Discover different types of coffee drinks, from espresso to specialty brews. Learn about ingredients, brewing methods, and how to choose the best coffee for you.
A Complete Guide to Types of Coffee Drinks You Must Try
Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages worldwide, with an estimated two billion cups consumed daily. From the bustling streets of Italy, where espresso culture thrives, to the slow, methodical preparation of Turkish coffee, different types of coffee drinks have emerged to suit diverse palates. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a dedicated enthusiast, understanding the nuances of coffee varieties, brewing methods, and espresso-based drinks will elevate your appreciation of this globally cherished beverage
What Are the Different Types of Coffee Drinks?
The world of coffee is vast, but all coffee drinks can be categorized into three main types:
- Espresso-Based Drinks – Made with concentrated espresso, often mixed with milk or water.
- Brewed Coffee Drinks – Created by steeping or filtering coffee grounds with hot water.
- Specialty & Unique Coffee Beverages – Includes dessert-style or culturally significant drinks.
Espresso-Based Coffee Drinks
Espresso is the foundation of many popular coffee beverages. It is a strong, concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. Originating from Italy in the early 20th century, espresso has become the backbone of many classic coffee drinks enjoyed worldwide.
Single Espresso vs. Double Espresso
- Single Espresso (Solo) – A 30ml shot of intense, bold coffee.
- Double Espresso (Doppio) – A 60ml shot, offering a stronger caffeine kick.
💡 Fun Fact: The world’s first espresso machine was invented in 1884 by Angelo Moriondo in Turin, Italy.
See more: Melbourne Magic Coffee: The Secret Behind This Iconic Brew
Cappuccino vs. Latte vs. Flat White
| Drink | Espresso | Steamed Milk | Foam | Taste & Texture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cappuccino | 1 shot | 1 part | 1 part | Bold, creamy, frothy |
| Latte | 1 shot | More milk | Light | Smooth, creamy |
| Flat White | 1 shot | Less milk | None | Strong, velvety |
💡 Did you know? The Flat White originated in Australia and New Zealand, and it has become a favorite among those who enjoy a stronger coffee-to-milk ratio.
Americano vs. Long Black: What’s the Difference?
- Americano – Espresso diluted with hot water.
- Long Black – Hot water poured over espresso, preserving the crema.
While both drinks appear similar, a Long Black retains more of espresso’s original flavor, making it bolder and more aromatic.
Brewed Coffee Drinks
Unlike espresso-based drinks, brewed coffee uses methods that allow water to extract flavors over a longer period. Different brewing techniques affect strength, body, and taste.
Drip Coffee vs. French Press vs. AeroPress
| Brewing Method | Process | Taste Profile | Brewing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip Coffee | Hot water drips through coffee grounds | Smooth, mild | 5-7 mins |
| French Press | Coffee steeps in hot water, then pressed | Rich, full-bodied | 4-5 mins |
| AeroPress | Coffee is steeped, then pushed through a filter | Clean, concentrated | 1-2 mins |
💡 French Press coffee is known for its bold flavor and oily texture, while AeroPress is preferred for quick, high-pressure extraction similar to espresso.
Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee
Though often confused, Cold Brew and Iced Coffee differ in their preparation:
- Cold Brew – Coffee is steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a smooth, naturally sweet flavor.
- Iced Coffee – Regular brewed coffee chilled and served over ice, with a lighter, more acidic taste.
💡 Cold Brew is up to 67% less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, making it easier on the stomach!
Specialty and Unique Coffee Drinks
Beyond the classics, the world of coffee offers some truly fascinating specialty coffee drinks with rich cultural histories.
Mocha vs. Macchiato: Which One to Choose?
- Mocha – A chocolate-infused latte, topped with whipped cream, ideal for those who love sweet coffee drinks.
- Macchiato – A bold espresso shot “stained” with a small amount of milk, perfect for those who prefer stronger coffee flavors.
💡 The word “Macchiato” means “stained” in Italian, referring to the small splash of milk added to the espresso.
Affogato: A Dessert-Like Coffee Experience
A truly indulgent treat, the Affogato consists of:
- One scoop of vanilla gelato
- A hot shot of espresso poured over it
This Italian dessert-style coffee perfectly balances sweet and bitter flavors.
Turkish Coffee and Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Two of the most iconic traditional coffee preparations from around the world:
- Turkish Coffee – Finely ground coffee boiled with sugar in a small copper pot (cezve), creating a thick, strong coffee with foam on top.
- Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) – A rich, creamy coffee topped with a whipped egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk.
💡 Vietnamese Egg Coffee was invented in the 1940s in Hanoi, during a milk shortage. It remains one of Vietnam’s most unique coffee creations.
How to Choose the Right Coffee Drink for You?
With so many options, how do you pick the perfect coffee to match your taste? Consider these factors:
Factors to Consider: Taste, Strength, and Texture
| Preference | Best Coffee Choice |
|---|---|
| Strong & Bold | Espresso, Americano, Turkish Coffee |
| Smooth & Creamy | Latte, Cappuccino, Flat White |
| Sweet & Dessert-Like | Mocha, Affogato, Vietnamese Egg Coffee |
| Refreshing & Icy | Cold Brew, Iced Coffee |
Best Coffee Drinks for Beginners
If you’re new to coffee, start with a drink that is smooth and well-balanced:
- Latte – Creamy, with a gentle espresso flavor.
- Cappuccino – Frothy and satisfying.
- Mocha – A great introduction for those who love chocolate.
