34 Different Coffee Drinks and How to Make Them
Coffee…is…good. I know I’m addicted to caffeine, but separate from the boost it gives me, I also look forward to making it every morning and taking that first sip. And one of the coolest parts about coffee is that there’s SO much variety. Most people stick with what’s easy, like drip coffee, but there’s a wide world of coffee drinks out there to keep things interesting. Let’s take a look at the different coffee drinks you can try out to spice things up a bit.
Coffee Drinks Made With Regular Coffee
The art of brewing regular coffee is a delightful exploration of methods, each one imparting its unique nuances to the final cup. From the classic drip machine to the artisanal pour over cone, the Chemex, the French press, the cold brew maker, the Clever Dripper, and the mesmerizing coffee siphon, each technique offers a distinct flavor profile and texture, akin to individual beverages in their own right.
1. Aeropress Coffee
The Aeropress is a true coffee connoisseur’s delight, combining convenience with exceptional taste. This ingenious device brews an intensely flavorful cup by immersing the grounds in hot water and then forcing the brew through a filter using gentle air pressure. The resulting coffee is rich, smooth, and full-bodied, with a delightful depth of flavor that will leave you craving more. To customize your Aeropress experience, consider adding a splash of creamy milk, a hint of sweetness with your favorite syrup, or serve it over ice for a refreshing iced treat.
2. Chemex Coffee
The Chemex, a sleek, hourglass-shaped vessel, is a true work of art, both in design and function. This pour over method yields a clean, bright, and exceptionally smooth brew, thanks to its innovative thick filter that removes even the finest sediments and coffee oils. Chemex coffee is a delicate balance of flavors, with a subtle sweetness and a delightful clarity that allows the nuances of the coffee origin to shine through. Elevate your Chemex experience by experimenting with different types of milk or alternative milk options, such as oat or almond, or indulge in a touch of vanilla or caramel syrup for a delightful twist.
3. Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is a true summer sensation, offering a refreshing and smooth drinking experience that will quench your thirst while satisfying your coffee cravings. This unique brewing method involves steeping coarsely ground beans in cold water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours, resulting in a concentrated brew with a velvety texture and reduced acidity. Enjoy your cold brew over ice, with a splash of your favorite milk or creamer, or add a touch of sweetness with a drizzle of simple syrup or honey.
4. Cuban Coffee
Cuban coffee, or café cubano, is a testament to the vibrant culture and flavors of the Caribbean. This intense, unapologetically bold brew is prepared using a stovetop espresso maker, known as a cafetera or greca. The resulting coffee is thick, syrupy, and packs a powerful punch of flavor that will awaken your senses. Traditionally enjoyed with a sprinkle of white sugar to balance the bold taste, you can also experiment with different sweeteners or enjoy it black for an unadulterated coffee experience.
5. Cuban Coffee Cortadito
The Cuban coffee cortadito is a delightful fusion of café cubano and steamed milk, creating a harmonious balance of bold coffee flavors and creamy indulgence. This concentrated shot of Cuban coffee is combined with just a touch of steamed milk, resulting in a rich, velvety beverage that is the perfect pick-me-up for any time of day. Embrace the Cuban tradition by adding a sprinkle of sugar for a touch of sweetness, or try it with a splash of your favorite milk alternative for a personalized twist. The boldness also holds up well to flavored creamers, so feel free to experiment.
6. Drip Coffee
Ah, the good old drip coffee…a classic that never goes out of style. This straightforward brewing method involves hot water slowly dripping through a bed of ground coffee and through a thin filter, resulting in a well-balanced, full-flavored cup that is perfect for those seeking a no-fuss, comforting brew. Customize your drip coffee experience by adding a splash of cream or milk, or add some sweetness with a dollop of honey or a sprinkle of sugar. For a truly decadent treat, try it with a shot of your favorite flavored syrup or a dusting of cocoa powder.
7. French Press Coffee
The French press, or cafetière, is a simple manual brewing method that allows you to immerse yourself in the rich, full-bodied flavors of your favorite coffee beans. By steeping the grounds directly in hot water and then pressing down the plunger to separate the brew from the sediment, you’ll enjoy a velvety, robust cup that showcases the coffee’s true essence. Experiment with different brewing times and grind sizes to find your perfect flavor profile, and consider adding a touch of cream, milk, or sweetener to suit your personal taste.
