Types of Coffee Drinks
August 09, 2022 | Kurt Parker
The enticing aroma of coffee is filling up the air inside the cafe. Now, you’re confused about what coffee drinks are you getting, right? Don’t worry about it since in this article you’ll know the different types of coffee drinks.
As coffee lovers like us, we are always excited to taste each kind of coffee drinks. Whether you want iced coffee or hot coffee, you’ll surely enjoy it.
Let’s dive in and learn what types of coffee drinks are there.
Espresso Drinks
When you want a jolt of energy into your system, having single or double espresso shot is your best choice. For this coffee drink, the ratio of coffee to water is either 1:2 or 1:2.5. The result is a tasteful and strong espresso drink.
Espresso is an Italian word that means “pressed out”. An espresso machine is used in making this drink. The machine pushes hot water (96 degrees Celsius) into its compact cylinder at a pressure of nine bars.
In terms of strength, that depends on the number of shot of espresso present in your drink.
- Single shot of espresso: It contains 7 to 9 grams of coffee. The resulting drink is 14 to 23 grams of coffee solution.
- Double shot of espresso: This contains 14 to 18 grams of coffee and makes around 28 to 45 grams of coffee solution.
Cafezinho (Brazilian Coffee)
This coffee is good when you just want to relax and spend time with your friends and families. Compared to an espresso, this is stronger and thicker. If you find it strong, you can add creamer or steamed milk.
To prepare Cafezinho, here are the steps:
- Add the sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat them and stop just before it boils.
- Then add the coffee grounds into the saucepan. Stir well and use low heat while stirring.
- After, add the saucepan mixture into a funnel with filter paper. Let hot water pass through the filter and the coffee solution will just drip at the bottom.
Eispanner (Austrian Coffee)
Preparing this Austrian coffee is simple. First, you will need to mix sugar, cream, and vanilla in a bowl. Whip until it becomes stiff.
Then, mix your espresso shot and sugar in a glass. Add the whipped cream on top. Put some chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top.
The name of this coffee originated from a single-horse carriage.
Scandinavian Egg Coffee
The brewing coffee process originated from Sweden. It’s also known in Norway. The influence of this coffee reached United States and other parts of the globe.
To prepare this coffee, you will need to mix egg and 200 ml of chilled water and coffee ground in a bowl. Mix well and then heat up to boil for 3 to 5 minutes.
Afterward, add 100 grams of cold water into the solution and let all particles settle at the bottom. Skim off those particles on top and then pour the coffee into a strainer to remove those particles at the bottom.
Drip Coffee
This is one of the traditional coffee you can make at home. You can also see this being served in cafes. Whether cold or hot drip coffee, the process is similar.
For the latter, hot water is passed through ground coffee beans inside the filter. The resulting coffee solution slowly drips into the carafe.
The coffee machine for this one is more affordable than an espresso. The overall process of making a drip coffee takes less than 30 minutes.
Swedish Coffee (Kaffeost)
The main ingredients for making this coffee are:
- 2L whole milk
- 60 ml cream
- 2 teaspoon rennetrennet
- Cheesecloth
- 1 cup brewed coffee
The interesting thing about this coffee is the use of cheese. This is also referred as “coffee cheese”. To make it, you would need to add cheese cubes into your brewed coffee.
Let the milk sit until it curds. After, you will need to reheat it at 37 degrees Celsius. Once it boils, you need to filter the curd with cheesecloth. Then you will bake the cheese until it browns. The last part will be adding the cheese into your brewed coffee.
Qahwa Coffee
This is the famous coffee coming from Saudi Arabia. The process of preparing this coffee is simple. See them below:
- Place water into a saucepan and add coffee grounds. Let them boil for 10 minutes.
- Add granules of cardamom and cloves into the saucepan and let them boil for five minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the stove. Let the coffee grounds settle at the bottom.
- Pour rosewater and saffron into the saucepan.
- Stir and then filter out using strainer.
Cold Brew
This is the opposite of hot drip coffee. Here cold water or even those at room temperature water is used in extracting coffee solution.
Ground coffee beans are soaked in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. After, it is filtered out and pressed to further extract the coffee solution. This is how cold brew coffees are made.
Cold brew started in Japan. It’s known as slow drip cold brew coffee there. Food grade nitrogen gas can be mixed into a cold brew to create nitro cold brew coffee drinks.
The concept of iced coffee come from cold brew. They are made differently but the concept of making a cold coffee is their common point.
Cafe De Ollah (Pot Coffee)
This got its name from clay pot since it’s where the coffee is prepared. It’s a tradition for the people in the rural areas to prepare coffee in clay pots.
