What are the Different Types of Coffee?

From pour over to French press, cappuccino to cortado, it can be tough to keep all the different brewing methods and types of coffee drinks straight. Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down all the different types of coffee so you can navigate the coffee world with confidence.

I’ll start by discussing the main types of regular coffee — think drip coffee, French press, that sort of stuff — and explain the key differences between them. Then, I’ll dive into the world of espresso, exploring all the different drinks that fall into this category. By the end of this article, you’ll be a bona fide coffee expert. We have a lot to cover, so let’s get started!

Types of Regular Coffee

When we talk about “regular coffee,” we’re referring to any type of coffee that isn’t espresso. This includes both filter coffee and immersion brewing methods. Let’s take a closer look at each of these categories.

Filter Coffee

Filter coffee is a broad category that includes any brewing method where hot water is poured over ground coffee and then filtered out, leaving behind a clean cup of coffee. You might also here filter coffee referred to as percolation, but they’re the same thing.

The most popular filter coffee methods are:

Pour Over: This method involves pouring hot water over ground coffee that’s sitting in a filter. The water slowly drips through the grounds and filter into a carafe or mug below. Popular pour over devices include the Hario V60, Kalita Wave, and Chemex.
Drip Coffee: This is the most common brewing method in the United States. Hot water is poured over ground coffee that’s sitting in a filter basket. The brewed coffee then drips into a carafe below. Most home coffee makers use this method.
Siphon: Also known as vacuum pot coffee, this method uses two chambers — one for the ground coffee and one for the water — and a heat source to create a vacuum that pulls the brewed coffee through a filter and into the serving chamber.

The key characteristic of filter coffee is that the brewing process physically separates the ground coffee from the final brewed coffee using a paper or metal filter. This results in a clean, clear cup of coffee with a lighter body than immersion methods.

Immersion Coffee

Immersion brewing is a category of coffee brewing where the ground coffee is steeped directly in hot water, similar to how tea is brewed. The most popular immersion brewing methods are:

French Press: Ground coffee is steeped in hot water inside the French press carafe, then a metal plunger with a fine mesh filter is pressed down to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee.
Cold Brew: Coarsely ground coffee is steeped in room temperature or cold water for an extended period of time, usually 12-24 hours. This produces a coffee concentrate that is typically diluted with water or milk before drinking.
AeroPress: The AeroPress is a unique device that combines immersion and pressure brewing. Ground coffee is steeped in hot water inside the AeroPress chamber, then a plunger is used to force the brewed coffee through a paper filter and into a mug.

The key difference between immersion brewing and filter coffee is that with immersion methods, the ground coffee is in direct contact with the water for the entire brewing process. This typically results in a fuller-bodied, richer cup of coffee compared to filter methods.

Immersion/Filter Hybrids

I know that dividing this section into filter or hybrid makes it seem like those are distinct options, but there are a few methods that blur the line between the two.

Some brewing methods combine elements of both immersion and filter brewing to create a unique cup of coffee. These hybrid methods typically involve steeping the ground coffee in water for a period of time, then using a filter to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. Some popular examples of immersion/filter hybrids include:

Clever Dripper: The Clever Dripper is a brewing device that looks similar to a pour over cone, but with a valve at the bottom that allows you to control the flow of water. You start by adding ground coffee to the dripper and pouring hot water over it, letting it steep for a few minutes. Then, you place the dripper on top of a carafe or mug, which opens the valve and allows the brewed coffee to drip through the filter.
Kalita Wave: While the Kalita Wave is often considered a pour over method, it actually has some elements of immersion brewing as well. The flat bottom design of the Wave allows for a small amount of immersion at the beginning of the brewing process, before the water begins to drain through the filter. This can result in a cup that has some of the body and richness of an immersion brew, but with the clarity and clean finish of a pour over.

Hybrid brewing methods can be a great way to experiment with different flavor profiles and find a cup of coffee that suits your personal taste preferences.

Types of Espresso

Now let’s move on to the wonderful world of espresso. There’s a lot more to cover here, but let’s start with the basics.

Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee that is brewed by forcing hot water under pressure through finely-ground coffee beans. The result is a thick, rich shot of coffee with a layer of crema on top. Espresso is the foundation for a wide variety of coffee drinks, from the simple and classic to the complex and creative. Here are some of the most popular espresso drinks:

Cappuccino

A cappuccino is an espresso-based drink that is traditionally made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The key to a great cappuccino is the texture of the milk: it should be silky smooth and velvety, with a thick layer of foam on top.

To make a cappuccino, the barista first pulls a shot of espresso into a cup. Then, they steam the milk to create microfoam — tiny bubbles that give the milk a creamy, almost whipped texture. The steamed milk is then poured into the cup in a way that creates distinct layers: espresso on the bottom, steamed milk in the middle, and a thick layer of foam on top.

Cappuccinos are typically served in 6-8 ounce cups and are a popular choice for a mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up. They strike a balance between the intensity of a straight shot of espresso and the creaminess of a latte.

Latte

A latte, short for “caffe latte,” is an espresso-based drink that is similar to a cappuccino but with a higher ratio of steamed milk to espresso. Lattes are typically made with one or two shots of espresso and a generous amount of steamed milk, with a thin layer of foam on top.

To make a latte, the barista starts by pulling a shot of espresso into a cup. They then steam the milk to create a creamy, velvety texture, but with less foam than a cappuccino. The steamed milk is then poured into the cup, starting at the bottom and working up to the top. This creates a drink with a higher proportion of steamed milk to espresso, with just a thin layer of foam on top.

Lattes are often served in larger cups than cappuccinos, typically 10-12 ounces, and are a popular choice for a comforting, creamy coffee drink. They can also be customized with various flavored syrups, such as vanilla or hazelnut, to create sweet and indulgent variations.

Americano

An Americano is a simple but satisfying espresso-based drink that consists of a shot of espresso diluted with hot water. The result is a coffee that has a similar strength and flavor profile to drip coffee, but with the distinctive taste and aroma of espresso.

To make an Americano, the barista starts by pulling a shot of espresso into a cup. They then add hot water to the espresso, typically in a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 (espresso to water). The exact ratio can be adjusted to taste, with more water creating a milder drink and less water resulting in a stronger, more intense flavor.

Americanos are a popular choice for those who want the flavor of espresso but the volume and sippability — it’s a word, okay? — of regular coffee. They can be served hot or iced and are often customized with milk, cream, or sugar to taste.

Espresso

Of course, we can’t talk about espresso drinks without mentioning the classic espresso itself. An espresso is a small, concentrated shot of coffee that is brewed by forcing hot water under pressure through finely-ground coffee beans.

To make an espresso, the barista starts by grinding the coffee beans to a fine, consistent texture. The ground coffee is then packed tightly into the portafilter (the device that holds the coffee) and tamped down to create an even surface. The portafilter is then inserted into the espresso machine, and hot water is forced through the grounds at high pressure, typically 9-10 bars.

The result is a thick, rich shot of coffee with a layer of crema on top. Espresso has a intense, bold flavor and a creamy mouthfeel that is distinct from regular coffee. It is typically served in small, 1-2 ounce shots and is the building block for many other espresso-based drinks.

Espresso is a popular choice for those who want a quick, potent caffeine hit or who enjoy the complex flavor profile of concentrated coffee. It can be enjoyed on its own or used as the base for a wide variety of other drinks.

Flat White

A flat white is an espresso-based drink that originated in Australia and New Zealand and has gained popularity around the world in recent years. It is similar to a latte but with a higher ratio of espresso to milk and a more velvety texture.

To make a flat white, the barista starts by pulling a double shot of espresso into a cup. They then steam the milk to create a creamy, silky texture, but with less foam than a cappuccino. The steamed milk is then poured into the cup in a way that creates a smooth, uniform texture throughout the drink, with no distinct layers of foam or milk.

Flat whites are typically served in smaller cups than lattes, around 5-6 ounces, and have a stronger espresso flavor due to the higher proportion of espresso to milk. They are a popular choice for those who want a creamy, indulgent coffee drink but with a more intense coffee flavor than a latte.

Macchiato

A macchiato is an espresso-based drink that consists of a shot of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk added on top. The name “macchiato” means “marked” or “stained” in Italian, referring to the way the milk marks the surface of the espresso.