8. Instant Coffee
Instant coffee may not be the most glamorous of coffee drinks, but it certainly has its place in the world of caffeine convenience. These soluble granules or powders offer a quick and easy way to enjoy a cup of coffee without the need for brewing equipment. While instant coffee may not boast the complexity of its freshly brewed counterparts, it can still be a satisfying and comforting beverage, especially when served with a splash of milk or a sweetener.
9. Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is a celebration of indulgence, combining the rich flavors of freshly brewed coffee with the warmth and depth of Irish whiskey. This iconic beverage is traditionally made by pouring hot coffee into a glass, adding a shot (or two) of Irish whiskey, and topping it with a dollop of lightly whipped cream. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul on even the chilliest of days. Also, it’ll get you a little tipsy…
10. Japanese-Style Iced Coffee
Japanese-style iced coffee—sometimes called Kyoto coffee—is a true work of art, combining precision and attention to detail to create a refreshingly smooth and flavorful beverage. This unique brewing method involves brewing a concentrated batch of coffee directly onto ice, resulting in a perfectly chilled and undiluted drink. The slow drip process ensures that every drop of coffee is infused with the rich, nuanced flavors of the beans, creating a truly remarkable iced coffee experience.
11. Moka Pot Coffee
The moka pot is an icon in the world of coffee brewing, beloved for its ability to produce a rich, full-bodied brew with a hint of espresso-like intensity. This simple stovetop device works by forcing hot water through a chamber of finely ground coffee, resulting in a concentrated and flavorful cup that is sure to delight the palate. It’s similar to a percolator, but the brewed coffee is kept separate from the clean water, resulting in less bitterness and burnt flavors. Moka pot coffee boasts a unique flavor profile that is both bold and nuanced, making it a popular choice among coffee connoisseurs.
12. Percolator Coffee
The percolator is a classic brewing method that has been a staple in households for generations. This timeless device works by continuously cycling the brew through the grounds, producing a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee that is sure to awaken your senses. The percolator’s unique brewing process results in a bold and robust flavor profile, making it a beloved choice for those who appreciate a strong and satisfying cup of joe. Given that this brewing method tends to bring out bitterness, it’s common to add milk and sugar to it.
13. Pour Over Coffee
The pour over method is a coffee lover’s delight, allowing for complete control over the brewing process and unlocking the full potential of the coffee beans. This artisanal technique involves carefully pouring hot water over freshly ground beans in a cone-shaped filter (like a Hario V60 cone), resulting in a clean, bright, and flavorful cup. Experiment with different pouring techniques, water temperatures, and grind sizes to find your perfect brew, and consider adding a touch of milk or sweetener to alter the flavors.
14. Single-Serve Coffee
In our fast-paced world, convenience often reigns supreme, and that’s where single-serve coffee comes into play. These individual pods or capsules offer a quick and easy way to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee without the hassle of measuring grounds or cleaning up a mess. While the flavor profile may not be as nuanced as other brewing methods, single-serve coffee can still be a satisfying option, especially when paired with your favorite milk or flavor syrup..
15. Siphon Coffee
The siphon coffee maker, or vacuum coffee maker, is a spectacle of coffee brewing, combining science and artistry to create a truly unique and flavorful cup. This theatrical method involves heating water in a lower chamber, which then rises through a narrow tube and mixes with the ground coffee in an upper chamber. The resulting brew is then filtered back into the lower chamber, producing a clean, bright, and exceptionally pure coffee experience. Siphon coffee is a true treat for the senses, and its complex flavors can be further enhanced by experimenting with different add-ins.
Coffee Drinks Made With Espresso
Espresso is the bold and intense foundation upon which a vast array of coffee drinks are built. This highly concentrated shot of coffee, crafted by forcing hot water through finely ground beans under immense pressure, packs a punch of flavor that is unmatched in its intensity. Whether brewed using an electric espresso machine or a good manual lever espresso maker, the result is a rich, full-bodied beverage that stands up well to milk, sweeteners, and other add-ins without getting overly diluted.
16. Espresso
The humble espresso shot is the building block of many coffee drinks, yet it stands alone as a powerful and flavorful beverage in its own right. This concentrated shot of coffee, typically around 1 ounce, packs a bold, syrupy punch of flavor that is both intense and complex. It takes between 25 and 30 seconds to brew, in most cases. Sip it slowly to fully appreciate the nuances of the beans, or add a touch of sugar or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to enhance the flavors even further.
