlessly with the espresso.
Cold Brew
A method of coffee preparation that uses time instead of heat, steeping coarse-ground beans in cold water for 12-24 hours. This patient process creates a smooth, less acidic brew with a natural sweetness and full body. Cold brew typically contains more caffeine than hot coffee and stays fresh longer. The concentrated brew can be diluted with water or milk and served over ice. Its lower acidity makes it easier on sensitive stomachs, contributing to its growing popularity.
Coffea Arabica
The world's most beloved coffee species and to some the best flavored coffee beans without question, accounting for about 60% of global coffee production. First discovered in Ethiopia, Arabica beans grow at high altitudes and produce a smooth, complex flavor profile with notes ranging from fruits and berries to chocolate and nuts. These beans contain less caffeine than Robusta but offer superior taste complexity. Arabica plants are more delicate and susceptible to disease, requiring specific growing conditions and careful cultivation.
Coffea Liberica
A rare coffee variety originating from Liberia, known for its unique smoky, woody flavor profile and irregular bean shape. These trees grow unusually tall, reaching heights of 20 meters, making them challenging to harvest. Liberica beans offer an intriguing floral and fruity aroma, often with hints of dark chocolate and spices. Popular in Malaysia and the Philippines, this variety accounts for less than 1% of global coffee production.
Cortado
A Spanish coffee drink balancing equal parts espresso and steamed milk, served in a distinctive small glass. The name means "cut" in Spanish, referring to how the milk cuts through the espresso's intensity. Unlike a macchiato, which just "stains" the espresso with milk, a cortado achieves perfect harmony between coffee and milk. The milk is steamed but not texturized, creating a silky rather than frothy texture.
Cuban Coffee
A potent and sweet espresso-style coffee made by whipping sugar with the first few drops of coffee to create "espumita" - a light brown foam that tops the drink. Also known as Café Cubano or Cafecito, this intensely flavored coffee is a cultural cornerstone in Cuba and Miami. The unique preparation method creates a creamy, caramel-like foam that complements the strong coffee beneath.
Dalgona Coffee
A social media sensation from South Korea that emerged during 2020, featuring whipped instant coffee, sugar, and hot water spooned over cold milk. The name comes from a Korean honeycomb toffee that the frothy coffee topping resembles. This photogenic drink requires vigorous whipping to achieve its signature cloud-like texture, transforming simple instant coffee into an Instagram-worthy creation.
Dirty Chai
A spicy-sweet fusion that adds a shot of espresso to traditional masala chai tea with steamed milk. This creative combination emerged from coffee shop experimentation, merging the aromatic spices of Indian chai - typically cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper - with the bold kick of espresso. The name comes from the way the espresso "dirties" the clean appearance of the chai tea latte, creating beautiful swirls in the drink.
Doppio
Italian for "double," this is simply a double shot of espresso, served in a demitasse cup. The standard doppio contains 2 ounces of liquid made from 14-18 grams of coffee. This is actually the standard shot size in many modern cafes, as single shots have fallen out of favor. The doppio offers a more robust flavor profile and stronger caffeine punch than a single shot, making it the foundation for many espresso-based drinks.
Drip Coffee
The quintessential American coffee preparation, where hot water filters through ground coffee beans into a pot below. This method, perfected in 1954 by the Wigomat (the first electric drip coffee maker), produces a clean, light-bodied cup that's easy to customize in strength. Today's best drip coffee makers, like the Filter coffee maker, excel at maintaining consistent temperature throughout brewing for optimal extraction, carrying forward that pioneering legacy.
Espresso
The foundation of most modern coffee drinks, created by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. Invented in Italy in the early 1900s, espresso is characterized by its concentrated flavor, rich crema (the golden foam on top), and quick preparation time. A properly pulled shot should take 25-30 seconds and produce a complex, intense flavor without bitterness. Not a specific bean or roast type, but one of the most caffeinated coffee preparation methods that can use any coffee bean.
Espresso con Panna
An elegant variation of straight espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream ("panna" in Italian). This simple addition creates a delightful temperature and texture contrast as the hot espresso melts the cool cream. Popular in Vienna's coffee houses since the 1800s, where it's known as "Espresso mit Schlag." The cream should be unsweetened to allow the espresso's natural flavors to shine through.
Espresso Martini
A sophisticated cocktail that marries freshly brewed espresso with vodka, coffee liqueur, and a touch of simple syrup. Created in 1983 by London bartender Dick Bradsell when a model asked for something that would "wake me up and mess me up," this drink perfectly balances the kick of caffeine with the smoothness of alcohol. Shaken vigorously to create a distinctive foamy top, garnished with three coffee beans representing health, wealth, and happiness.
Flat White
Australia and New Zealand's contribution to coffee culture, featuring microfoamed milk poured over a double shot of espresso. Distinguished from a latte by its smaller size and more precise milk-to-coffee ratio, the flat white showcases the barista's skill in creating perfectly textured milk that blends seamlessly with the espresso. The result is a velvety smooth drink where coffee and milk work in perfect harmony, typically served in a 5-6 ounce cup.