To make a macchiato, the barista starts by pulling a shot of espresso into a small cup. They then steam a small amount of milk to create a creamy texture, but without the volume or foam of a cappuccino or latte. The steamed milk is then carefully poured on top of the espresso, creating a small white mark on the surface of the coffee.

Macchiatos are typically served in small, 2 or 3-ounce cups and are a popular choice for those who want a strong, bold espresso flavor with just a touch of creamy milk to balance it out. They are often confused with the larger, sweeter “caramel macchiato” that is popular in some coffee chains, but a traditional macchiato is a simpler, more intense drink.

Cortado

A cortado is an espresso-based drink that originated in Spain and is similar to a macchiato but with a higher ratio of milk to espresso. The name “cortado” means “cut” in Spanish, referring to the way the milk cuts through the intensity of the espresso.

To make a cortado, the barista starts by pulling a shot of espresso into a small cup. They then steam a small amount of milk to create a creamy texture but without the foam of a cappuccino. The steamed milk is then poured into the cup, cutting through the espresso and creating a drink with a 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk.

Cortados are typically served in small, 4 or 5-ounce cups and are a popular choice for those who want a balanced, creamy coffee drink that is less intense than a straight shot of espresso but stronger than a latte. They are often enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up or after a meal.

Mocha

A mocha, also known as a caffè mocha or mochaccino, is an espresso-based drink that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee. It is essentially a latte or cappuccino with chocolate syrup or cocoa powder added to it.

To make a mocha, the barista starts by adding chocolate syrup or cocoa powder to the bottom of a cup. They then pull a shot of espresso on top of the chocolate, stirring to combine. Steamed milk is then added to the cup, creating a creamy, indulgent drink with distinct layers of chocolate, espresso, and milk.

Mochas can be made with various types of chocolate, from dark to milk to white, and can be topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or other indulgent toppings. They are a popular choice for those who want a sweet, dessert-like coffee drink that still packs a caffeine punch.

Wrapping Up

As we’ve seen, there are two main categories of coffee: regular coffee and espresso. Within the regular coffee category, we have filter coffee methods like pour over and drip coffee, as well as immersion methods like French press and cold brew. These brewing methods produce a clean, clear cup of coffee with varying levels of body and intensity.

In the espresso category, we have a wide variety of drinks that build on the foundation of a concentrated shot of espresso. From the simple and classic espresso itself to the creamy and indulgent latte, the bold and intense macchiato to the balanced and smooth cortado, there is an espresso drink to suit every taste and preference.

Whether you prefer the simplicity of a pour over or the complexity of a mocha, the key to great coffee is starting with high-quality beans, using the right brewing method for your taste, and taking the time to savor and enjoy each sip. With this comprehensive guide to the different types of coffee, you now have the knowledge and confidence to explore the exciting and delicious world of coffee. Happy brewing!

FAQs

What’s the difference between regular coffee and espresso?

Regular coffee is brewed by pouring hot water over ground coffee and filtering out the grounds, while espresso is made by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee. Espresso is much more concentrated and intense than regular coffee and has a thicker, creamier texture.

Can I make espresso at home without an espresso machine?

While it’s possible to approximate the flavor and strength of espresso using a stovetop moka pot or an AeroPress, true espresso requires a specialized machine that can generate the high pressure needed to produce a proper shot. Home espresso machines can be expensive, but they allow you to enjoy cafe-quality espresso drinks at home.

What’s the healthiest type of coffee?

Black coffee, whether regular or espresso, is generally considered the healthiest way to enjoy coffee. Adding milk, cream, sugar, or other ingredients can increase the calorie and fat content of your coffee and may negate some of its potential health benefits. That being said, moderate consumption of coffee, even with added ingredients, can still be part of a healthy diet for most people.

How do I choose the right coffee beans?

Choosing the right coffee beans depends on your personal taste preferences and the brewing method you plan to use. Look for beans that are freshly roasted and from a reputable source. Consider factors like the roast level (light, medium, or dark), the origin of the beans (such as Colombia, Ethiopia, or Indonesia), and any flavor notes or tasting descriptions provided by the roaster. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of beans to find your perfect match.