To prepare this coffee, you will do the following:
- Add water into the saucepan and add other ingredients like the piloncillo cones, sugar, cinnamon stick, and Mexican ground coffee.
- Boil the mixture until all sugar is dissolved. Let it boil for 8-10 minutes.
- Check if everything has been dissolved and mixed well.
- Pour your coffee into your mug.
The flavor of cinnamon and piloncillo makes this coffee smooth and flavorful. It makes your coffee delicious and not boring.
Nitro Cold Brew Coffee
This is your regular cold brew coffee but infused with nitrogen gas. The presence of cold nitrogen makes this coffee more smoother and cooler.
Cafe Latte or Latte
There are three main components to making your hot or iced latte. That includes espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Typically, a ratio of 1:2 is done for espresso and steamed milk in making your latte.
Mocha latte and cappuccino are the two most famous latte drinks on the market. Baristas even compete for the best latte art in every coffee shop.
In terms of nutritional value of an 8 ounce latte, we have the following:
- 103 calories
- 4000 mg fat
- 6600 mg protein
- 240 mg calcium
- 326.4 mg potassium
- 55.2 mg magnesium
- 98.4 mg sodium
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
This is also called Ca Phe Da in Vietnamese language. A coarse ground coffee is what you’ll use for this drink. You will use a Vietnamese brewer (phi ca phe) in making this iced coffee.
The coffee beans are placed at the base of the brewer. Then there’s a separation filter where water is poured over to the brewer.
Once water is filled, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to let the mixture be homogeneous. After that, you can pour your iced coffee to your mug.
German Coffee
The ingredients needed for your German coffee are the following:
- brewed coffee
- Jamaican rum
- Sugar
- whipped cream
Pour your brewed coffee into a tall glass. Add the rum and sugar inside. Stir well to ensure the rum and sugar are blended with the brewed coffee.
Afterward, beat the whipped cream and then place that on top of your brewed coffee.
You will enjoy the jolt and spike of rum and coffee for this drink.
Mocha Latte
If you want a flavor of chocolate on your strong coffee, then mocha coffee is right for you. The main components of a mocha coffee are cocoa, steamed milk, milk foam, espresso, and whipped cream (optional).
This iced coffee will surely take away the stress in you. It has an exciting flavor of chocolate and coffee combined.
For every 12 ounces of mocha latte, you’ll get the following:
- 290 calories
- 1300 mg fat
- 1100 mg protein
- 120 mg sodium
Cappucino
To make your cup of cappuccino, you’ll need the following:
- 1 part espresso
- 1 part steamed milk
- 1 part milk foam
You can also put on top of the milk foam, a powder of chocolate or cinnamon. This adds smell and flavor to your cappuccino drink.
This latte has the most amount of steamed milk. Making it milkier and less strong than other lattes.
Flat White
A flat white is made by mixing steamed milk and a double shot of espresso. This is without the milk foam giving it a flat feel.
The absence of milk foam makes the espresso come out stronger. This can give you more jolt than your cappucino.
For every 8 ounces of flat white coffee drinks, you’ll get the following:
- 103 calories
- 4000 mg fat
- 6600 mg protein
- 240 mg calcium
- 326.4 mg potassium
- 55.2 mg magnesium
- 98.4 mg sodium
Macchiato
When you want to reduce the strength of your espresso shot, you can just order a macchiato. The steamed milk or milk foam on top reduces the strength of the espresso shot.
It gives a milder taste of coffee for your daily needs. In terms of nutritional value, 1 ounce of macchiato contains the following:
- 7 calories
- 200 mg fat
- 300 mg protein
- 12 mg calcium
- 36.9 mg potassium
- 17.1 mg magnesium
- 7.2 mg sodium
All coffee shops have this coffee drink, so you can order one anytime.
Americano
If you want a less strong espresso shot but without the steamed milk, then an Americano is what you need. It was thought that Americano originated during World War 2. For all soldiers to get a cup of coffee, the espresso was diluted with hot water.
Americano is made by diluting an espresso shot with hot water. For every 8 ounce of this coffee drink, you’ll have the following nutrients:
- 3 calories
- 100 mg fat
- 0.6 mg calcium
- 34 mg potassium
- 23.7 mg magnesium
- 4.1 mg sodium
French Press
It’s also called cafetiere. To make this, you will mix coarse and fine ground coffee beans with boiling water. Let them mix and stay for around 4 to 15 minutes. For the ratio, that will be 1:13 ground coffee beans and hot water.
