12 Types of Espresso Drinks You Should Know: From Espresso to Affogato

Espresso is the foundation of many popular coffee drinks enjoyed around the world.

Made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under high pressure, espresso creates a rich, concentrated shot with a bold flavor and smooth aroma.

While espresso can be enjoyed on its own, it is also used as the base ingredient for a wide variety of drinks with different textures, strengths, and flavors.

From creamy milk-based options like lattes and cappuccinos to stronger choices like ristretto and doppio, each espresso drink offers a unique coffee experience. Some drinks highlight the intense flavor of espresso, while others balance it with steamed milk, foam, chocolate, or water.

Understanding the differences between espresso-based coffee drinks can help you choose the perfect cup based on your taste preferences.

Whether you enjoy a strong and bold coffee, a smooth and creamy beverage, or a sweet dessert-style drink, there is an espresso option for everyone. In this guide, we will explore 12 common espresso-based coffee drinks, their ingredients, flavor profiles, and what makes each one unique.

1. Espresso

Espresso is the foundation of most espresso-based coffee drinks. It is a concentrated coffee beverage known for its bold flavor, rich aroma, and smooth crema layer. Unlike regular brewed coffee, espresso is made using pressure extraction, which creates a stronger taste and thicker texture in a small serving size.

What Is a Classic Espresso Shot?

A classic espresso shot is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under high pressure. This brewing method extracts intense flavors, oils, and aromas from the coffee grounds, creating a concentrated drink with a strong coffee character.

A single espresso shot usually contains about 7–10 grams of coffee and produces around 1 ounce (30 ml) of liquid. A double espresso, also known as a doppio, uses twice the amount of coffee grounds and produces a stronger flavor with more caffeine.

Espresso has a complex flavor profile that can include notes of chocolate, caramel, nuts, fruit, or spices depending on the coffee beans and roasting process. Its intensity comes from the concentrated extraction method rather than just the caffeine content.

Espresso Serving Style

Traditionally, espresso is served in a small cup called a demitasse. The standard serving size is around 1 ounce for a single shot, while a double shot is typically around 2 ounces.

Espresso cups are designed to maintain heat and preserve the aroma of the coffee. Many cafés serve espresso in small ceramic cups, sometimes with a small glass of water on the side to cleanse the palate.

People enjoy espresso in different ways. Some prefer drinking it straight to experience the pure coffee flavor, while others add sugar or pair it with desserts. Espresso is also used as the base for drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos.

Caffeine Content in Espresso

Although espresso is small in size, it contains a high concentration of caffeine compared with regular coffee. A single espresso shot usually contains around 60–75 mg of caffeine, while a double shot may contain approximately 120–150 mg.

Several factors can affect the caffeine level in espresso, including:

• Type of coffee bean used
• Amount of coffee grounds
• Brewing time
• Roast level
• Extraction method

2. Americano

An Americano is a popular espresso-based coffee drink created by combining espresso shots with hot water. It provides the strong flavor of espresso while creating a larger and smoother beverage similar to traditional brewed coffee.

What Makes an Americano Different?

The main difference between an Americano and regular brewed coffee is the brewing method. An Americano starts with espresso and adds hot water afterward, while brewed coffee is made by slowly filtering water through coffee grounds.

The basic preparation includes:

• One or two shots of espresso
• Hot water added according to personal preference

Adding water reduces the intensity of espresso while maintaining its rich aroma and deep coffee flavor.

Americano Flavor and Strength

Americano has a bold but smoother taste compared with straight espresso. The added water creates a lighter body while allowing the natural flavors of the espresso beans to remain noticeable.

The strength of an Americano can easily be adjusted by changing:

• Number of espresso shots
• Amount of added water
• Coffee bean roast level

A stronger Americano uses more espresso, while a milder version contains more water.

Hot vs Iced Americano

A hot Americano is prepared by adding hot water to freshly brewed espresso, creating a warm and balanced coffee drink. It is commonly enjoyed as a morning beverage.