Coffee Drinks for Strong Caffeine Lovers
For those who need an extra caffeine kick, try:
- Espresso (Doppio) – Pure, concentrated caffeine.
- Turkish Coffee – Unfiltered, strong coffee with a thick consistency.
- Cold Brew – Higher caffeine content with smoothness and low acidity.
💡 “Coffee is a language in itself.” – Jackie Chan
The second half of this comprehensive coffee guide will cover how to make popular coffee drinks at home, step-by-step brewing guides, and tips for latte art.
How to Make Popular Coffee Drinks at Home
Mastering the art of coffee brewing at home allows you to enjoy barista-quality coffee while tailoring each cup to your personal taste. Whether you prefer a strong espresso, a frothy cappuccino, or a refreshing cold brew, understanding the correct techniques is essential.
At Lyoncafe (visit us at mtnlyoncafe.com for more expert coffee insights), we believe that coffee-making is an art and a science. Our years of experience in sourcing, roasting, and brewing coffee have taught us that small details—from grind size to brewing temperature—can significantly impact the final taste. Below is an expert guide to help you recreate café-style coffee at home.
Step-by-Step Guide for Making Espresso Drinks
Espresso is the foundation of many beloved coffee drinks. A well-made espresso should have a rich aroma, balanced acidity, and a creamy crema layer on top.
What You Need:
- Espresso machine (or AeroPress/Moka Pot for alternatives)
- Freshly ground coffee (medium-fine grind)
- Filtered water
Instructions:
- Preheat your espresso machine to ensure consistent temperature.
- Grind fresh coffee beans to a fine consistency (similar to table salt).
- Use 18-20 grams of coffee for a double shot (Doppio).
- Tamp the grounds firmly to create an even surface.
- Extract the shot (25-30 seconds for a perfect espresso).
- Observe the crema – a golden layer indicates a well-extracted espresso.
💡 Expert Tip from Lyoncafe: The fresher the beans, the richer the crema!
Brewing the Perfect Cold Brew at Home
Cold Brew Coffee has become wildly popular due to its smooth, naturally sweet flavor and lower acidity compared to hot-brewed coffee.
What You Need:
- Coarse-ground coffee beans
- Cold, filtered water
- A large jar or French press
- Cheesecloth or coffee filter
Instructions:
- Mix coffee and water in a 1:4 ratio (e.g., 1 cup coffee to 4 cups water).
- Stir gently and let it sit in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
- Strain using a cheesecloth to remove coffee grounds.
- Dilute with water or milk, then serve over ice.
💡 Lyoncafe Insight: Cold Brew can stay fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge!
Latte Art Basics: Creating Beautiful Coffee Designs
Latte art is a defining feature of expert baristas. The key lies in proper milk steaming and precise pouring techniques.
How to Steam Milk Properly:
- Fill the milk jug halfway with fresh milk.
- Purge steam wand before inserting it into the milk.
- Submerge wand slightly and turn on steam to create microfoam.
- Swirl the milk until it reaches 140-150°F (60-65°C).
- Tap the jug lightly to remove large bubbles.
Simple Latte Art Patterns:
| Design | Technique |
|---|---|
| Heart | Pour steadily, then pull through the center. |
| Rosetta | Wiggle the jug while pouring, then drag a line through the middle. |
| Tulip | Layer multiple hearts in succession. |
💡 Lyoncafe Pro Tip: The right milk texture (smooth, velvety) is more important than intricate designs!
The Future of Coffee: Trends & Innovations
The coffee industry is constantly evolving, with new brewing techniques, sustainability efforts, and AI-driven innovations shaping the way we enjoy coffee.
Specialty Coffee & Third Wave Movement
The Third Wave Coffee Movement emphasizes:
- Direct trade sourcing (ensuring fair prices for farmers).
- Single-origin beans (highlighting unique flavor profiles).
- Precision roasting to preserve delicate notes.
At Lyoncafe, we take pride in supporting ethical sourcing and using high-quality beans to deliver premium coffee experiences.
💡 Industry Insight: According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the global specialty coffee market is expected to reach $83.6 billion by 2025.
AI & Smart Coffee Brewing
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing coffee with smart brewers that:
- Adjust brewing parameters based on bean origin.
- Learn user preferences to customize coffee strength and temperature.
- Optimize coffee freshness with predictive algorithms.
☕ “Technology will never replace the soul of coffee, but it will enhance its consistency and quality.” – Lyoncafe Barista Team
Conclusion: Discover Your Favorite Coffee Today!
Coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a culture, an art, and a science. From the bold intensity of espresso to the refreshing smoothness of cold brew, each coffee drink has its own unique character.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Experiment with different coffee drinks to find your favorite.
✔ Master brewing techniques to enhance flavor and aroma.
✔ Support ethical coffee sourcing to sustain the industry.
✔ Stay updated on coffee trends to discover new innovations.
At Lyoncafe, we are passionate about helping coffee lovers explore the world of coffee through expert guides, high-quality beans, and brewing tools. Visit mtnlyoncafe.com to learn more and elevate your coffee experience today! ☕✨
I’m Kara Chavez, and I love coffee. I like to create some of the best coffees around – espressos, lattes, macchiatos . I strive for perfection in my coffee-making skills, and I take great pride in providing a delicious cup of joe to my customers.
I’ve been working in the coffee industry for years now, and I know everything there is to know about making a perfect cup of coffee. My passion for coffee shines through in every cup that I make, and I hope that you’ll stop by soon so that I can share my love of coffee with you!