With the introduction and rise of espresso in the last century, espresso-based coffee drinks have become increasingly popular and a staple in cafes and coffee culture worldwide. From a regular espresso to a decadent mocha, espresso-based coffee drinks offer a variety of flavors and experiences for caffeine lovers. However, for those new to the cafe scene, the vast array of options and unfamiliar terminology can be intimidating.
That's where this guide comes in. We aim to provide a comprehensive introduction to the most popular espresso drinks and the appropriate terminology that goes with them to aid the possible confusion for those just starting their coffee journey. Our goal is when finishing this article, one can feel more informed and confident when ordering at a cafe.
First, let's start by defining what precisely an espresso is. Espresso is a small, concentrated coffee drink we make by running a small amount of hot water under high pressure through finely-ground coffee beans. The result is a strong and flavorful shot of espresso with a creamy layer of foam on top, known as crema.
Espresso's rich, concentrated flavor makes it the perfect base for a wide range of popular coffee drinks. We can enjoy it traditionally, on its own, served alongside a glass of sparkling water, or use it as a base for various beverages by adding milk, hot water, sugar, syrups, and even alcohol. No other type of coffee drink has become as versatile as espresso in producing a wide range of coffee beverages, making it a go-to choice for baristas and bartenders everywhere.
Before we delve into describing different espresso-based drinks individually, first, we need to talk through some of the terminology used in the coffee menus. If you're new to ordering at a cafe, it can be helpful to understand the vocabulary and jargon used on menus. Here are some standard terms we come across all the time:
Single, Double, and Triple Shot
Single/double/triple shot refers to the number of espresso shots in a drink. A single espresso is made by brewing 7 to 9g of finely grounded coffee and yielding 22 to 25g of espresso. A double espresso is prepared with more significant amounts of coffee from 14 to 16g and brewing 38 to 43g of liquid espresso. A triple espresso is brewed from more substantial amounts of 20 to 22g of coffee, yielding more than 55g.
This ratio of coffee grounds to yielded espresso can vary depending on the grind size, the type, and origin of the coffee beans, their roast level, the kind of espresso we are trying to brew, the temperature of the brewing water, etc. To learn more about what espresso is and how espresso is brewed, read our dedicated articles.
Wet and Dry
Wet/dry: These terms refer to the type of steamed milk used to prepare the drink. More precisely, the type of foam created on top of the milk while steaming it. When we steam a jug of milk, along with the steam, we also inject air into the milk. If we implore a technique of creating a little vortex in the pitcher while steaming, the air that gets injected will disperse in very tiny bubbles forming a velvety layer of microfoam or wet foam on top of the milk.
On the contrary, we could steam the milk with more visible air bubbles and create a more extensive layer of macrofoam or so-called dry foam. For example, we often encounter a wet cappuccino on a coffee menu. That implies the cappuccino will come prepared with milk, steamed with a layer of silkie microfoam, and possibly a wonderful latte art, contrary to the traditional cappuccino made with a generous layer of macrofoam on top.
Demi, Short, Tall, Grande, Veneti, and Trenta
Demi, short, tall, grande, venti, and trenta are commonly used to describe the size of a coffee drink at cafes, especially those belonging to large chains of coffee shops. These terms originated with Starbucks and have since got adopted by many other cafes. Here is a breakdown of the different sizes:
- Demi: This cup size, which means "half" in French, is the smallest size offered at coffee shops. Depending on their design, demitasse cups or just demi cups can vary between 2 and 4oz (60 to 120ml) in volume and are often used to serve espresso and macchiato.
- Short: The short size is larger than the demi, coming in at around 8 ounces (240ml).
- Tall: The tall size is the medium size at Starbucks, coming in at around 12 ounces (350ml).
- Grande: The grande size is the large size at Starbucks, coming in at around 16 ounces (480ml).
- Venti: Translates from the Italian "twenty." The venti size is the second largest size at Starbucks, coming in at around 20 ounces (600ml). Iced coffee beverages in venti size come in about 24oz (700ml).
- Trenta: Translates from the Italian "thirty." The trenta is the largest size offered at Starbucks, coming in at around 31 ounces (900ml). It is only available for iced drinks; they serve it in a jumbo plastic cup.
The specific sizes for these terms vary slightly from cafe to cafe, so it's always a good idea to ask if you need clarification.
With the basic coffee jargon clarified, we'll introduce the various espresso drinks you may encounter on a cafe menu. There is a wide range of options, from the classic espresso to the creamy cappuccino. We'll go through them from the smallest in volume to the largest.
Each drink has its unique flavor profile and preparation method; finding the one that suits your preferences is half the fun. So, let's begin to explore the coffee menu, starting from the staple drink of every coffee shop, the espresso and its variations, ristretto, and lungo.
Espresso, Ristretto, and Lungo
Espresso is a beverage brewed by forcing hot water through the coffee grounds and extracting the solubles from the coffee into a cup, producing a small, concentrated drink. The amount of water that passes through the coffee is directly affected by several things, one of the most important being the grind size of the coffee beans.