At the lid of the plunger, there’s a filter that will separate the coffee grounds from the coffee solution.
For this coffee type, you can use a freshly ground coffee. It can be finely ground coffee or a coarsely ground coffee. Both can be used for making your french press.
Bialetti
This is also called the Italian moka pot coffee. This is one of the strong types of coffee drinks out there. To make this coffee, you will need a brewer that has three parts. The bottom of the chamber is where you’ll place the ground coffee beans. The mid-section is for the water while the top section is for the coffee solution.
You’ll use direct heat for making your coffee. As the water boils at the bottom, it goes up as the pressure increases. The ground coffee beans are then mixed with hot water. As the pressure goes further up, the final coffee drink goes to the top chamber.
Cafe au lait
When you don’t have an espresso machine at home, this coffee type is workable for you. It’s a filter type coffee that you mix with milk. The result is your cafe au lait.
The milk reduces the strength of the concentrated coffee. This is perfect for your after-dinner talk or breakfast delight.
Ristretto
If you want a coffee stronger than espresso, then this is the one for you. The usual ratio of coffee to water for this is 1:0.5 to 1:1.5.
Because there’s less water, the resulting coffee is stronger than espresso. This is the perfect match for your sleepy nights.
When you have a cup of ristretto, you’ll get the following:
- 3 calories
- 100 mg fat
- 0 mg protein
- 0.6 mg calcium
- 34 mg potassium
- 23.7 mg magnesium
- 4.1 mg sodium
Ristretto is an Italian word for restricted. Because of its strength, it’s restricted to people with heart problems and existing hypertension.
Lungo
Lungo is an Italian word that means “long” since this coffee is pulled out for a longer duration. The result is a more bitter-tasting coffee than your traditional espresso cup.
In terms of strength, this is less than your regular espresso since it has more water. For every 2 ounces of lungo, you’ll get the following:
- 2.5 calories
- 0 mg fat
- 2 mg calcium
- 17 mg potassium
- 3.8 mg sodium
Long Black Coffee
This is slightly similar to espresso but they differ in the way they are made. For this one, you will add espresso shot to hot water while for a regular expression that will be the opposite.
An 8 ounce of long black coffee contains the following:
- 3 calories
- 100 mg fat
- 0 mg protein
- 0.6 mg calcium
- 34 mg potassium
- 23.7 mg magnesium
- 4.1 mg sodium
Doppio
This is your double shot of espresso cup. For every 2 ounces of doppio, you’ll get the following:
- 5.4 calories
- 100 mg fat
- 70 mg protein
- 1.2 mg calcium
- 69 mg potassium
- 48 mg magnesium
- 8.2 mg sodium
Instant Coffee
No need to brew using this type of coffee drinks. All you need is to place your granules of instant coffee in a mug, and then add hot water to it. Stir and add sugar until it suits your taste.
You can add creamer or milk to your instant coffee to give it a smooth creamy taste.
For every 6 ounce of instant coffee, you’ll have the following:
- 3.6 calories
- 0 mg fat
- 180 mg protein
- 7.2 mg calcium
- 53.7 mg potassium
- 7.2 mg magnesium
- 47.2 mg sodium
Caffee Breve
Compared to your espresso and cappuccino, this one has a sweeter taste because of the steamed milk and milk foam added to the bottom and top layer. The ratio is one part espresso, half steamed milk, and half again on top.
If you have 8 ounce of it, you’ll get the following:
- 228 calories
- 1900 mg fat
- 6000 mg protein
- 276 mg potassium
- 116 mg sodium
Piccolo Latte
This uses the ristretto strong coffee topped with twice the amount of steamed milk. It’s still stronger than the traditional espresso even with the twice volume of milk.
For your cup of piccolo latte, you’ll get the following:
- 45 calories for steamed milk
- 25 calories for skim milk
Caffe Corretto
Corretto is an Italian word meaning corrected. Baristas make this by adding alcohol to your espresso cup to correct the taste of coffee drinks.
This started in 1930s and is still famous today. Baristas add grappa to your espresso cup to make this coffee type.
Red Eye
If you want a stronger coffee, then red eye can be your option. It’s stronger than your regular coffee. So to make this, you’ll need a shot of an espresso cup mixed with 6 ounces of drip brewed coffee. This results in an 8 ounce of coffee.
This coffee type got its name for tired people with red eyes. Because of its excess caffeine, it gives a boost of energy to anyone who’s sleepy.
Cortado
This is a balanced coffee drink, why? It has the same amount of espresso shots and steamed milk. The latter balances the jolt of energy given by caffeine.
