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Here’s a breakdown of popular types of espresso drinks and how to make them! From latte to macchiato, there’s something for everyone.
Calling all coffee lovers! Here’s a list of the most popular types of espresso drinks! We’ve got everything from the good old latte to the sophisticated macchiato–and even an espresso cocktail mixed in. Maybe you need a refresher on your coffee drink types…but if you want to make them at home, click over to the recipe to learn more! These recipes are part of our Barista Series where we teach you how to make coffeehouse-quality drinks at home. Ready to get drinking?
And now…the top types of espresso drinks (and how to make them!)
Did you know you can make a barista-quality cafe latte in the comfort of your own home? Yes, all you need is a few key tools and you can make this espresso drink that rivals your favorite coffeeshop. This latte comes out perfectly creamy and topped with frothy foam. It’s pretty simple, once you know a few tricks.
What's a latte? A latte is a coffee drink with espresso, steamed milk and a layer of foam on top. It has ⅓ espresso and 2/3 steamed milk, with a thin layer of foam on top.
Variations: Vanilla Latte, Lavender Latte, Oat Milk Latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Gingerbread Latte
What’s better than a great Americano coffee? Smooth out your espresso into a Caffe Americano, a type of espresso drink that’s tempered with a bit of hot water. Not only does it make the coffee drinking experience last a little longer, it smooths the bitter flavor into something altogether new. Here’s a tutorial for how to make an Americano!
What's an Americano? An Americano is an espresso drink made with hot water and espresso. The drink can be made with either one or two shots of espresso, and varying ratios of water (usually 2:1).
Here’s a type of espresso drink that’s like a lighter version of a latte: the Macchiato! It's ideal for when you want a jolt of caffeine without all the extra calories. There’s a certain coffee shop that’s tarnished the macchiato’s name by causing some confusion about what it really is. Here we’ll clear up those murky waters and show you how to make a macchiato…the classic way.
What's a macchiato? A caffè macchiato or espresso macchiato is a shot of espresso that’s topped with frothed milk.
Do you love a great cappuccino? This small but mighty cup is one of the most famous types of espresso drinks! It stars that perfect combination of steamed milk, espresso and frothy foam. Guess what: you can make a barista-quality cappuccino in the comfort of your own home. Here’s how to make a cappuccino that tastes like it’s straight out of an Italian café.
What's a cappuccino? A cappuccino is an espresso drink with steamed milk, milk foam and espresso. It has equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foam (⅓ each).
Flat white, latte, cappuccino: what’s the difference? These espresso coffee drinks are so similar that it’s hard to tell them apart. In fact, some coffeehouses have such slight differences that there’s not really a huge distinction! But as true coffee lovers, the flat white has our heart: it’s super smooth and still has enough foam for latte art.
What's a flat white? A flat white is a coffee drink with espresso, steamed milk and a layer of foam on top. It’s similar to a latte and cappuccino, but has a thinner layer of foam on top.
What’s better than a warm, creamy mocha? The mocha is one of the most famous types of espresso drinks, possibly because it’s so rich and chocolaty it’s like drinking chocolate pudding. When you’re craving this chocolaty beverage, you can whip one up at home using just a few ingredients. This one comes out just like one at a coffee house: no shortcuts like hot chocolate mix or whipped cream.
What's a mocha? A mocha or mocha latte is a drink made with espresso and steamed milk that’s flavored with chocolate syrup.
Variation: Mocha Cappuccino
Want an impressive espresso drink that’s even better than a latte or a cappuccino? Try the Cortado, aka the Gibraltar! This Spanish coffee drink is intensely smooth, the ideal balance between espresso and milk. It’s rich, robust, and silky, each component bringing out the best in the other.
What is a cortado? The Cortado is an espresso drink of equal parts espresso and steamed milk. It's always the same volume: one doubleshot of espresso and 2 ounces milk.
Want a creamy coffee that’s all about decadence? Try Breve coffee! This tiny coffee drink packs a big punch: strong, bold espresso paired with rich half and half. It’s a total treat and absolutely worth ordering up at your local coffeeshop. It’s also easy to make at home, using your favorite espresso and frothing method.
