50 Types of Coffee Drinks Explained: The Ultimate Coffee Lover's Guide
Coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a global phenomenon that brings people together across cultures and traditions. From the bold, rich flavours of espresso to the sweet indulgence of dessert coffees, each type of coffee tells a unique story.
This guide explores 50 different coffee types, highlighting their origins, ingredients, and preparation methods. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or a casual drinker, prepare to discover both familiar favourites and lesser-known gems from around the world.
Categories of Coffee Drinks
A. Espresso-Based Coffees
Espresso is the foundation of many coffee drinks, known for its strong, concentrated flavour. Here are 10 espresso-based varieties:
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Espresso – A single shot of concentrated coffee with a rich crema.
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Doppio – A double shot of espresso for a stronger kick.
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Ristretto – A shorter, more intense espresso shot.
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Macchiato – Espresso topped with a small amount of milk foam.
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Cappuccino – Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
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Latte – A milder coffee with more steamed milk and light foam.
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Flat White – A smooth blend of espresso and velvety microfoam.
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Americano – Espresso diluted with hot water for a lighter taste.
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Long Black – Similar to an Americano but with a stronger profile.
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Espresso Romano – Espresso served with a slice of lemon to enhance flavour.
B. Milk-Based Coffees
These coffees incorporate milk in different ways to create a variety of textures and flavours:
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Cortado – Espresso cut with an equal amount of steamed milk.
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Breve – A rich, creamy coffee made with half-and-half.
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Piccolo Latte – A small latte with a strong espresso flavour.
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Latte Macchiato – Steamed milk stained with a shot of espresso.
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Mocha – A chocolate-flavoured latte with a hint of espresso.
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Vienna Coffee – Espresso topped with whipped cream.
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Gibraltar – A cortado-style coffee served in a Gibraltar glass.
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Espressino – A blend of espresso, cocoa, and foamed milk.
C. Regional Specialties
These coffees reflect the traditions and flavours of their countries of origin:
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Café Bombón (Spain) – Sweetened condensed milk with espresso.
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Café de Olla (Mexico) – Coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo.
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Turkish Coffee (Turkey) – Finely ground coffee brewed in a cezve.
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Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Vietnam) – Espresso topped with whipped egg yolk and condensed milk.
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Cuban Coffee (Café Cubano) – Sweet espresso brewed with sugar.
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Café Touba (Senegal) – Coffee flavoured with African spices.
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Kopi Tubruk (Indonesia) – A strong, unfiltered Indonesian coffee.
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Mazagran (Portugal) – Iced coffee with lemon and sugar.
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Kopi Luwak (Indonesia) – Coffee made from beans processed by civets.
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Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnam) – Vietnamese iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk.
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Pharisäer (Germany) – Coffee with rum, sugar, and whipped cream.
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Barraquito (Canary Islands) – A layered coffee drink with condensed milk and cinnamon.
D. Cold Coffees
Perfect for warm weather, these refreshing coffee drinks are served chilled:
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Cold Brew – Coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours.
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Nitro Cold Brew – Cold brew infused with nitrogen for a creamy texture.
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Iced Coffee – Regular brewed coffee chilled and served over ice.
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Frappé (Greece) – A frothy, shaken iced coffee with sugar.
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Shakerato (Italy) – Espresso shaken with ice for a smooth finish.
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Coffee Soda – Cold brew mixed with sparkling water.
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Black Tie (Thailand) – A mix of Thai tea and coffee.
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Japanese Iced Coffee – Hot coffee brewed directly over ice.
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Coffee Float – Iced coffee topped with a scoop of ice cream.
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Coconut Cold Brew – Cold brew infused with coconut milk.
E. Dessert Coffees
These indulgent coffees double as sweet treats:
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Irish Coffee – Coffee spiked with Irish whiskey and topped with cream.
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Dalgona Coffee – Whipped coffee with milk, made popular online.
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Espresso Martini – A cocktail combining espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur.
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Bicerin (Italy) – A layered drink of espresso, chocolate, and cream.
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Tiramisu Coffee – A coffee flavoured with mascarpone and cocoa.
F. Specialty and Unique Coffees
These innovative and unconventional coffees offer unique ingredients and benefits:
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Red Eye (USA) – A drip coffee boosted with a shot of espresso.
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White Coffee (Malaysia) – Coffee beans roasted with margarine for a mild flavour.
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Golden Latte (Turmeric Coffee) – A caffeine-free, spiced turmeric drink.
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Mushroom Coffee – Coffee infused with medicinal mushrooms for health benefits.
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Matcha Coffee – A fusion of matcha green tea and espresso.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between espresso and brewed coffee?
Espresso is a concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee, while brewed coffee is prepared by steeping or filtering coffee grounds with water.
2. How do I choose the right coffee type for me?
It depends on your taste preferences—if you enjoy strong flavours, try espresso-based drinks; for a milder taste, opt for milk-based or cold brews.
3. Can I make these coffee types at home?
Yes! Many coffee types can be made at home with basic equipment, while others, like Nitro Cold Brew or Espresso Martini, may require special tools.
4. What is the best coffee for beginners?
A latte or cappuccino is a great starting point for those new to coffee, as they have a balanced coffee-to-milk ratio.