An iced Americano uses espresso, cold water, and ice for a refreshing alternative. It is especially popular during warmer seasons.

Common variations include:

• Adding milk or cream
• Sweetening with sugar or syrup
• Using flavored espresso beans

3. Cappuccino

Cappuccino is a classic Italian espresso-based drink famous for its balanced combination of espresso, steamed milk, and thick milk foam. It offers a stronger coffee flavor than many milk-based drinks while providing a creamy and smooth texture.

The Classic Cappuccino Formula

Traditional cappuccino follows a simple formula using equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. This balance creates a drink where the coffee flavor remains noticeable while the milk adds sweetness and smoothness.

A traditional cappuccino usually contains:

• One shot of espresso
• Steamed milk
• A thick layer of milk foam

The Italian-style cappuccino is often enjoyed in the morning and is considered a lighter but flavorful coffee option.

Cappuccino Texture and Taste

The defining feature of cappuccino is its thick, creamy foam layer. The foam creates a soft texture and helps maintain the strong espresso aroma.

Cappuccino offers:

• Rich espresso flavor
• Creamy mouthfeel
• Balanced sweetness from milk

Compared with a latte, cappuccino has more foam and a stronger coffee presence because it contains less steamed milk.

Cappuccino Variations

Modern coffee shops offer different styles of cappuccino to suit various preferences.

Dry Cappuccino:
Contains more foam and less steamed milk, creating a lighter and airier texture.

Wet Cappuccino:
Contains more steamed milk and less foam, making it smoother and creamier.

Flavored Cappuccino:
Includes additional flavors such as vanilla, caramel, chocolate, or hazelnut syrup.

4. Latte

A latte is one of the most popular espresso-based drinks worldwide. It combines espresso with a large amount of steamed milk, creating a smooth, creamy beverage with a mild coffee flavor.

What Is a Latte Coffee?

A latte, also called a café latte, is made by mixing espresso with steamed milk and adding a thin layer of milk foam on top.

The main ingredients include:

• One or two espresso shots
• Steamed milk
• Light milk foam layer

The higher milk content makes a latte smoother and less intense compared with cappuccino or espresso.

Latte Milk-to-Espresso Ratio

The key difference between a latte and many other espresso drinks is its higher milk-to-espresso ratio. The extra milk creates a softer taste and creamy texture.

A latte usually has:

• More steamed milk than cappuccino
• Less foam than cappuccino
• A mild and balanced coffee flavor

This makes it a popular choice for people who enjoy coffee but prefer a less bitter taste.

Popular Latte Variations

Many flavored coffee drinks are based on the classic latte recipe.

Vanilla Latte:
A combination of espresso, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup that creates a sweet and aromatic drink.

Caramel Latte:
Adds caramel flavor for a rich, dessert-like coffee experience.

Iced Latte:
Made with espresso, cold milk, and ice, offering a refreshing version of the traditional latte.

5. Flat White

Flat white is an espresso-based coffee drink known for its smooth texture and strong coffee flavor. It originated from Australian and New Zealand café culture and has become popular worldwide because of its balanced combination of espresso and microfoam milk.

Origin and History of Flat White

The flat white is believed to have developed in Australia and New Zealand during the 1980s. Coffee shops created this drink as a smoother alternative to traditional cappuccino, focusing on rich espresso flavor and silky milk texture.

As specialty coffee culture expanded, flat white became popular in cafés around the world, especially among people who enjoy a stronger milk-based coffee.

Flat White Texture and Microfoam

The signature feature of a flat white is its fine microfoam. Unlike cappuccino, which has a thick layer of foam, flat white uses a thin layer of smooth, velvety milk foam.

This texture creates:

• A creamy mouthfeel
• Strong espresso presence
• Smooth milk integration

The smaller milk quantity allows the coffee flavor to remain more noticeable.

Flat White vs Latte

Although flat white and latte both contain espresso and steamed milk, they differ in texture and strength.