Decaf Coffee Drinks
From the name itself, it suggests that decaffeinated beans are used in making these coffee drinks. That means 97 percent of the caffeine is taken out from the beans.
If you want something milder, this is a definite choice.
Irish coffee
This one has some alcohol in it. Whiskey and brown sugar is added to your brewed coffee to make these Irish Coffee drinks.
An average cup of Irish coffee can give you the following:
- 211 calories
- 5800 mg fat
- 600 mg protein
- 14 mg calcium
- 93.6 mg potassium
- 4.8 mg magnesium
- 7.2 mg sodium
Pour Over Coffee
If you want to easily refresh the hot water of your coffee, then this is best for you. You will use a pour over dripper to easily refill water. You will have a strong espresso cup for this one. That’s to avoid dilution as you continuously add water.
An 8 ounce of pour over coffee can give the following benefits:
- 2.5 calories
- 50 mg fat
- 280 mg protein
- 4.8 mg calcium
- 116 mg potassium
- 7.1 mg magnesium
- 4.8 sodium
Aero Press Coffee Drinks
To make a cup of this coffee, you will need an Aero Press tool. The ground coffee beans and hot water are placed inside the plastic tube. After letting it mix together for a certain period, you will need to press it out at the end. The final coffee will come out from the filter paper.
This makes a strong coffee like your regular espresso based drink. For an 8 ounce of Aero Press coffee, you will get 2.5 calories.
Vacuum
You will use a siphon coffee maker for this one. The lower part of the device is where hot water will be. On top will be the coffee beans. As the pressure rises, hot water will go up and mix with the beans. Letting it sit for a few minutes, coffee will be served. This is how it works for vacuum coffee drinks.
This coffee has a full-bodied flavor. Consistency on the flavor is challenging to achieve for a siphon coffee. That’s also because of the brewing process for this coffee.
Immersion Coffee
This has a rich flavor like your French Press coffee. It’s made by letting coffee grounds mix with hot water. The beans are not filtered as you sip your cup of coffee.
For an 8 ounce of immersion, you will get 2 calories. If you add sugar or creamer, then you’ll get more calories.
Bombon
This type of coffee drink first came out in Valencia, Spain. It is an espresso coffee mixed with condensed milk at a ratio of 1:1. You can find this coffee in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Clever Dripper Coffee
This is an entry-level the infusion coffee drinks. It is similar to French Press but using a filter paper. Clever Dripper is a strong coffee that’s perfect for the sleepy head.
Galao Coffee
This coffee originated in Portugal. It has the same characteristic as the cappuccino and latte in most coffee shops. The main highlight of Galao is that it contains more foamed milk. Like twice the amount on a regular latte.
Affogato
The main highlight of an Affogato is that it has a scoop of ice cream. You can also pair this with a brownie for a more enjoyable taste.
To make this coffee, you will have one to two shots of espresso mixed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Vienna
There are two main ingredients for making Vienna that make it tasteful. That is your one or two shots of espresso and two ounces of whipped cream. The result is 4 to 5 ounces of Vienna coffee.
Iced Coffee
If you want to chill, then having an iced coffee is your best choice. You have the freedom to have any kind of coffee as long as it’s chilled for you to cool off.
For this matter, you can have a cold espresso or latte for the summer. Well, that depends on your preference, but both can surely cool you off.
Frappucino
This is the all time favorite for most customers going to coffee shops. It has a sweet flavor and the cool drink is just irresistible. To make this, you will need an espresso, whipped cream, and syrup.
Mazagran Coffee
This is a mixture of three things – iced coffee, tea, and rum. It has the jolt, spike, and coolness of three different things. You can put sugar and lemon on it as well. The exciting flavor of Mazagran coffee is loved by a few people.
Geisha
Because of its rare flavor, it’s one of the most expensive coffee in the world. A mixture of coffee beans are used for brewing Geisha coffee.
The combination of beans are not known. But you will enjoy a balance of bitter and smooth taste for this coffee.
Turkish Coffee
This type of coffee is made through decoction. It’s a process of heating up a solution to boil. A finely ground coffee beans is added to their pot. Then water is added to the pot. It is then heated over direct flame to boil.
Turkish coffee is your best choice if you want a strong one. It tastes bitter than espresso, but you can add sugar to make it sweet.
Espresso Martini
This cold drink with espresso shot and martini is perfect for an after-dinner drink. It gives you the cool and jolt you need for the day. The main components of espresso martini are vodka, espresso, and sugar syrup.