What's Breve coffee? Breve coffee, aka cafe breve or breve latte, is a drink of equal parts espresso and half and half.
Here’s an espresso drink that almost passes as dessert! Try Espresso Con Panna: a shot of espresso topped with a rich dollop of whipped cream. The two ingredients are the ideal match: the indulgent frothy cream against the bitter, nutty coffee is a true delight. It’s a tiny serving: just the right bite-sized pick me up for a long afternoon or an after dinner treat.
What's an espresso con panna? Espresso con panna (‘espresso with cream’ in Italian) is a coffee drink with a single or double shot of espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
Love a great espresso shot? Then you’re probably already turned on to Ristretto! This delicious short shot of espresso is pulled faster, making it have a sweeter, richer flavor than the standard. It’s a great way to mix up the classic when you’re looking for something a little different, or slightly alter the flavor of your Starbucks espresso drink.
What is ristretto? Ristretto is a short espresso shot that’s pulled in less time than the standard shot (it means “restricted” in Italian). It uses the same amount of coffee, but is made in 15 to 20 seconds versus 25 to 30 seconds.
Variation: Lungo (long espresso shot)
What’s more refreshing than an iced latte? It’s no wonder this espresso drink is massively popular. The combination of bitter coffee balanced by delicate sweetness and creamy, frothed milk is an absolute delight. There’s no need to run to your favorite coffee shop for this one: it’s easy to make homemade!
What's an iced latte? An iced latte is a drink with espresso, milk and optional sweetener. (In contrast, iced coffee uses brewed coffee and optional milk. )
Variations: Iced Vanilla Latte, Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
Want a cold espresso drink pick me up? Try Iced Espresso! This spin on iced coffee stars the bold, rich flavor of espresso. Drizzle in a little milk and a hint of simple syrup to balance out the flavor. It’s robust and beautifully refreshing: like a heightened take on your favorite iced coffee! For a delicious variation, try Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Espresso.
What's iced espresso? Iced espresso is espresso served over ice, often with milk. It’s similar to iced coffee, but it uses espresso instead of brewed coffee.
Variations: Iced Espresso, Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Espresso
Are you an espresso lover and want a refreshing spin on the classic hot drinks? Try the Iced Americano! The classic Americano is bold and bitter, and diluting creamy espresso with hot water opens up its flavor and lets you enjoy the cup a little longer. An Iced Americano is ultra refreshing, with the same big, bold flavors you love from a great Americano.
What's in iced Americano? An Iced Americano is a drink made with hot water and espresso, served over ice.
Here’s a refreshing espresso drink that all coffee lovers should try: the Iced Cappuccino! Combine espresso and a splash of milk with ice, then top it off with the Starbucks invention for iced drinks: Cold Foam! This extra fluffy, frothy layer mimics the steamed milk in a cappuccino and infuses an airy, lightly sweet lift to each sip.
What's an iced cappuccino? An iced cappuccino is a coffee drink with espresso, milk, ice, and optional sweetener. It’s very similar to an iced latte, but served with cold foam (a la Starbucks).
Here’s an espresso drink that’s chocolaty, refreshing, and absolutely irresistible: try the Iced Mocha! This one is so deliciously easy to make at home, you’ll never need to go to a coffeeshop again. Just four ingredients make a frothy, creamy drink that’s luxuriously sippable, balancing bitter espresso with real chocolate and frothy milk.
Try either: Iced White Chocolate Mocha or Iced Mocha
What's an iced mocha? An iced mocha is drink made with espresso, chocolate or chocolate syrup, and milk, served over ice.
Need a pick me up? Try Red Eye Coffee! When you just can’t pick between drip coffee and espresso, why not combine them? This drink is extra-caffeinated for those days where you need a little more to power through the day. If you need a quick fix: the Red Eye Coffee is where it’s at!
What's red eye coffee? Red eye coffee is a coffee drink that combines drip coffee with one or two shots of espresso.
One of the best fancy espresso drinks? A Dirty Chai Latte! Adding a shot of espresso to masala chai gives it a jolt of caffeine. Even better, the bitterness of coffee is just right for rounding out the subtle creamy sweetness. Here’s our spin on this coffee house special: it’s just sweet enough, and spiced gently with a special blend of chai spices.