17. Doppio
If a single espresso shot just isn’t quite enough to satisfy your caffeine cravings, the doppio is here to save the day. Doppio means “double,” and this double shot of espresso packs twice the punch, offering a more intense and robust flavor profile that will awaken your senses and fuel your day. Enjoy it as is for a bold and envigorating coffee experience, or consider adding a splash of milk or sweetener to temper the intensity.
18. Ristretto
The ristretto is another type of shot you can pull using an espresso machine. It’s like a concentrated shot of espresso that is even more intense and flavorful than a traditional shot. This petite powerhouse is achieved by stopping the extraction process earlier, with a total brew time of between 15 and 20 seconds, resulting in a smaller volume of liquid that is packed with rich, bold flavors. The ristretto is a true treat for those who appreciate the depth and complexity of espresso, and it can be enjoyed on its own or as the base for a variety of espresso-based drinks.
19. Lungo
On the opposite end of the spectrum from the ristretto lies the lungo, a delightfully mellow and smooth espresso drink. This elongated shot is created by allowing more water to pass through the grounds, resulting in a larger volume of liquid with a more diluted flavor profile. The lungo offers a gentle and approachable introduction to the world of espresso, with a subtle sweetness and a velvety texture that make it a delightful sipping beverage. A lungo can take around a minute to pull on an espresso machine.
20. Affogato
The affogato is an indulgence for coffee and dessert lovers alike. This decadent treat combines a scoop (or two) of rich, creamy gelato with a shot of hot, freshly brewed espresso poured over the top. As the espresso melts into the gelato, it creates a heavenly blend of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Customize your affogato by experimenting with different gelato flavors or adding a touch of whipped cream or chocolate shavings for an extra layer of indulgence.
21. Americano
The black Americano is a beloved classic that bridges the gap between regular coffee and espresso. This beverage is crafted by adding hot water to a shot of espresso, resulting in a smooth, well-balanced cup that offers the best of both worlds. With its rich, bold flavors and velvety texture, the Americano is perfect for those interested in espresso who don’t particularly like how bold straight espresso is. Customize your Americano by adding a splash of milk or cream, or experiment with different sweeteners or flavored syrups to create your perfect cup.
22. Black Eye
For those seeking an extra jolt of caffeine, the Black Eye is the ultimate beverage. This potent concoction combines two shots of espresso with a piping hot cup of drip coffee, creating a bold and invigorating beverage that will kickstart even the most sluggish of mornings. The rich, full-bodied flavors of the espresso mingle seamlessly with the smooth, well-rounded notes of the drip coffee, resulting in a harmonious blend that will keep you energized and focused throughout the day. Need a bit less caffeine? Go for a red eye instead. More on that later.
23. Breve
The breve is ideal for coffee lovers who appreciate the rich, velvety texture of steamed cream. This decadent beverage is crafted by combining a shot of espresso with steamed half-and-half, resulting in a creamy, silky-smooth drink that will tantalize your taste buds. The bold, robust flavors of the espresso are perfectly balanced by the luxurious creaminess and slight sweetness of the half-and-half, creating a satisfying experience.
24. Cappuccino
The cappuccino is another classic coffee drink, beloved for its harmonious blend of bold espresso, steamed milk, and velvety milk foam. This iconic beverage is crafted with precision, featuring a base of rich, concentrated espresso topped with steamed milk and a thick layer of micro-foamed milk. The result is a perfectly balanced cup that offers a symphony of flavors and textures, from the bold and robust espresso to the creamy, frothy milk. Customize your cappuccino by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder, or indulge in a flavored syrup for an extra touch of decadence.
25. Cortado
The cortado is a blend of espresso and steamed milk, offering a perfect balance of bold coffee flavors and creamy indulgence. This popular Spanish beverage is crafted by combining equal parts espresso and steamed milk, resulting in a rich, velvety drink that is both satisfying and easy to sip. The cortado is a treat for those who appreciate the depth of espresso but crave a touch of creamy smoothness to complement the bold flavors.
26. Flat White
The flat white combines the bold intensity of espresso with the silky smoothness of steamed milk. This Australian-born beverage features a double shot of espresso topped with velvety steamed milk, resulting in a rich, creamy beverage with a beautiful, smooth texture. The flat white is a celebration of simplicity, allowing the nuances of the espresso to shine through while being perfectly balanced by the creaminess of the milk.
27. Latte
The latte is perhaps the most popular and well-known espresso-based coffee drink in the U.S. It’s a staple in just about every coffee shop, and it’s often the most Instagram-worthy, thanks to the latte art that’s possible.
