The Ultimate Guide to 21 Different Types of Espresso Drinks
There are numerous variations of espresso drinks worldwide beyond the bare espresso shot or caffé latte. You can create a wide range of beverages with a nude espresso shot. The knowledge can help you take your espresso experience to the next level.
The guide will help you broaden your coffee knowledge and ordering options by introducing you to the 21 types of espresso drinks. Understanding the variety of espresso and its forms will enable you to confidently order beyond the regular lattes and cappuccinos. Keep reading for further information.
What is espresso?
Espresso is a popular beverage known for its intense flavor and high concentration of caffeine. Espresso pushes hot water through the beans at high pressure derived from finely-ground coffee beans. The result is a one-ounce shot of dark, robust coffee that contains around 64 milligrams of caffeine. This amount is much more concentrated than regular black coffee, which averages 12.5 milligrams per ounce.
This beverage is delicious on its own when served in small cups. Still, it can also be used as the foundation for popular espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, and Americanos. Adding steamed milk, sugar syrup, and whipped cream can make these beverages even more decadent.
21 types of espresso drinks for you to try:
Espresso
It is prepared with finely-ground coffee beans, extracted by forcing hot water through the grounds under pressure. A single shot of espresso typically uses around six to eight grams of ground coffee and is brewed through a single-shot filter.
Ristretto
A ristretto is a more concentrated coffee beverage made with finer coffee grounds and half the water normally used to create an espresso. It results in a stronger taste that has become increasingly popular amongst coffee lovers thanks to its intense flavor.
Doppio
This type of espresso is made with twice the amount of coffee grounds as a regular espresso shot. It produces a stronger, more intense flavor from the espresso. When preparing a doppio, baristas use the double-shot filter to pack more coffee grounds into the portafilter.
Cappuccino
Learn about the classic Italian beverage called cappuccino. It starts with one-third espresso, followed by one-third steamed milk, and topped off with foam for the finishing touch. Usually served in 5 to 6-oz cups or mugs, you can also get it as a dry version containing less steamed milk but a more potent espresso taste - something sure to please even the most discerning java connoisseur.
Caffé Latte
Indulge in a delicious caffé latte made from equal parts freshly brewed espresso and steamed milk. Topped with a fine layer of foam, it has a creamy texture and robust flavor that delights coffee lovers worldwide. The foam is created using a special technique whereby steam and air are injected into the hot milk to give it an aerated texture. Depending on preference, one may add flavorings such as cinnamon, brown sugar, or cocoa powder to the top of their caffé latte for extra pizzazz.
Piccolo Latte
It is a classic Italian beverage prepared with a ristretto shot of espresso and delicately topped off with steamed milk. The name "Piccolo" translates to "small" in Italian, so this drink is known for its petite size, often served in an espresso cup or demitasse.
Mocha
Pamper yourself in a delightful cup of Mocha - an espresso-based drink flavored with milk and chocolate, topped off with delicious syrup such as caramel or peppermint. For extra sweetness and richness, top it up with whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Espresso Macchiato
An espresso macchiato is a popular Italian coffee-based beverage with a strong espresso and a small amount of steamed milk and foam. This delicious drink has become increasingly popular due to its rich flavor, smooth texture, and caffeine kick.
Latte Macchiato
Experience a unique twist on espresso with the latte macchiato! To craft this delectable beverage, begin by steaming milk to an ideal temperature and texture before pouring it into your cup or mug. The amount of dairy used can be adjusted according to individual preference.
Americano
An Americano is a tasty and unique twist on the classic cup of black coffee. A single or double shot of espresso is combined with hot water to create this beverage, which boasts an intense flavor that packs more punch than regular brewed coffee while still maintaining its robustness.
Lungo
Discover a unique and robust flavor of coffee with an Italian-style Lungo. This espresso uses double the amount of water as an Americano to pass through the same coffee grounds. This results in a drink with more caffeine and a greater level of extraction from the coffee beans, resulting in a different flavor profile than its espresso-based counterpart.
Flat white
The flat white is a beloved coffee beverage from Australia and New Zealand. It offers an indulgent combination of espresso shot and milk heated for extra creaminess - creating a full-bodied flavor experience unlike any other. The flat white satisfies every sip with its higher coffee-to-milk ratio than a cappuccino.
