If you’ve ever stood at a café menu and wondered what the difference is between a macchiato and a cortado—or why some people prefer a flat white over a latte—this guide is for you. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, a new barista, or just want to confidently order something other than “just coffee,” knowing your way around espresso drinks opens up a whole world of bold flavor and precise craft.
In this post, we’ll explore the most common (and a few lesser-known) types of espresso drinks, break down what makes each one unique, and help you find your favorite.
Whether you’re building a menu, planning a coffee cart event, or just love learning more about espresso culture—consider this your go-to reference.
What is Espresso?
Let’s start at the beginning.
Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure. The result is a small, bold shot of coffee with a rich layer of crema on top.
Espresso serves as the base for many popular drinks and offers a strong, nuanced flavor that can range from chocolatey to fruity depending on the beans used and the brewing method.
The Core Espresso Shot Types
1. Single Espresso
- Volume: ~1 oz
- Taste: Bold, concentrated, rich
A standard single shot is the base of most espresso drinks. It’s a great place to start if you want to taste the essence of your beans without any milk or sugar.
2. Double Espresso (Doppio)
- Volume: ~2 oz
A doppio is simply two shots pulled into the same cup. It’s the standard for most espresso-based drinks and provides a stronger flavor and caffeine boost.
3. Ristretto
- Volume: ~0.75 oz
- Taste: More intense, less bitter
A ristretto is a “restricted” espresso shot using the same amount of coffee but less water. The result is a shorter, more concentrated drink that’s smoother and sweeter.
4. Lungo
- Volume: ~3 oz
- Taste: Milder, more bitter
“Lungo” means “long” in Italian. This shot uses more water for a longer pull, resulting in a less intense but more bitter drink.
Espresso + Milk Drinks
5. Macchiato
- Ratio: 1 shot espresso + a dollop of steamed milk or foam
A macchiato (meaning “stained” or “marked”) is an espresso shot with a small amount of milk—just enough to take the edge off. It’s bold and quick, perfect for those who want a touch of creaminess without losing espresso’s character.
6. Cortado
- Ratio: 1:1 espresso to steamed milk
The cortado is a Spanish drink where equal parts espresso and milk create a balanced, smooth experience. It’s stronger than a latte but not as intense as a straight shot. (This is also Jacob’s favorite!)
7. Cappuccino
- Ratio: 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 milk foam
Classic and foamy, the cappuccino is a favorite for morning drinkers. The milk foam provides a light, airy texture while still letting the espresso shine through.
8. Latte
- Ratio: 1 shot espresso + 6–8 oz steamed milk + light foam
The most approachable of the espresso drinks, the latte is milky, smooth, and ideal for flavor add-ins like vanilla, caramel, or seasonal syrups.
9. Flat White
- Ratio: 2 shots espresso + ~4 oz steamed milk (no foam)
Originating in Australia/New Zealand, the flat white is similar to a small latte but with velvety microfoam and a stronger coffee-to-milk ratio. It’s become a coffee shop staple in recent years.
Specialty Types of Espresso Drinks You’ll See on Menus
Not every espresso drink fits neatly into a classic category. Some are sweet, some are served as dessert, and others are regional favorites worth exploring.
10. Café Mocha
- Ratio: Espresso + steamed milk + chocolate
Part coffee, part hot chocolate, the mocha adds chocolate syrup or cocoa powder to a latte base. It’s a sweet, creamy option loved by both coffee newbies and longtime fans.
11. Café Breve
- Ratio: Espresso + steamed half-and-half
A richer, creamier version of a latte using half milk and half cream instead of just milk. Expect a thicker texture and more decadent taste.
12. Affogato
- Ingredients: 1 scoop vanilla ice cream + 1 shot of hot espresso
This is technically a dessert—but an espresso-based one, so it counts. The hot espresso melts the ice cream slightly, creating an indulgent mix of sweet and bitter.
13. Iced Espresso Drinks
Most of the above drinks can be made iced by pouring the espresso over ice and adjusting the milk.
Popular iced options include:
- Iced Latte
- Iced Mocha
- Iced Flat White
- Iced Cortado (less common, but tasty!)
Iced drinks are a great way to enjoy espresso in warmer months—or year-round if you’re in Indiana and not afraid of the weather.
Espresso Drink Comparison Chart
FAQs for Different Types of Espresso Drinks
What’s the strongest espresso drink?
Straight espresso shots (especially a doppio or ristretto) are the strongest in terms of both flavor and caffeine. For milk-based drinks, a flat white delivers the strongest coffee punch with less milk dilution.
Is a cortado stronger than a latte?
Yes—cortados use a 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk, whereas lattes have much more milk. That means cortados are the types of espresso drinks that are more balanced, but still bold.
What’s the difference between a cappuccino and a flat white?
A cappuccino is equal parts espresso, milk, and foam. A flat white uses less milk overall, with a smooth microfoam texture, making it stronger and silkier than a cappuccino.
Is espresso just stronger coffee?
Not exactly. Espresso isn’t stronger in terms of caffeine per ounce, but it’s much more concentrated. It also has a richer flavor and crema layer due to the pressurized brewing method.
Can you add flavors to any espresso drink?
Yes! Most milk-based types of espresso drinks like lattes, mochas, and even cappuccinos pair well with flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or seasonal options like pistachio or maple spice.
In Summary: Find Your Favorite
Learning about the types of espresso drinks is more than just a way to sound confident at the café—it helps you discover what you actually like. Whether you’re drawn to a no-nonsense espresso shot or something creamier like a latte or breve, there’s a drink out there for everyone.
So next time you’re ordering at the coffee cart or designing your event menu, try something new. You might find your signature sip.