This indulgent beverage combines a shot of bold espresso with steamed milk, creating a harmonious blend of rich coffee flavors and creamy indulgence. The latte is crafted with precision, featuring a base of espresso and a generous layer of steamed milk, often topped with a light layer of milk foam. Lattes can more or less be endlessly customized. You can try everything from a caramel latte or a chocolaty mocha latte to a green tea matcha latte, and much, much more.
28. London Fog
The London Fog is a delightful twist on traditional coffee drinks, combining the rich flavors of Earl Grey tea with the velvety smoothness of steamed milk and a touch of vanilla. This unique beverage is crafted by brewing a strong Earl Grey tea, adding a shot of vanilla syrup or extract, and topping it with steamed milk and a light layer of foam. The result is a soothing and comforting drink that offers a harmonious blend of flavors, from the bold and fragrant Earl Grey to the creamy richness of the steamed milk and the subtle sweetness of the vanilla.
In some cases, baristas opt to add a shot of espresso for an even more “motivating” cup, so this makes my list of coffee drinks!
29. Long Black
The long black is a beloved coffee beverage that originated in Australia and New Zealand, offering a unique twist on the classic Americano. This beverage is crafted by pouring a shot of espresso over hot water, rather than pouring water into a shot of espresso. The result is very similar, although you’ll retain the sweet crema a bit better with a long black.
30. Macchiato
The macchiato offers a bold and intense espresso experience with just a touch of creamy indulgence. It’s crafted by combining a shot of rich, bold espresso with a small amount of steamed milk, resulting in a drink that showcases the depth and complexity of the coffee while being perfectly balanced by the velvety smoothness of the milk. The macchiato is great for those who appreciate the bold flavors of espresso but crave a hint of creamy decadence.
31. Mocha
The mocha is the preferred coffee drink among those who appreciate the perfect harmony of rich, bold espresso and deep chocolate flavors. To make a mocha, you combine a shot of espresso with steamed milk and a generous helping of chocolate syrup or powder, resulting in a delightfully creamy and indulgent drink that will satisfy even the most insatiable sweet tooth. Customize your mocha by experimenting with different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white, or add a touch of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra little something.
32. Red Eye
Similar to a black eye but delivering a bit less caffeination, the red eye combines a single shot of espresso with a piping hot cup of drip coffee. You get the best of both worlds with a red eye: the smoothness of regular coffee and the bold flavors and nuances in a shot of espresso. Enjoy this black, over ice, or with your favorite sweetener or syrup.
33. Vienna
The Vienna is another marriage of coffee and chocolate. To make a Vienna, you add a shot of espresso to a cup of steamed milk, and then finish it off with a generous helping of chocolate syrup or powder. The result is a punchy coffee flavor backed by sweet chocolate notes. Customize your Vienna by experimenting with different types of chocolate, or add a touch of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for more personalization.
34. Frappe
The frappe originated in Greece and is a mixture of instant coffee, ice, sugar, and either water or milk blended together. The drink is cold and light, with bitterness balanced by the sweetness, and a subtle kick of caffeine. Frappes are more popular in Europe than in the U.S., but they’re still enjoyed by some Americans, especially as an afternoon pick-me-up on a hot summer day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a latte and a flat white?
While both the latte and flat white are made with espresso and steamed milk, there are some key differences. A latte typically has more steamed milk, creating a drink with a higher milk-to-espresso ratio and a more diluted coffee flavor. On the other hand, a flat white has less steamed milk, resulting in a stronger espresso taste and a velvety, flat microfoam on top. The flat white also usually contains a double shot of espresso, making it richer and more intense.
What is the best way to sweeten coffee drinks?
There are several options for sweetening coffee drinks, each with its own unique flavor profile. White or brown sugar can add a subtle sweetness, while syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut offer more distinct flavors. For a richer sweetness, you can try honey, agave nectar, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup or sauce. And for those looking for a vegan option, plant-based sweeteners like maple syrup or date syrup can be great alternatives.
Can you make coffee drinks without an espresso machine?
Absolutely! While many coffee drinks are based on espresso shots, there are plenty of delicious options that can be made without an espresso machine. Drip coffee, pour over, French press, and cold brew can all serve as the base for beverages like lattes, mochas, and macchiatos by adding steamed or frothed milk. You can even create espresso-like drinks using an Aeropress or French press and an aerating tool like a milk frother.