The Full Press on Coffee Drink Types

Have you ever stared at a coffee menu and been absolutely confused about what you were ordering? Latte? Cappuccino? Cafe au lait? Affogato? With so many names to identify coffee drinks from around the world, we are bound to be confused every now and then.

As a barista, I learned about different styles of coffee and got the opportunity to brew them for customers who came seeking a taste of something new. I learned that the world of coffee is way bigger than I originally thought, and that brewing coffee is not only measured and specific, but speaks to people’s culture and heritage as well.

So worry no longer! Today we are giving you the full press on the most popular coffee drink types so you know exactly what you are ordering next time you head out for a specialty coffee. 

Latte

Origin: Italy

The most popular coffee style you can order. Traditionally, this is espresso with frothed milk, topped with a thin layer of milk foam. When ordering an iced latte, it is espresso, milk, and ice. Lattes are often sweetened with additional syrups in a wide variety of flavors.

Cappuccino

Origin: Italy

Similar to a latte, the cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam to top it. This is a lighter (in weight and feel) drink compared to the latte.

Macchiato

Origin: Italy

The macchiato is more espresso-focused than the latte and cappuccino and only has a thin layer of foamed or steamed milk covering the espresso, allowing more of the natural coffee flavors to shine through.

Café au lait

Origin: France

Popular in New Orleans and served with fresh beignets, the café au lait is equal parts coffee (not espresso) and scalded milk. The Americanized version is often made with a blend of chicory root and coffee, and balances the bitterness of the coffee with the sweetness of the beignet.

Affogato

Origin: Italy

Espresso or coffee poured over a scoop of vanilla or plain milk-flavored ice cream or gelato.

Americano

Origin: Americans during WWII who didn’t like the strong Italian espresso

Espresso and water. Instead of the milk you get with a latte, Americanos use water to pair with the espresso.

Frappuccino

Origin: Starbucks

A blended iced coffee drink that was originally created by Starbucks. Uses a coffee or cream base and other syrups to ensure homogenous blending.

Cortado

Origin: Spain, Portugal, Latin America

Equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The milk is steamed, not frothy like in an Italian latte.

Cold Brew

Origin: Japan

This is coffee that has been brewed with cold water, often steeped between 12 and 18 hours. It is less acidic and often has a smooth mouthfeel and full body. If you make it a Nitro, someone has just pumped the cold brew coffee full of nitrogen.

Cafe Cubano

Origin: Cuba

Cuban Coffee is an espresso shot that has been sweetened with sugar, usually made in a Moka pot.

Red Eye

Origin: United States

Brewed black coffee with a shot of espresso on top. Best for those working long, crazy hours or who are in desperate need of a caffeine boost. 

Now that we’ve clarified some of the most popular coffee drinks, you can order with confidence (or start brewing at home). Of course, every coffee shop has their own verbage for a variety of coffee drinks; some unique to them and some that are highly contested and personalized everywhere you go. But now you have the foundations that will help you explore the world of coffee while enjoying flavors and brew combinations pleasing to your palate.

Cheers,

Mrs. Brew