Cascara
The interesting ingredient of this coffee is cherry coat. The dried cherry coat of coffee is mixed into the drink to give its light amber color.
The resulting taste is light and tea-like. If the cascara is not too dry, then it will retain some of its fruity flavor.
Green Coffee
This is made using an unroasted coffee bean. It’s becoming a trend due to its perceived weight-loss property.
Add your unroasted whole coffee beans in a pot and let it boil. Pour over the coffee to a strainer to remove the beans. The resulting green-like solution is your green coffee.
Espresso Tonic Coffee Drinks
This is made by having two shots of espresso added with ice and tonic water. You will need to add lime juice as well. The result is a refreshing drink that takes away the bitter taste of coffee grounds.
An 8 ounce of this coffee drink gives you 258 calories, 26.6 mg sodium, 100 mg fat, and 0 mg protein.
Bulletproof Coffee
This has an interesting taste because of the presence of coconut oil and unsalted butter. You will find this recommended for people who are on a low-carb diet. A good substitute for your breakfast.
To make this drink, you will need two shots of espresso, 2 tablespoon of butter, and one tablespoon of coconut oil.
Here are the nutritional value of a bulletproof coffee:
- 327 calories
- 4700 mg fat
- 500 mg protein
- 12 mg calcium
- 123 mg potassium
- 187 mg sodium
Kopi Luwak
Kopi luwak is the name of the coffee bean used for this. It’s one of the most expensive beans in the market. The beans are the food of civet cats, and their feces is the one used for civet coffee.
The taste is just like your normal coffee. The more beans and less water you use, the stronger it will be.
Marocchino Coffee
It’s an Italian coffee drink made from a shot of espresso mixed with cocoa powder. The top layer is foamed milk and then a sprinkle of cocoa powder is added on top.
The smooth chocolate scent and taste of this coffee is great for chilling. If you want some twist to your coffee, then this is a good try for you.
What kinds of coffee makers can you use?
Now, we’re done talking about different types of coffee drinks. We will move forward with the kinds of coffee makers you can use. This is an additional information since it’s inevitable that you’d ask of it.
Of course, knowing the proper devices and tools is necessary for your coffee making. So, we’re including them here in the article.
Percolator
If you like a retro feel when you brew, then this is your ideal brewer. A percolator works by pushing boiling water into the coffee beans continuously to make coffee drinks.
The old percolators are heated on stovetop while the new ones have a heated plate. It is used for brewing medium roast coffe beans.
Aero Press
This is another manual brewer on the list. It works similarly with French Press. It is used to make your lattes and espresso cup.
French Press
This manual coffee brewer is good for any kinds of coffee beans. Just add coffee beans inside the cylinder. Pour hot water and let the coffee steep for a few minutes. Afteward, press the coffee liquid out from the other end of the cylinder.
Drip
This is the most common electric coffee maker you can buy in stores. It works in a simple way. There’s a separate tank for the water. It is heated to boil and then suctioned towards the filter containing the beans. The coffee solution is brewed for a few minutes while slowly dripping out down to the carafe.
Pour Over
It works literally as its name suggests. You just need to place the coffee beans inside the filter paper which is placed inside a cone. Hot water is poured on top of it. The coffee solution comes out slowly at the bottom.
Cold Brew Coffee Maker
This is used for making ice cold coffee drinks. It’s an electric coffee maker and it has buttons for easy operation.
Moka Pots
This looks similar with a percolator. It’s heated over a stovetop or open flame. It’s use for making your espresso cup.
You need to keep an eye on your Moka pot when brewing. Once all water is out, you need to remove the pot from the flame to avoid burning the beans.
Chemex
This device was invented in 1941. It works like a pour over coffee maker. You will use a thicker filter paper for this to avoid tearing.
Kalita Wave
This is a Japan coffee brewer made by Kalita. There are different kinds of materials used for making this brewer. It could be glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
Brewing using Kalita Wave works similarly as the pour over brewer. Its competitor brewer is the V60.
Hario V60
This is the greatest rival of Kalita Wave. Its maker is the Hario company in Japan. It’s also made in different materials like glass, ceramic, and stainless steel.
The coffee made from this brewer is clean and smooth. The filter paper used for this is not as thick as that of the Kalita Wave.
Takeaway
We hope you had a great time knowing the different types of coffee in most coffee shops. It’s a wonderful time learning most of them, right? Now, you have a better idea of what coffee to order the next time you visit a coffee shop.
In case you have some questions about coffee drinks, feel free to browse our topics. It will work wonders to help you.
Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family you might find it useful.