If coffee is quite literally what gets you up in the morning, you’re going to want to listen, as your new favorite drink might be brewing below. From espresso to macchiatos, we cover the common types of coffee drinks as well as guidance on perfecting your cup-to-coffee ratio so you can successfully brew at home.
Black
Black coffee is simple, yet far from sweet. When you choose this type of coffee drink, you are getting no frills — just the flavor of the coffee beans. However, coffee drinkers can alter the taste with milk, sugar and other flavor additives.
Ratio: 8 oz. of drip coffee
Cup: 8-oz. coffee mug
Espresso
Espresso is a short cup of highly concentrated black coffee, but what differentiates it from other coffee types is not the beans itself, but the way it’s brewed. To master the art of espresso shots, take hot water and pressurize it through finely ground Robusta coffee beans. As a result, espresso is brewed with a higher grounds-to-water ratio, which gives the drink a stronger flavor and higher caffeine levels
Ratio: 1 shot of espresso
Cup: 2-4-oz. espresso cup
Lattes
Lattes are a popular coffee drink for coffee shop lovers and at-home baristas alike! There are many different ways you can make or order it and, if you have an espresso machine or milk frothier handy, it’s fairly simple. Making lattes involves mixing one-third espresso with two-thirds steamed milk, topped with a thin layer of foam (often in a fun design). Some folks enjoy mixing up the flavors of their latte with vanilla or even pumpkin syrup.
Ratio: 1/3 espresso, 2/3 steamed milk and topped with foamed milk
Cup: 8-oz. latte mug
Cappuccino
A Cappuccino is similar to a latte, but this espresso drink involves less steamed milk and more foam. To make this type of coffee drink, take equal parts of espresso, hot milk and foamed milk. Folks often drink cappuccinos in small 6-ounce cups. Java lovers typically drink cappuccinos in the morning for a burst of energy. Don’t be afraid to add in a flavor shot or sprinkle of cinnamon to switch up the flavor.
Ratio: ⅓ espresso, ⅓ hot milk, ⅓ foamed milk
Cup: 6-oz. cappuccino mug
Americano
In World War II when soldiers would ration their portions by mixing their coffee with water. You still get the high level of caffeine from the espresso, but the water thins it out to create a larger portion of coffee.
Ratio: ⅓ espresso, ⅔ hot water
Cup: 8-oz. coffee cup
Doppio (Double Espresso)
A Doppio is simply a double shot of espresso that stems from the Italian word for “double.” No other ingredients are added to this coffee drink so, by nature, it’s strong to the taste and highly caffeinated.
Ratio: 2 shots of espresso
Cup: 4-oz. espresso cup
Red Eye
Unlike the overnight flight, the red eye coffee drink adds a boost of energy to a regular cup of coffee. To create this cup of joe, add a shot of espresso to your standard drip coffee to enjoy the extra boost of caffeine.
Ratio: 8 oz. of drip coffee with shot of espresso
Cup: 8-10-oz. coffee mug
Flat white
Similar to a latte, the flat white contains espresso and steamed milk, but involves a higher ratio of espresso than milk. This type of coffee drink originates from Australia and New Zealand. Baristas and coffee connoisseurs fold in the milk while it’s steaming to create a velvety texture.
Ratio: ⅔ espresso with ⅓ milk
Cup: 6-oz. cappuccino mug
Macchiato
Folks who are looking to spice up their espressos should try a macchiato. This coffee drink is made with a shot of espresso and a hint of steamed milk or foam. It’s a good option for coffee drinkers who want something more than a shot of espresso but not as much as a cappuccino or a latte.
Ratio: Shot of espresso topped with milk foam
Cup: 4-oz. espresso cup
Cortado
A Cortado is a coffee drink that originated in Spain. It’s half espresso and half steamed milk. Cortados contain mostly no foam, sometimes no foam at all. Coffee lovers enjoy this drink since the milk reduces the acidity of the espresso.
Ratio: ½ espresso and ½ steamed milk
Cup: 4-oz. espresso cup
Ristretto
A Ristretto is an espresso drink made with dark roast coffee beans. It isn’t served with milk or any sweeteners. However, it is made with less hot water than your standard shot of espresso, which creates a sweeter taste.
