A Guide to Different Espresso Based Drinks

A Guide to Different Espresso Based Drinks

Ah, coffee—the liquid motivation, the morning hero, the reason some of us bother to roll out of bed each day. With so many types of coffee out there, it’s easy to feel lost in the swirl of foam, syrup, and espresso shots. Fear not, fellow coffee lover! This guide is here to demystify coffee menus and help you navigate the world of coffee choices with the confidence of a barista who spells your name right.

1. Espresso 

Espresso is the superhero of coffee and is the foundation for many coffee drinks. It is created with a concentrated shot made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under pressure. Small but mighty, the espresso is the base of many beloved brews. The result is a small, strong cup with a bold flavor and a velvety, golden crema on top. It’s essentially coffee concentrated to the point where it could probably run a marathon (and finish with enough energy to do a victory dance).

Characteristics:

  • Flavor so bold, it could write its own autobiography
  • Comes with a golden, velvety crema (that’s the golden to dark brown foam on top)
  • Served roughly in 30ml, but it packs a punch that’ll wake up your taste buds

2. Americano

Legend has it that American soldiers in World War II, craving their drip coffee, decided to water down their espresso with hot water. Thus, the Americano was born—proof that necessity is the mother of caffeination.

Characteristics:

  • Similar in strength to drip coffee but with a different flavor profile
  • Made by adding hot water to espresso, stretching out that powerful punch
  • Smooth, less intense than an espresso
  • Perfect for when you want espresso flavor without feeling like you’re training for a competitive speed-talking event

3. Latte

A latte is the perfect balance of creamy milk and espresso. The name “latte” means “milk” in Italian, and it’s known for being a popular base for creative coffee art. Lattes are the comfort food of coffee—warm, smooth, and ready for all your syrupy shenanigans. With its plush milk and artistic foam, it’s also the go-to for baristas who like to demonstrate their latte art skills with a heart or leaf design.

Characteristics:

  • One shot of espresso with steamed milk and a small layer of foam
  • Velvety, smooth, creamy texture and mild taste; the coffee equivalent of a warm hug. 
  • Often flavored with syrups or spices

4. Cappuccino

The cappuccino is beloved for its rich, velvety texture. It’s similar to a latte but with a thicker layer of foam and a smaller milk ratio, making it a bit stronger. If a latte is a warm hug, a cappuccino is that same hug, but with a sassy flick of the wrist. It’s like a latte but with more foam and an attitude.

Characteristics:

  • Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam like the perfect group project where everyone pulls their weight
  • Often topped with a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon for extra oomph
  • Bolder than a latte because it’s got less milk to soften the espresso’s powerful presence

5. Macchiato

The word “macchiato” means “stained” or “spotted” in Italian. A traditional espresso macchiato is simply a shot of espresso “stained” with a dash of milk or foam.

Characteristics:

  • Stronger than a latte or cappuccino
  • Small amount of milk or foam added to espresso
  • Served in a small cup
  • The ideal choice when you want espresso but need a tiny buffer

6. Flat White

Originating from Australia or New Zealand (depending on who you ask), the flat white is similar to a latte but with a higher ratio of coffee to milk, resulting in a richer flavor. The flat white is the lovechild of a latte and a cappuccino. 

Characteristics:

  • Made with microfoam (steamed milk with fine, velvety texture, not bubbly)
  • Stronger coffee flavor compared to a latte
  • Served in a smaller cup, making the coffee taste more pronounced

7. Mocha

For those with a sweet tooth, the mocha blends the best of both worlds: coffee and chocolate. It’s essentially a latte with the addition of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder. Sweet, rich, and perfect for those days when you can’t decide between a hot drink or a dessert.

Characteristics:

  • Rich, sweet flavor from chocolate
  • Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup or cocoa powder and a touch of foam
  • Topped with whipped cream or chocolate shavings if you’re feeling extra fancy

8. Affogato

The affogato blurs the line between dessert and coffee. It consists of a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream “drowned” with a shot of hot espresso. The affogato is the Brad Pitt of coffee drinks: charming, irresistible, and technically counts as dessert. A scoop of ice cream drowned in hot espresso? Yes, please.

Characteristics:

  • A mix of cold, creamy ice cream and hot espresso
  • Perfect as an after-dinner treat
  • Sweet, bitter, and totally worth every melting second

9. Cold Brew

Cold brew is the smooth talker of the coffee world. It’s made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for hours (typically 12-24 hours), resulting in a drink that’s low on acidity and high on flavour. It’s smooth, naturally sweet, and less acidic than traditional iced coffee.

Characteristics:

  • Brewed without heat, resulting in a mellow, almost sweet taste
  • Low acidity
  • Best served over ice and great with a splash of milk, cream or a sweetener if you’re feeling it
  • Takes time to make, so it has patience (unlike most of us before coffee)

10. Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is what happens when regular hot coffee decides to take a cold bath. Unlike Cold Brew, it’s brewed hot, chilled, and served over ice, so it’s a straightforward classic with a strong, familiar flavor. It’s a quick and simple way to enjoy coffee cold but with a more robust, familiar coffee flavor.

Characteristics:

  • Brewed hot, chilled, then served over ice
  • Bright, strong taste
  • Bold and refreshing
  • Often sweetened or flavoured
  • The perfect companion for hot days, busy mornings, or whenever you need a little pep in your step

Congratulations, you’re now a coffee expert (or at least will sound like one)! From the Espresso shot to the dessert-like Affogato to the Kiwi familiar Flat White, there’s a cup for every mood and time.

Each has its unique charm, from the robust simplicity of an espresso to the sweet indulgence of a mocha. So next time you visit a café or brew your own at home, maybe try a new style and see if you can create several new "favourites" to add to your repertoire!  

~ Ange Peckham ~ 

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