When you look at a coffee shop menu, it can feel like a whole new language: lattes, cortados, macchiatos, and more. We dug into what baristas and coffee lovers say about these classics, and it turns out each one has its own personality. Here’s a simple guide to the nine drinks you’ll almost always spot on the menu, explained in plain language.
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Espresso
This is the foundation of most coffee drinks. Hot water is forced under pressure through finely ground, tightly packed coffee, creating a small, but intense shot of coffee topped with a rich, golden crema. It’s small in size, but big on flavor.
Americano
An Americano is a shot of espresso “diluted” with hot water. The strength of an Americano is the same as drip coffee, but with the smooth flavor of espresso. It’s perfect if you like something less intense than a straight shot.
Cappuccino
It’s made up of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foamy milk. The foam creates a light, airy drink, often sprinkled with cocoa or cinnamon.
Latte
Lattes are milkier than cappuccinos, with one shot of espresso and a lot of steamed milk. They’re smooth, creamy, and often flavored with syrups like vanilla or caramel. They’re great for beginners who don’t want too much bitterness.
Flat White
This is very similar to a latte, but smaller with less foam. The steamed milk is silky and fuses with the espresso, creating a drink with a more intense coffee flavor, but with no frothy top. Flat whites are common in Australia and New Zealand.
Macchiato
Literally translated from Italian as “stained,” a macchiato is a shot of espresso “stained” with a spoonful of foamed milk. It’s stronger than a cappuccino or latte, but not as bitter as straight espresso.
Mocha
This is the lovechild of coffee and hot chocolate. A mocha is espresso mixed with steamed milk and chocolate syrup or cocoa powder, usually topped with whipped cream. It’s sweet, rich and indulgent.
Cortado
This one is simple, with equal parts espresso and warm milk. The milk cuts through the espresso’s acidity, but doesn’t water it down, making it a smooth, but full-flavored drink.
Cold Brew
Unlike iced coffee, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for many hours. The result is smoother, less acidic, and naturally sweeter. Cold brew is usually served over ice.
Sources: The following sources were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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