What's a dirty chai latte? A chai latte takes traditional masala chai, a milky spiced tea from India, and combines it with frothy steamed milk of a cafe latte. The “dirty” version of it adds a shot of espresso.
Variations: Chai Latte, Vanilla Chai Latte, Iced Chai Latte
Espresso making tools
There are a few special tools you’ll need to make all types of espresso drinks at home. There’s a variety of options and price ranges. Here’s an overview:
- Best choice: an espresso machine. You don’t need a countertop espresso machine to make any of the types of espresso drinks above. BUT, it’s much, much easier and they come out with better quality. The steamer steams milk to perfection, and you can pull the most beautiful creamy, espresso. Here’s the one we use: Countertop Espresso Machine.
- Cheaper option: manual espresso maker. A less expensive option is a manual espresso maker. It’s portable and it makes good espresso. You’ll need to use it in combination with a milk frothing tool (below). Here’s the one we use: Manual espresso maker
- Cheapest option: Aeropress. You can make espresso in an Aeropress coffee maker! It’s not nearly as good but it works. You’ll also need to get a milk frothing tool for lattes and cappuccinos. Here’s our recipe: Aeropress Espresso
- Milk frothing tools: milk frother, French press or whisk. For the frothing: a handheld milk frother is just $10 and works great! If you already have a French press, it’s great for frothing. Or you can go simple and just use a whisk (not as effective but does the trick).
15 Great Espresso Drinks!
Here’s how to make a latte at home! This cafe latte has the best creamy body and frothy milk: it tastes even better than a coffee shop. (For the other espresso drink recipes: scroll up!)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Espresso
- Cuisine: Coffee
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 espresso shots (2 ounces)
- 4 ounces (½ cup) fresh whole milk*
Instructions
- Make the espresso: Use an espresso machine or manual espresso maker to make two shots of espresso and pour it into a mug (or try our Aeropress Espresso).
- Steaming method (espresso machine): Place the milk in a pitcher. Hold the steaming wand just below the surface of the milk until it doubles in size. This makes foamy froth. Then, move the steaming wand lower and near the side of the pitcher to create a spiral vortex. This makes the silky smooth microfoam bubbles and wet-paint texture that’s characteristic of a latte. Steam until the milk reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit (use a thermometer or judge by when your hand can’t hold the pitcher for more than a few seconds).
- OR, heat the milk to scalding and foam it (without espresso machine): Heat the milk to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot to the touch but not simmering. Measure with a food thermometer, or you can approximate by testing with your finger. Use a milk frother, French press or whisk to froth milk into small, even bubbles. For a latte you’ll want small bubbles and lightly thickened milk (if you’re using a milk frother, don’t go too far: you want the milk to mix in with the coffee so you don’t need too much froth). For the French press method, note that it’s useful to have at least 1 cup to have more milk to work with: this makes enough for 2 drinks. We highly recommend reading How to Froth Milk if this is your first time frothing. Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute to get the foam to incorporate into the milk and separate slightly (exact timing depends on your foaming method).
- Serve: Tap the milk container on counter and swirl it to break down any large bubbles. Pour milk into center of the espresso, ending with light foam.
Notes
*Whole milk works best; milk that is a few weeks old may not froth. You can also use oat milk for a vegan latte. The milk frother works well; for the French press pump vigorously until frothy, about 25 times. Do not overwhip, as the foam will deflate!
More coffee drinks
There are lots more ways to make coffee outside these espresso drinks! Here are some favorites:
- Cold Brew Coffee Dark and chilled to perfection!
- How to Make Pourover Coffee The best way we’ve found to make a stellar cup of pour over.
- How to Make Iced Coffee Here’s a killer iced coffee recipe that’s better than a coffee shop…and cheaper.
- Chemex Iced Coffee This Chemex iced coffee recipe takes just 10 minutes and doesn’t even require chilling!
Espresso drinks are like mexican food….same thing on repeat in different ratios. Meat, cheese, wrapped in a tortilla = espresso, steamed milk (foam) in different ratios :)