A Look at 7 Different Types of Espresso Drinks and Why You Should Try Them

Without a doubt:

Many people drink espresso daily. 

And while some love making it at home, others find it easier to pick up a cup from a coffee shop on their way to work.

Anyway:

If you are new to espresso coffee, it’s easy to feel spoilt for choice. I mean, there are a ton of different flavors, combos, and recipes.

And that’s why most people often wonder – which one is the best?

Well, the answer to this question will depend on your taste palette, preferences, and what effect you want to get from your espresso drink.

That’s why:

Today, I want to take you through some of the most popular types of espresso drinks to get you started.

And, even better, I’ll throw in a few answers to frequently asked questions about these coffee drinks.

Ready?

Let’s get down to it.

7 Different Types of Espresso Drinks

1. Caffé Latte

Get this:

The Caffé Latte (or simply Latte) is arguably the most popular kind of espresso drink. 

This popular Italian coffee drink usually contains three layers; one part expresso (at the bottom) and 2 parts steamed milk (at the center) with a thin layer of foamed milk (at the top).

Now:

Having a high milk content means that the Latte has a sweeter, gentler taste than plain espresso coffee. Thus, adding sugar is optional for this drink.

For flavor, sometimes there can be more toppings like cinnamon, cocoa powder, and brown sugar. And even with added ice cubes, a cold Latte still offers a magical coffee beverage experience.

Also:

Because of its perfectly sweet and rich taste, it is ideal for someone who wants a strong pick-me-up; but with a sweeter taste.

Standard Cup Size	240 Ml
Espresso Volume	30 Ml (a standard shot of espresso)
Caffeine Content	64 Mg
Country of Origin	Italy
Best Served	Hot or Iced Coffee

2. Caffé Americano

So:

The Caffé Americano or Americano or Long Black is the best choice for lactose-intolerant coffee-lovers who still want to enjoy espresso coffee.

Why?

Because it doesn’t contain foamed or steamed milk.

This punchy drink is made by simply diluting espresso in hot water.

In fact:

It is slightly similar to regular black coffee in terms of strength but the flavor differs a little. 

Now, depending on how strong of a kick you need, you can either get a single shot or twice the amount of espresso in your Caffé Americano.

Funnily enough, the Venti Americano from Starbucks Coffee Shop comes with four shots of espresso.

Anyway:

Hot water usually softens the flavor of this sugar-free drink; thus, making it easier to sip.

Standard Cup Size	240 Ml
Espresso Volume	30 Ml (a standard shot of espresso)
Caffeine Content	64 Mg
Country Of Origin	Italy
Best Served	Hot

3. Cappuccino

Now:

Much like the Latte, a Cappuccino is definitely among the most popular espresso drinks today.

It’s sweet and versatile.

Note:

A typical Cappuccino has the same ingredients as a Latte – an espresso shot, steamed milk, and foamed milk. But, the ratios are different.

For a Cappuccino, the measurements are one part espresso, one part hot steamed milk, and one part milk foam.

All equal ratios.

Also:

One thing that makes the Cappuccino versatile is the fact that you can substitute the foamed milk with whipped cream.

And, there is an option of a Cappuccino with less milk known as a dry Cappuccino Coffee.

Standard Cup Size	140 Ml
Espresso Volume	30 Ml (a standard shot of espresso)
Caffeine Content	64 Mg
Country Of Origin	Austria – Italy
Best Served	Hot or Iced Coffee

4. Caffé Macchiato 

Now:

A Caffé Macchiato or Espresso Macchiato a potent type of espresso drink.

Unlike the Latte and Cappuccino, this coffee drink contains two things – espresso and foamed milk. The only thing worth noting is that it has a high espresso to milk ratio.

How?

Well, a typical Espresso Macchiato contains a shot of espresso with one or two teaspoons of milk foam.

Thus, it retains the bold and punchy espresso flavor.

Note:

The tiny amount of milk in this drink is meant to soften and sweeten it without overpowering the original taste of pure espresso.

Get it?

Standard Cup Size	114ml
Espresso Volume	30 Ml
Caffeine Content	64 Mg
Country Of Origin	Italy
Best Served	Hot

5. Caffé Mocha

Fact:

The Mocha or Mocaccino is among the sweetest espresso drinks available.

And that’s partly because it is chocolate-flavored with whipped cream as an optional topping. However, other variations come with foamed milk instead of cream.

It’s safe to say:

The Mocaccino is a warmer, sweeter, chocolatey version of the Latte.

Why? Because it contains a shot of espresso, steamed milk, foamed milk (or cream), and chocolate syrup.

A White Caffé Mocha is a variation of this espresso drink that’s made using white chocolate and no milk.

Also:

You can add caramel or peppermint syrup if you want to treat your taste buds to something tastier and unique.

Standard Cup Size	240 Ml
Espresso Volume	20 Ml
Caffeine Content	64 Mg
Country Of Origin	Yemen
Best Served	Hot Or Iced

6. Ristretto

So:

A Ristretto shot is the closest you can get to ‘drinking an untainted shot of espresso’.

In fact:

It is two times more concentrated than your typical shot of espresso. And that makes it the strongest drink on this list.

But:

It’s not the most caffeinated of coffee drinks. Why?

Because of its shorter brewing process, it takes less time to extract a Ristretto from finely ground coffee than an espresso.

Thus, the caffeine content in the former is often a bit low.

Note:

A Ristretto is also called a Short Shot because it’s made using half the amount water that makes a standard shot of espresso.

That’s why it’s so concentrated and with a bolder taste.

This drink is popular because it has a rich flavor; plus,most people consider it the purest way to enjoy your espresso.

Cup Size	60ml
Espresso Volume	15 – 20 Ml
Caffeine Content	60 Mg
Country Of Origin	Italy
Best Served	Hot

7. Flat White

Last but not least, you can go for a Flat White.

Now, there has always been a lot of contention about the origins of this drink – some say it is Australian while others firmly believe it originates from New Zealand.

Either way, it’s an awesome and popular type of espresso.

What makes it special?

Well, a typical Flat White contains two things – a shot of espresso and steamed milk (with microfoam). It looks the same as a Latte but slightly smaller in volume.

Anyway:

The biggest selling point of a Flat White is its high coffee to milk ratio. Therefore, you get to enjoy a strong, punchy espresso flavor that’s softened by microfoam milk.

Standard Cup Size	150 Ml
Espresso Volume	60 Ml
Caffeine Content	128 Mg (from two shots of espresso)
Country Of Origin	Australia – New Zealand
Best Served	Hot

To Sum Up…

It’s a fact:

When it comes to good espresso, there’s always something for everyone and their needs at the time.

And with this list of the top seven types of espresso drinks, you’ve got all the information you need.

That said:

It is time to start your tasteful and fulfilling journey into the world of coffee-based drinks and beverages.

But:

Before you do, talk to me.

Have you found your favorite drink? Do you have any more questions about espresso? Or is there something I’ve missed here?

If any, feel free to let me know in the comments below.

I’d love to hear from you.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Espresso Drinks