You may think you already know the types of espresso drinks, but there are quite a few variations, including drinks from all over the world. Starting with a basic espresso shot, you can create all kinds of drinks. If you’re looking to go beyond the simple espresso shot or caffé latte, we’re here to help.
We put together this guide to the 21 different types of espresso drinks to help you go beyond lattes and cappuccinos and order a multitude of espresso drinks with confidence. Keep reading to learn all about espresso and the different types available.
What is espresso?
An espresso shot is made by pushing hot, pressurized water through finely ground, tightly packed coffee beans. The result is a full-flavored, rich cup of strong, dark coffee.
A single shot of espresso is only one ounce of liquid but contains about 64 milligrams of caffeine. This means it’s a lot more concentrated than black coffee, which averages around 12.5 milligrams per ounce.
Espresso is typically served in small, demitasse cups, which hold about two to four ounces of liquid. It’s also the basic element of all espresso drinks, including cappuccinos, lattes, and Americanos.
SEE ALSO: How to Drink Espresso (Expert Tips)
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The 21 Different Types of Espresso Drinks:
Essential Espresso Drinks
1. Espresso
The simplest espresso drink is a single shot of espresso. To make one, you use a single-shot filter and about six to eight grams of finely ground coffee.
2. Ristretto
A ristretto is a stronger shot of espresso, made using finer coffee grounds and half the amount of water.
3. Doppio
This is another word for a double shot, made with a larger amount of coffee grounds. These espresso shots are pulled using a double shot filter inside the portafilter.
4. Cappuccino
A cappuccino is made with a ratio of one-third espresso, one-third hot milk, and one-third milk foam. For a version with less milk, try ordering a dry cappuccino.
5. Caffé Latte
A caffé latte, often shortened to latte, is made of one-third espresso, two-thirds hot milk, and a topping of micro-foam. These are often made with double shots of espresso and may be topped with cinnamon, brown sugar, or cocoa powder.
6. Piccolo Latte
“Piccolo” means small in Italian, so this is a small latte, often served in an espresso cup or demitasse. A piccolo latte is a ristretto shot of espresso topped with warm milk.
7. Mocha
This is a sweet coffee drink, consisting of a latte with chocolate syrup or cocoa powder added. If you like your coffee sweet, you may also want to try adding caramel or peppermint syrup. And don’t forget to top with whipped cream!
8. Espresso Macchiato
An espresso macchiato is made by adding a small amount of steamed milk and foam to a shot of espresso. This is one of our favorite types of espresso drinks!
9. Latte Macchiato
This is a variation on the espresso version, involving more milk. To make a latte macchiato, you pour a third to a half a cup of steamed milk into a glass and then add a shot of espresso on top.
10. Americano
An Americano has a similar strength to a cup of regular black coffee but is made by adding hot water to a single or double shot of espresso. This results in a different flavor from traditional black coffee.
11. Lungo
To make a lungo, you pull twice as much water through the same amount of coffee grounds. This results in higher caffeine content and a higher level of coffee extraction. This drink looks similar to an Americano but is prepared differently and will have a different flavor.
12. Flat white
Flat whites are popular in Australia and New Zealand. These drinks are similar to cappuccinos, but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and prepared without milk foam.
13. Cortado
Cortados are made using equal amounts of espresso and steamed milk. The milk is steamed but not foamy or frothy as in other drinks.
Espresso and Coffee Drinks
14. Red eye
A red eye is a strong, highly caffeinated drink. If you’re looking for a type of espresso drink that really packs in the caffeine, this is a good option. To make one, brew a cup of black coffee and top it with a single shot of espresso.
15. Black eye
A black eye is an even stronger variation of a red eye. To make it, add a double shot of espresso to a cup of hot black coffee.
Types of Espresso Drinks: Black Eye Coffee
Equipment
- Large coffee cup
- Espresso machine
- Drip coffee maker
Ingredients
- 20 grams finely ground coffee beans
- 2 tablespoons medium ground coffee beans
Instructions
- Using the finely ground coffee, pull a double shot of espresso.
- Using your favorite coffee maker and the medium ground coffee beans, brew a cup of black coffee.
- Pour the espresso into the coffee and stir well to combine.
- Add cream or sugar if you'd like. Enjoy your intensely caffeinated black eye coffee!
Nutrition
16. Dripped eye
A dripped eye is the strongest of the three, made by adding three shots of espresso to a cup of black coffee.
17. Lazy eye
The lazy eye is a less-caffeinated option. It’s made by adding two shots of espresso to a cup of decaffeinated black coffee.
Other Espresso Drinks
18. Black tie
A black tie is made using Thai tea as a base, rather than black coffee. To make it, add a double shot of espresso to a cup of hot Thai tea.
19. Affogato
An affogato is more of a dessert than a drink. This delicious dessert is made by pouring a shot of espresso over a scoop of ice cream.
20. Espresso con panna
In Italian, “espresso con panna” means espresso with cream. To make one, add whipped cream to a single or double shot of espresso.
21. Galão
This creamy Portuguese drink consists of a quarter espresso and three-quarters milk foam.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read our list of the 21 types of espresso drinks, you can order or brew with confidence. We hope this comprehensive list has shown you a wide range of espresso drinks available. And if you don’t see your ideal flavor combination, why not experiment and invent a new one?
Still looking for your new favorite drink? Take a look at our guide to 22 different of coffee drinks. Or learn about the Cascara Latte!
Featured Image Credit: Rawpixel.com, Shutterstock