Frappé
A Greek innovation born in 1957 when Dimitris Vakondios improvised with instant coffee at the Thessaloniki International Fair. Made by vigorously shaking or blending instant coffee with sugar and water until foam forms, then pouring over ice and adding cold water and optionally milk. The result is a refreshing, foamy iced drink that's become a symbol of Greek coffee culture. Not to be confused with the Frappuccino, its American cousin.
Frappuccino
Starbucks' trademarked blend of coffee, milk, ice, and various flavoring syrups, topped with whipped cream. This commercial phenomenon began as a creation of Boston's Coffee Connection chain before Starbucks acquired both the company and the drink's naming rights in 1994. Unlike traditional coffee drinks, the Frappuccino often serves as a dessert-like treat, with endless flavor variations from seasonal pumpkin spice to year-round mocha chip.
Galão
Portugal's answer to the latte, traditionally served in a tall glass with about one-quarter coffee to three-quarters foamed milk. This breakfast favorite dates back to the 1960s, when Portugal's coffee culture was evolving to include more milk-based drinks. The word "galão" actually refers to the tall glass it's served in. The drink offers a gentler coffee flavor than a latte, making it perfect for those who prefer a milder coffee experience.
Iced Coffee
Not just hot coffee poured over ice, but a deliberately crafted cold beverage that requires specific preparation to maintain flavor integrity. Unlike cold brew, iced coffee starts hot and is quickly chilled to preserve the bright, acidic notes that make certain beans shine. The best versions are brewed at double strength to compensate for ice dilution. Using tools like the Flask brewer allows for perfect temperature control, ensuring your iced coffee maintains its rich flavor profile without becoming watery.
Irish Coffee
A warming blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and lightly whipped cream that dates back to 1943. Created by Joe Sheridan at Foynes Port near Limerick, Ireland, for cold and weary travelers. The cream should be lightly whipped and carefully poured over the back of a spoon to float on top of the coffee, creating distinct layers. The drinker experiences the warm coffee and whiskey through the cool cream, making each sip a delightful contrast.
Latte
The most popular espresso drink worldwide, combining espresso with steamed milk and a light layer of milk foam. The word "latte" simply means "milk" in Italian, though the drink as we know it today is actually an American invention from the 1950s. The standard recipe calls for a 1:3 ratio of espresso to steamed milk, topped with about 1cm of microfoam. Skilled baristas often create intricate designs in the foam, turning each cup into a temporary work of art.
Long Black
An Antipodean variation of the Americano, created by adding espresso to hot water rather than the reverse. This method preserves the crema, creating a richer drinking experience with more complex flavors than an Americano. Popular in Australia and New Zealand, where coffee culture demands stronger, more robust flavors. The drink should be prepared with water just below boiling to prevent burning the espresso.
Lungo
Italian for "long," this espresso variation uses the same amount of coffee but twice the amount of water, resulting in a larger, less concentrated drink. Unlike an Americano, the additional water passes through the coffee grounds rather than being added afterward. This extended extraction brings out different flavor compounds, creating a more bitter but less intense drink than traditional espresso. Typically served in a 5-6 oz cup.
Macchiato
Italian for "stained" or "spotted," this drink consists of espresso "marked" with a small amount of steamed milk. The traditional version uses just a dollop of milk foam, though modern interpretations often include a bit more steamed milk. Not to be confused with the "caramel macchiato" popularized by coffee chains, which is actually a vanilla latte marked with caramel sauce. A true macchiato emphasizes the espresso while taking just enough edge off the intensity.
Mazagran
The world's first iced coffee, originating in Algeria during the French colonial period around 1840. French soldiers at the Mazagran fortress mixed cold water with coffee syrup to combat the heat. Today's version typically combines espresso or strong coffee with lemon, sometimes served over ice with sugar and occasionally rum. Portuguese variations might include mint, while Austrian versions often use rum or other spirits. This refreshing drink represents one of coffee's earliest global adaptations.
Mocha
Named after the Yemeni port city of Mocha, this drink combines espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate. While the port was famous for its coffee beans with natural chocolate notes, today's mocha is a deliberate combination of coffee and chocolate, usually in syrup or powder form. The standard recipe calls for espresso and chocolate topped with steamed milk and often whipped cream. Some variations include dark, milk, or white chocolate, each creating distinct flavor profiles.
Nitro Coffee
A recent innovation that infuses cold brew coffee with nitrogen gas, creating a creamy, stout-like beverage with a cascading effect and silky mouthfeel. The nitrogen creates smaller bubbles than traditional carbonation, resulting in a smooth, rich texture without any added dairy. Served from a tap system like draft beer, nitro coffee has a naturally sweeter taste than regular cold brew due to the way nitrogen interacts with coffee's natural compounds.
Pour Over
A manual brewing method that emphasizes precision and control, allowing the brewer to adjust every variable from water temperature to pour speed. This technique, popularized in Japan but now global, involves pouring hot water in a specific pattern over ground coffee in a filter. The slow, methodical process extracts different flavor compounds at different stages, creating a clean, bright cup that highlights the coffee's subtle notes. Stick with the best pour over coffee pot options for the best results! The Flask brewing system excels at this method, offering perfect temperature control and optimal extraction.