When brewing regular espresso, the ratio between grounded coffee and yielded liquid is between 1:2 to 1:2.5, which means for brewing 15g of coffee, we would extract 30g of espresso in about 25 seconds, to achieve a 1:2 brewing ratio.
Whenever we modify this brew ratio, we will change the style of the brewed espresso. For example, using finer grounds to brew our espresso will restrict the water flow through the coffee beans and, in the same amount of time, will produce a smaller espresso that is even stronger and has a more concentrated coffee flavor. The espresso brewed with a lower ratio is called ristretto.
Ristretto means "restricted" in Italian, and it refers to the water being restricted when brewing a shot of espresso, thus yielding a smaller ristretto. The ristretto brew ratio is typically between 1:1 or 1:2.5 of grounds to yielded liquid.
Darker roasted coffees are often brewed with ristretto ratios because they have been exposed to heat for longer in the roasting process and have more bitter and burnt flavors. So brewing them with a ristretto ratio will decrease the bitter notes in the drink and let through more of the darker roasts' deep chocolaty and caramel flavors.
Lungo means "long" in Italian and refers to the larger brew ratio used to make. Contrary to ristretto, a lungo is an espresso brewed with a 1:2.5 to 1:4 ratio of grounded coffee to yield liquid espresso. A lungo ratio is a ratio for brewing lightly roasted coffee beans. Lightly roasted coffee beans require more hot water to extract properly than darkly roasted beans. By increasing the brew ratio when making espresso from lighter roasts, we'll produce a more extended shot of espresso.
A properly extracted lighter roast with a lungo ratio would have a slightly less syrupy texture than regular espresso. Still, it would achieve more balance between the natural bright acidity and fruity tanginess of the coffee and the traces of sweetness inherited from the roasting process. Please read our article to learn more about brewing espresso with darker and lighter roasts.
Macchiato
A macchiato is a type of espresso drink that is made with a shot of espresso and a small amount of milk and milk foam added on top of the crema. The word "macchiato" means "marked" or "stained" in Italian, referring to the way the milk foam "marks" the espresso's crema in the cup.
A shot of espresso is brewed to make a macchiato, and then a small amount of steamed milk, about 0.3oz (10ml), and a spoonful of milk foam are added to the cup. The resulting drink has a strong, bold flavor from the espresso, with a touch of mellow sweetness from the milk. Please read our article on macchiato or view our guided recipe to learn how to prepare a macchiato at home.
Besides traditional macchiato, several drinks have the word macchiato in their name on a coffee menu. Some of the most popular are Latte Macchiato, Caramel Macchiato, Cloud Macchiato, etc. They all have macchiato in their name, not because they resemble the traditional macchiato, but because of how they are prepared. For example, to make a Latte Macchiato in a glass with milk steamed with a more significant layer of milk foam, espresso is added in a way that visually stains the milk.
Also, a Caramel Macchiato is prepared similarly to Latte Macchiato but with added vanilla syrup and a caramel drizzle. Regardless of their ingredients, all the different macchiato drinks visually look as if stained with an espresso.
Traditional macchiato or espresso macchiato is served in a small demitasse cup. In contrast, modern macchiatos are prepared in various sizes, from a demi to a large trenta.
Cortado
The cortado is an espresso drink that originates in Spain and is known for its balanced flavor profile. The name cortado comes from the Spanish word "cortar," which means "to cut," referring to the way the espresso is "cut" or balanced with the addition of milk.
This drink is made with a shot of espresso and a small amount of milk steamed with a thin layer of microfoam. The ratio of espresso to steamed milk should be about 1:1, meaning roughly equal parts espresso and steamed milk in a 3oz demitasse glass, resulting in a beverage with a smooth, velvety texture and a flavor that is bold but not overpowering.
Cortados can be enjoyed on their own or sweetened with sugar and are a popular choice for those who want a less intense, more drinkable coffee. Please read our post comparing cortado and macchiato to learn more about both drinks or our guided recipe for making a cortado at home.
Piccolo Latte
A piccolo latte is a type of espresso drink that is made with a small amount of espresso and a more significant amount of steamed milk, with a thin silky layer of microfoam on top. It is a popular choice for those who enjoy a coffee with a mild, subtle flavor and a slight caffeine boost.
A piccolo latte is visually very similar to a cortado but differs in milk-to-espresso proportion. Piccolo latte is made in a 3 to 4oz (90 to 120ml) glass with a single shot of espresso as a base, and the rest of the glass is filled with steamed milk topped with thin microfoam.
Cappuccino
A cappuccino is an espresso drink whose traditional recipe calls for a beverage made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. It is popular for those who enjoy creamy, smooth coffee with a stronger, bold coffee flavor.
The rule of thirds represents only an idea of a cappuccino recipe. In practice, cappuccinos are prepared with a ratio of 1:3 or 1:4 espresso to steamed milk. When making a cappuccino, an espresso shot is brewed first, then the steamed milk and milk foam are added to the cup. A skilled barista will add the milk in a way so that the foam gets stained with brown crema on the sides of the cup, leaving the middle white.