Cortado
Enjoy a smooth and creamy cortado, an espresso drink made from equal parts of rich and steamed milk. Unlike cappuccinos or lattes, topped with foamy bubbles, the mellow texture of this beverage brings out its full-bodied flavor for a truly satisfying cup.
Red Eye
A red eye is a coffee beverage that packs an extra punch of caffeine. To make one, begin by brewing a cup of strong black coffee. After that, add a single shot of espresso for an added boost. This type of drink has become increasingly popular as it provides a quick and effective way to get a jolt of energy.
Black Eye
Get ready for a jolt of energy with the black eye. It is made by adding double the amount of espresso shots to a regular cup of hot black coffee.
Dripped Eye
A dripped eye is a full-bodied coffee beverage created by adding three shots of freshly brewed espresso to a cup of hot black coffee. This combination creates an intensely strong flavor with an added layer of complexity that can only be achieved by combining the two types of coffee.
Lazy Eye
For those seeking a more relaxed coffee experience, Lazy Eye is the perfect choice. This signature drink combines two espresso shots with a cup of decaffeinated coffee, providing a stimulating treat that can still be enjoyed anytime.
Black tie
It is an espresso-based beverage made from the traditional Thai drink, Thai tea. Two espresso shots are added to a cup of steaming hot Thai tea to make the concoction. The resulting drink has a unique taste and look, with the boldness of coffee and the sweetness of tea combining into a delicious balance that can be enjoyed either iced or hot.
Affogato
Affogato is a delightful Italian dessert that combines the two classic flavors of espresso and ice cream. This decadent treat features a single scoop of your favorite ice cream served with a freshly brewed shot of espresso poured over the top.
Espresso con Panna
Experience the delightful blend of espresso and cream by trying out Espresso con panna. The espresso used in this drink is usually a single or double shot, and the cream is usually whipped.
Galão
Galão is a traditional Portuguese coffee beverage enjoyed by many. Made with a quarter espresso shot and three-quarters of steamed milk foam, it has a creamy and smooth texture that melts in the mouth.
Conclusion
After reviewing the list of 21 types of espresso drinks, you should feel more confident while ordering or making espresso drinks. We have included a diverse range of options in this comprehensive list. If you do not find your preferred flavor combination, you could always try experimenting and creating a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a Cappuccino?
Brew 1-2 shots of espresso into a cup or mug to make a cappuccino. Once the espresso is brewed, use a steamer or frothing wand to heat and froth between 6-8 oz of milk. Pour the foamed milk over the espresso and top with cocoa powder or cinnamon for garnish. A cappuccino should have equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam on top for a creamy texture and strong flavor.
What is a Ristretto?
A ristretto is an espresso shot with more concentrated flavor and less liquid than the standard shot size of roughly 0.6 ounces instead of 1 ounce per serving made by using the same amount of ground coffee but relatively less amount of water and pressure to extract more flavor from the dose in a short period.
What is the difference between a cappuccino and a latte?
The primary difference between a cappuccino and a latte lies in the ratio of espresso to milk. A cappuccino contains 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam, while a latte contains 1/6 espresso and 4/6 steamed milk. Additionally, the texture of a cappuccino is thicker than that of a latte due to its higher proportion of foam.
Is an Americano similar to an espresso?
An Americano is made with one or two shots of espresso mixed with hot water. It has a much milder flavor than an espresso and is less concentrated. It also has a lighter body as it has been diluted with hot water.
What makes a macchiato different from other coffees?
A macchiato is made with one shot of espresso and a small amount of foamed milk on top. It gives the drink a strong espresso flavor and a slightly creamy texture. It also has a higher proportion of espresso to milk than other coffee drinks, making it stronger in taste and intensity.
Is Irish Coffee any different from regular coffee?
Irish Coffee typically contains hot brewed coffee, whiskey, brown sugar, and cream. It is usually served in an Irish coffee mug which helps to keep the mixture warm. The whiskey adds a unique warmth and complexity to the flavor of this beverage that differs from regular brewed coffee. It also has a higher alcohol content than other coffee drinks, making it a popular choice for those looking to add an extra kick to their morning beverage.