Wondering about different types of espresso drinks? My team and I have put together a list of the 15 variations of espresso drinks from classic single-shot to Americanos, and mochas to help you learn more.
Not only that but with our easy-to-follow recipes, you can create your own favourite espresso drinks in minutes right at home without breaking your budget. How cool is that!?
So grab a cup of coffee (or maybe an espresso shot!), take a seat, and get ready to learn about all sorts of different types of this hot and delicious drink.
The 15 Different Types Of Espresso Drinks
1. Espresso
Espresso is a concentrated, flavoured coffee beverage made by forcing very hot water under pressure through the ground, dark-roasted coffee beans.
The espresso brewing process produces a more intense flavour with more perceived bitterness than other brewing methods. It takes approximately 25-30 seconds to extract a shot of espresso.
Did you know that espresso and coffee are not the same?
2. Ristretto
Ristretto is a drink made with a single shot of espresso. Ristretto has less water than a regular espresso shot, resulting in a more concentrated and intense flavour.
One of its top distinctions is the intensity of flavour. It contains fewer compounds released from the ground coffee beans, making it smoother and sweeter than a traditional espresso.
3. Lungo
Lungo is an Italian-style espresso drink that is prepared using espresso and a larger volume of hot water. It has a longer extraction time than regular espresso and thus contains more caffeine.
Overall, Lungo is a great choice for those looking for a stronger yet smoother cup. Because of its higher caffeine content and stronger taste, you could consider it your go-to drink for waking up.
4. Doppio
Doppio is a type of drink made using a double shot of espresso. With twice the amount of coffee being used, it produces a more concentrated and intense flavour than regular espresso.
The crema has a darker hue with Doppio espresso compared to traditional espresso. It is also known for its sharper and more robust taste, due to the higher ratio of coffee grounds in each shot.
5. Americano
Americano is a drink made with hot water, espresso, and an optional shot of cream or milk. It was invented by Italian immigrants to the United States in the early 20th century.
This resulted in a stronger yet smoother flavour than traditional espresso drinks, which created a unique taste that appealed to American coffee drinkers, and some Europeans too.
6. Red Eye
Red Eye is a type of drink that consists of a single espresso shot, and a large amount of brewed coffee, making it one of the strongest coffee drinks available.
It generally has one shot of espresso in it but might contain more depending on how strong the drinker would like their coffee (Black Eye – two shots, Dripped Eye – three shots!).
7. Macchiato
A Macchiato is a drink that has been popularized in cafes and coffee shops around the world. It is made by mixing one or two shots of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk and foam on the top.
The resulting flavour profile has been described as bold yet delicate due to its strong coffee taste balanced by subtle sweetness from the warm milk.
It’s actually one of my favourite drinks!
8. Latte
When it comes to popularity, the latte falls into the category of the most popular types of espresso drinks. It is made by combining espresso shots with steamed milk and topped with frothed milk foam.
These delicious drinks are often served in taller glasses than other espresso-based drinks, allowing the layers of liquid and foam to be visible.
The layers may vary in amount depending on the recipe used but typically consist of espresso shots at the bottom topped with steamed milk followed by foamed milk on top.
9. Cappuccino
Cappuccino is prepared with espresso, and hot milk, and topped with a layer of thick milk foam. It originated in Italy during the early 1900s and derives its name from the resemblance of its topping to the colour of monks’ habits.
When made correctly, cappuccino should have a full-bodied flavour, with a balance between the bitterness of espresso and the sweetness of the milk.
10. Mocha
This is a type of beverage made by combining espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup. The latte’s origin is widely disputed, but the most accepted theory is that it was created in the 1980s in Italy.
Mocha gets its unique combination of flavours from the espresso and chocolate syrup combined with sweetened steamed milk. This combination gives this drink an intense flavour with a creamy texture.
11. Cortado
Cortado is a popular drink that originated in Spain. The drink consists of equal parts espresso and steamed milk, usually in a ratio of one part espresso to one part milk.
The traditional method for making Cortado involves pouring a shot or two of espresso directly into a glass and then adding an equal amount of warm, frothed milk on top.
12. Flat white
A flat white is another one of my favourite types of espresso drinks featuring espresso and steamed milk. A flat white has a thin layer of microfoam and is served in a smaller glass.
It has the ideal ratios of milk, espresso, and sugar, making it taste just like what you’ll get from the coffee chain. According to the legend, it originated in Australia by a total barista mistake.
13. Galão
Galão is a sweet and creamy Portuguese beverage that contains a shot of espresso and 2/3 of milk in a tall glass. It is usually served in a tall glass cup and made with espresso, milk, and sugar.
It is essentially a mix of espresso with hot milk, similar to a cappuccino or latte. However, the key difference between Galão and other coffee drinks is the ratio of milk to espresso – while cappuccinos and lattes have more foam on top, Galão has more milk.
14. Affogato
Affogato is one of those types of espresso drinks/desserts that combines a shot of hot espresso poured over a scoop of gelato or ice cream. Traditionally, the dessert is made with vanilla gelato or ice cream.
This delicious treat can be topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for added sweetness. The name “affogato” comes from the Italian verb “affogato” which means “to drown”.
15. Espresso con Panna
It consists of one or two shots of espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream. The frothy topping gives the drink a light and fluffy texture, while the espresso provides a bold and robust flavour.
The name basically means espresso with cream. It is often served as an after-dinner drink or dessert. This type of espresso drink can be enjoyed plain, or it can be flavoured with different syrups to give it extra sweetness.
Your Favourite Type Of Espresso Drink Is…
Now that you know the 15 different types of espresso drinks, it’s time to choose your favourite. Do you like yours in the classic form of a single shot in a cup, or do you prefer a more complex drink like a latte?
I’m a big fan of the taste and simplicity of Machiatto. I find it a perfect mix of espresso, milk, and foam. Flat white is my second choice when I have more time to relax and enjoy the taste of espresso.
Let me know in the comments below what your go-to espresso drink is!
What to Do Next?
I hope you enjoyed our list of the different types of espresso drinks here. I’m 100% sure you will enjoy exploring these recipes too.
Interested in learning more about espresso? My team and I invite you down to the rabbit hole. Check out our top espresso guides and keep on learning!