Ratio: Shot of espresso
Cup: 2-oz. espresso cup
Lungo
A Lungo is a shot of espresso, but with a longer pull. This form of espresso uses double the water of a normal shot, which results in a less intense flavor that’s still on the bitter side.
Ratio: Double shot of espresso
Cup: 4-oz. espresso cup
Galão
What happens when you double the foamed milk of a Cappuccino and a Latte? You create the Galão! To create this Portuguese drink, you add twice the amount of milk for a lighter cup of java that will warm your soul.
Ratio: ⅓ espresso, ⅔ foamed milk
Cup: 8-oz. coffee mug
Affogato
An Affogato is an easy-to-make after-dinner treat that will add a bit of pep back into your step. Grab your favorite ice cream and pour a shot of espresso over it for a creamy, caffeinated dessert.
Ratio: Shot of espresso with scoop of ice cream
Cup: 4-oz. espresso cup
Mocha
Calling all chocolate lovers! A mocha tastes like a blend between hot chocolate and coffee. Add cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to your latte and you’ll be more than satisfied.
Ratio: Shot of espresso with ⅓ chocolate powder or syrup, ⅓ steamed milk and ⅓ milk foam
Cup: 8-oz. coffee mug
Irish Coffee
The Irish coffee drink is another dessert beverage to try out after a meal. Brew a hot cup of joe and mix it with Irish whiskey and Baileys Irish Cream for a decadent dessert drink. Take it to the next level with whipped cream and flavored syrup.
Ratio: ⅓ drip coffee, ⅓ Irish whiskey and ⅓ Baileys Irish Cream
Cup: 8-10-oz. coffee mug
Café au lait
To create this French type of coffee, combine equal parts coffee and steamed milk. The key is to use coffee made from a French press instead of espresso to draw out different flavors.
Ratio: ½ French press coffee and ½ steamed milk
Cup: 8-oz. coffee mug
Instant
Instant coffee is tried-and-true among most java drinkers with limited time and resources. Most instant coffees are flavored and branded from local and regional coffee companies. To make instant coffee, you add 8 oz. of boiled water to a mug with 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee grounds or a single coffee pod Stir until the instant coffee is combined fully. Pour in your milk or sweetener of choice.
Ratio: 8 oz. of drip coffee
Cup: 8-oz. coffee mug
Iced Coffee
An iced coffee is a black coffee served over ice. This refreshing and energy-boosting drink can be created with a splash of milk, cream or your favorite sweetener. You can make this delicious type of cold coffee at home or order it at your favorite cafe paired with a chocolate croissant
Ratio: 8 oz. of drip coffee with ice
Cup: 12-oz. glass
Iced Espresso
An iced espresso is exactly what it sounds like: a cup of espresso over ice. You can either drink an iced espresso black or add in your favorite sweeteners, milk or cream. Try ordering your favorite espresso-based beverages like macchiatos and lattes iced instead of hot for a cool cup of joe.
Ratio: Shot of espresso
Cup: 4-oz. espresso cup
Frappuccino
A Frappuccino, or frappe, is an ice blended smoothie-like coffee drink that is refreshing and delicious. Grab ice, your milk of choice, brewed espresso or coffee and flavored syrups to create your frappe. Make sure your coffee or espresso is cooled down before adding it to your blender or else you’ll have a mess. Don’t forget to add whipped cream for an extra layer of sweetness!
Ratio: 8 oz. of espresso or drip coffee, ¾ cup of milk, 8 oz. of ice
Cup: 10-20-oz. cup
Cold Brew
The latest trend in java drinks is cold brew, which is made by steeping coffee beans over cold water for at least 12 hours. This results in a smooth, less bitter taste compared to your standard iced coffee. The longer you steep your coffee beans, the stronger your cold brew will be. Once the coffee’s ready, you can add your milk or cream of choice.
Ratio: 8 oz. cold brew coffee
Cup: 12-oz. Glass
Nitro Cold Brew
Nitro cold brew is a frothy and foamy cold coffee drink that’s created with nitrogen. Baristas pour this beverage from a nitro tap, which is similar to pouring beer on tap. The end result is very similar to beer with light carbonation, yet a sweet and smooth taste.
Ratio: 8 oz. nitro cold brew
Cup: 12-oz. glass
