Introduction to Coffee: 21 Different Types of Espresso Drinks You Should Know About
You might think you’re familiar with the different types of espresso drinks, but there are numerous variations, including those from around the globe. With a basic shot of espresso, you can craft a wide array of beverages. If you’re looking for something beyond just a simple espresso or latte, we’re here to assist.
We’ve put together a guide featuring 21 distinct types of espresso drinks to help you confidently order a variety of espresso-based beverages at coffee shops or Starbucks, beyond just lattes and cappuccinos. Keep reading to discover everything about espresso and its diverse offerings.
What is an Espresso?
Espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage made by forcing hot water under pressure through finely-ground coffee beans. A single shot of espresso contains just one ounce (30g) of liquid but packs around 64 milligrams of caffeine. This makes it much stronger than regular black coffee, with an average concentration of about 12.5 milligrams per ounce.
Espresso is typically served in small cups that hold between 60 to 120ml of liquid. It also serves as the base for many popular coffee drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and Americanos.
What are the different types of espresso drinks?
1.Espresso
The most basic form of an espresso drink is simply a shot of espresso. To prepare this, you’ll need a single filter and approximately 6 to 8 grams of finely ground coffee.
2.Ristretto (Ristretto)
A ristretto is a more concentrated form of espresso, made using finer coffee grounds and half the usual amount of water.
3.Doppio (Doppio)
This refers to a double shot of coffee, made with a larger amount of coffee grounds. It consists of two shots of espresso.
4.Cappuccino (Cappuccino)
A cappuccino is composed of one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third milk foam.
5.Latte
A latte, often just called a latte, consists of one-third espresso, two-thirds steamed milk, and a bit of microfoam. Typically made with a double shot of espresso, it can be garnished with cinnamon, brown sugar, or cocoa powder.
6.Piccolo Latte
“Piccolo” means small in Italian, so this is essentially a smaller version of a latte served in an espresso cup or demitasse. It’s made by topping ristretto espresso with steamed milk.
7.Mocha
A mocha is a sweetened coffee drink that combines a latte with chocolate syrup or cocoa powder. For those who enjoy sweeter coffee options, adding caramel or mint syrup can be delightful.
8.Espresso Macchiato
An Espresso Macchiato is crafted by combining a small amount of steamed milk with a shot of espresso topped with foam.
9.Latte Macchiato
This variation on the classic espresso features more milk. To prepare a Latte Macchiato, pour one-third to half a cup of steamed milk into a glass, then gently add an espresso shot on top.
10.Americano
An Americano has the same strength as regular black coffee but is created by diluting a single or double shot of espresso with hot water, giving it a distinct flavor from traditional black coffee.
11.Lungo Coffee
To prepare a Lungo coffee, you need to use twice as much water with the same amount of coffee grounds. This results in a higher caffeine content and a more extensive extraction process. Although this drink resembles an Americano, its preparation method and taste are distinct.
12.Flat White
Flat White is particularly popular in Australia and New Zealand. These beverages are similar to Cappuccinos but have a higher ratio of coffee to milk and lack milk foam.
13.Cortados
Cortados consist of equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The milk is steamed but does not froth or foam like it does in other drinks.
Espresso and Coffee Drinks
14.Red Eye Coffee
Red Eye is a highly caffeinated drink. To prepare it, brew a cup of black coffee (120ml) and then add a shot of espresso (30ml).
15.Black Eye Coffee
Black Eye is an even stronger version of the Red Eye. To make it, add two shots of espresso (60ml) to a cup of hot black coffee (120ml).
16.Dead Eye Coffee (Dripped eye)
Dead Eye Coffee is the strongest among the three, created by adding three shots of espresso (90ml) to a cup of black coffee (120ml).
17.Lazy Eye
Lazy Eye offers a less caffeinated choice. It’s prepared by mixing two shots of espresso with a cup of decaffeinated black coffee.
Other Espresso Beverages
18.Black Tie
Black Tie uses Thai tea as its base instead of black coffee. To make it, add two shots of espresso to a cup of hot Thai tea.
19.Affogato
Affogato is a dessert drink that combines the richness of espresso with the sweetness of ice cream, made by pouring a shot of espresso over a scoop of ice cream.
20.Espresso Con Panna
In Italian, “espresso con panna” translates to espresso with cream. To prepare this, simply add fresh cream to a single or double shot of espresso.
21.Galão
This creamy Portuguese beverage consists of one part espresso and three parts frothed milk.