Red Eye
A powerful combination of drip coffee with a shot of espresso added, designed for those moments when regular coffee just isn't enough. The name refers to late-night flights from the West Coast to New York (red-eye flights), though some regions call it a "shot in the dark" or "black eye" when made with a double shot. The espresso adds richness and intensity to the drip coffee base, creating a complex flavor profile with significantly more caffeine than either drink alone.
Ristretto
Italian for "restricted," this concentrated espresso shot uses the same amount of coffee but half the water of a regular espresso. By restricting water volume, the extraction captures only the initial, most flavorful compounds, resulting in a sweeter, more intense shot without increased bitterness. Skilled baristas consider this the purest expression of espresso, though it requires precise control over grind size and extraction time. The Flask system's pressure control makes achieving perfect ristretto shots consistently possible.
Robusta
The second most common coffee species, known for its high caffeine content and strong, often harsh flavor profile. These beans contain nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica and produce a thick crema in espresso drinks. While often considered inferior to Arabica, high-quality Robusta adds depth and crema to espresso blends and is particularly popular in Italian espresso. The plants are more disease-resistant and productive than Arabica, growing at lower altitudes with less cultivation care.
Shakerato
An Italian summer favorite consisting of espresso, ice, and sometimes sugar, vigorously shaken like a cocktail until frothy. The shaking process creates a naturally sweet, creamy texture without adding any dairy. Traditionally served in a martini glass, this sophisticated drink offers a refreshing alternative to hot espresso while maintaining its intense flavor profile. Some variations include chocolate or vanilla syrup, though purists prefer it unsweetened to appreciate the natural sweetness created by aeration.
Turkish Coffee
One of the oldest coffee preparation methods, dating back to the Ottoman Empire. Finely ground coffee is combined with water and often sugar in a special pot called a cezve or ibrik, then brought to a near-boil multiple times to create a thick, intensely flavored brew with a layer of foam on top. The grounds remain in the cup and settle to the bottom during drinking. Traditional preparation involves specific rituals, and the grounds left behind are often used for fortune telling.
Vienna Coffee
A refined preparation from Austria's historic coffee houses, consisting of two shots of espresso topped with whipped cream instead of milk. The cream should be lightly whipped and unsweetened, allowing it to slowly incorporate into the coffee as you drink. Often served with a small glass of water on the side, following Viennese coffee house tradition. This elegant drink represents Vienna's rich café culture, which UNESCO has recognized as part of Austria's intangible cultural heritage.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
A bold and sweet iced coffee drink made using a traditional metal filter called a phin, which sits atop the serving glass. Dark-roasted Robusta coffee slowly drips through the phin onto sweetened condensed milk, then the mixture is stirred and poured over ice. The strong coffee cuts through the sweetness of the condensed milk, creating a perfectly balanced drink. This preparation method emerged during French colonial times when fresh milk was scarce, leading to the use of shelf-stable condensed milk.
Key takeaways on the different kinds of coffee drinks
The world of coffee offers incredible variety, with each of these styles of coffee bringing its own unique character to your cup. While the choices might seem overwhelming, understanding a few key principles helps navigate the coffee landscape:
- Brewing method significantly impacts flavor - The way you extract coffee affects everything from body to acidity. Modern brewers like Flask eliminate common pitfalls like inconsistent temperature and over-extraction, letting you focus on enjoying the drink rather than perfecting technique.
- Start with the classics - Master drinks like espresso, French press, and pour-over to understand how coffee fundamentals like grind size, water temperature, and brewing time affect your cup. This knowledge helps you appreciate more complex drinks.
- Consider your daily routine - While elaborate drinks are fun to explore, choose brewing methods that realistically fit your lifestyle. The best coffee maker is one you'll actually use, which is why innovations in convenience without sacrificing quality are so valuable.
- Experiment thoughtfully - Rather than trying everything at once, make small changes to familiar drinks. Adjust ratios, try different roasts, or explore temperature variations to discover your perfect cup.
Remember, there's no "right" way to enjoy coffee. Whether you prefer a simple black coffee or elaborate layered drinks, the perfect brew is the one that makes your morning better. The key is finding equipment and methods that consistently deliver your ideal cup with minimal fuss.
FAQs
What is the sweetest type of coffee?
Vietnamese coffee traditionally combines dark roasted coffee with sweetened condensed milk, creating an intensely sweet coffee drink. Other sweet types of coffee include: Spanish lattes and caramel macchiatos also rank highly among the sweetest types of coffee drinks, especially when made with flavored syrups and additional sweeteners.
What is the best type of coffee?
The best types of coffee depend entirely on your personal taste preferences and lifestyle needs. While some coffee enthusiasts prefer the pure intensity of espresso, others might favor the balanced flavors of pour-over or the convenience of quality brewing systems like the Flask coffee maker.
What are the most common coffee drinks?
The most common types of coffee include classic drip coffee, espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos. These form the foundation of most café menus across the world and are popular choices for home brewing, especially with modern equipment that simplifies their preparation while maintaining quality and taste.