The ratio of 1:3, milk to espresso, results in a drink having a more coffee flavor from the espresso coming through, with a creamy, smooth texture thanks to the milk and foam. The milk for cappuccino is steamed with a more significant layer of frothier macrofoam than the foam on other espresso drinks. It sometimes is decorated with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
Cappuccinos are usually served in a small, 5-7 ounce (150-200ml) cup and are often enjoyed as a morning coffee alongside breakfast or as a pick-me-up in the afternoon. Please read our article on cappuccino to learn more about this beverage or view our guided recipe on making a Classic Cappuccino at home.
Flat White
A flat white is a type of espresso drink that is made with espresso and steamed milk but with less foam than a cappuccino. It is a popular choice in Australia and New Zealand, and it is smooth, milky coffee with a pleasant, balanced taste between espresso and milk. Contrary to big and foamy cappuccino, as its name suggests, the flat white is a drink made with milk steamed with a little thin layer of microfoam. The beverage is often made in a five or 6-ounce (150-180ml) cup, with a double ristretto shot as a base and steamed milk added to a 1:4 to 1:6 ratio whit a thin layer of microfoam.
Americano and Long Black
Caffe Americano, and it's Australian coequal, Long Black, is a type of espresso drink made by adding hot water to a shot of espresso. Both are popular choices for anyone who enjoys the flavor of espresso but wants a less concentrated, more diluted drink.
To make a Caffe Americano, a shot of espresso is brewed, and then hot water is added to the cup. The resulting drink has a similar strength to brewed coffee but with the added flavor complexity of the espresso. Americanos are usually prepared with a ratio of 1:3 to 1:4 of espresso to hot water, and we can make it with single, double, and triple espresso.
The order in which we combine the water and espresso does not affect the drink's taste but the visual appearance of the glass. When the espresso is added on top to hot water, the crema tends to stay on top. However, when hot water is added to the espresso, the espresso's crema thins out and disappears. While the visual appearance of a Caffe Americano is not a determining factor in its taste, it can be a vital consideration for those who enjoy the aesthetic of their coffee. The texture of a Caffe Americano is light and creamy, thanks to the crema from the espresso.
Making a Long Black is very similar to Caffe Americano, with the only difference being the style of espresso used. Long Blacks are made with a double shot of ristretto instead of regular espresso.
Caffe Americanos can be served in various sizes, from a short to a large trenta. Americanos we can enjoy on their own or try its variations with milk, ice, fruit juice, sparkling water, sweetened by syrups or other souses. We describe these drinks in more detail in our dedicated article on Americano, or jump straight to our guided recipes for making them at home a White Americano, Americano Misto, Orange Americano, Iced Americano, Sparkling Americano, and Caffe Americano. Overall, the Caffe Americano is a versatile, easy-to-drink option that is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of espresso but want a less concentrated beverage.
Caffe Latte
A caffe latte is a type of espresso drink that is made with espresso and steamed milk, with a small layer of microfoam on top. It is a popular choice for those who enjoy a milky coffee with a mild coffee flavor.
When making a caffe latte, a double shot of espresso is brewed, and a more considerable amount of steamed milk is added to the cup. The milk for the latte is steamed with a thin silkie layer of microfoam, meaning that in the steaming process, the barista incorporates the air into the milk in fine bubbles that give the drink a smooth, velvety texture.
Caffe lattes are usually served in a large, 10 to 12oz (300 to 350ml) cup, and we enjoy them at any time of day. Besides drinking them on their own, we can sweeten a Caffe latte by adding sweet or flavored syrups. Many people enjoy adding flavored syrups to their caffe latte to give them an aromatic twist. Standard flavor options include vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut.
Overall, the caffe latte is a milky and smooth espresso drink that is perfect for those who enjoy a mild, subtle flavor in their coffee. It is a classic choice that is sure to be enjoyed by coffee lovers of all kinds.
So the next time you visit a cafe or make coffee at home, consider giving a caffe latte a try and experience the creamy, smooth goodness for yourself!
Mocha
A Caffe mocha is a type of espresso drink that combines the flavors of chocolate and coffee, and steamed milk. It is made with a double espresso, steamed milk, chocolate syrup, or chocolate powder. It is a go-to drink for indulging ourselves with a rich, chocolatey flavor and a profound coffee taste.
To make a Caffe mocha, we'll use a 10 to 12oz cup, pour in a double espresso, and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or an equal amount of chocolate syrup and mix them until they are well combined. After mixing the two, we'll fill the cup with milk steamed with a soft layer of microfoam.
Mocha Caffe is a delicious, indulgent espresso drink that is perfect for anyone who enjoys the combination of rich, chocolatey flavor and bold coffee taste. It is a treat that is sure to satisfy the cravings of any chocolate and coffee lover.
Conclusion
We hope this guide serves as a helpful introduction to the wide world of espresso drinks for beginners. Remember to have fun and enjoy the experience of trying new beverages, and feel free to order them at a cafe. It's also important to stay open-minded and try new flavor combinations – you never know what your next favorite drink might be! With some knowledge and confidence, you'll be on your way to becoming a coffee connoisseur in no time.
Read Next: Espresso-Based Iced Drinks: How to Enjoy Your Coffee on a Hot Day