Flat White:

• Less milk
• Thinner microfoam layer
• Stronger espresso taste

Latte:

• More steamed milk
• More diluted coffee flavor
• Larger serving size

Flat white is ideal for people who want a creamy coffee drink without losing the bold taste of espresso.

6. Mocha

Mocha is a sweet espresso-based coffee drink that combines espresso, chocolate, and steamed milk. It is often considered a dessert-style coffee because of its rich chocolate flavor and creamy texture.

What Is a Mocha Coffee?

A mocha, also called a café mocha, is made by combining espresso with chocolate and steamed milk. It provides the energy boost of espresso with the sweetness of chocolate.

Typical mocha ingredients include:

• Espresso shot
• Chocolate syrup or cocoa powder
• Steamed milk
• Milk foam or whipped cream (optional)

This combination creates a drink that is both rich and satisfying.

Mocha Ingredients and Flavor

The chocolate ingredient gives mocha its unique taste. Depending on the recipe, cafés may use chocolate syrup, cocoa powder, or melted chocolate.

Mocha flavor characteristics include:

• Sweet chocolate notes
• Creamy milk texture
• Strong espresso background

It is a popular choice for people who enjoy coffee but prefer sweeter flavors.

Popular Mocha Variations

Mocha drinks come in many variations depending on the type of chocolate and preparation style.

White Chocolate Mocha:
Uses white chocolate instead of regular chocolate, creating a sweeter and creamier flavor.

Iced Mocha:
Combines espresso, chocolate, cold milk, and ice for a refreshing coffee drink.

Dark Chocolate Mocha:
Uses dark chocolate or cocoa with a richer and less sweet flavor profile.

7. Macchiato

Macchiato is a traditional espresso-based coffee drink that highlights the bold taste of espresso with just a small amount of milk. The word macchiato means “stained” or “marked” in Italian, referring to espresso that is lightly marked with milk foam.

Traditional Espresso Macchiato

A traditional espresso macchiato is made by adding a small spoonful of steamed milk foam to a freshly brewed espresso shot. The milk softens the bitterness without overpowering the coffee’s natural flavor.

Typical ingredients include:

• One or two shots of espresso
• A small amount of steamed milk foam

This drink is ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy the richness of espresso with a slightly smoother finish.

Latte Macchiato Explained

A latte macchiato is different from the traditional version. Instead of adding milk to espresso, steamed milk is poured into the glass first, and espresso is added afterward.

This creates:

• Distinct coffee and milk layers
• A creamier texture
• A milder coffee flavor

It is often served in a tall glass to showcase its layered appearance.

Espresso Macchiato vs Latte Macchiato

Although both drinks contain espresso and milk, they differ in preparation and taste.

Espresso Macchiato:

• Mostly espresso
• Small amount of milk foam
• Strong coffee flavor

Latte Macchiato:

• Mostly steamed milk
• Espresso poured over milk
• Creamier and milder taste

8. Cortado

Cortado is an espresso-based coffee drink that balances equal parts espresso and warm steamed milk. It originated in Spain and is appreciated for reducing espresso’s acidity while maintaining its rich coffee flavor.

What Is a Cortado Coffee?

A cortado is made by combining one shot of espresso with an equal amount of warm steamed milk. Unlike cappuccino, cortado contains very little foam, creating a smooth and balanced drink.

Its simple recipe includes:

• Espresso
• Warm steamed milk
• Minimal milk foam

The equal ratio allows both coffee and milk flavors to stand out.

Cortado Milk Ratio and Texture

The defining characteristic of cortado is its balanced milk-to-espresso ratio. The steamed milk softens the espresso without making the drink overly creamy.

Cortado offers:

• Smooth texture
• Balanced flavor
• Low foam content
• Medium coffee strength

It is commonly served in a small glass rather than a large coffee mug.

Cortado vs Other Milk Drinks

Compared with other espresso drinks:

Cortado:

• Equal milk and espresso
• Very little foam
• Rich coffee flavor

Latte:

• Much more milk
• Mild taste
• Larger serving

Cappuccino:

• Thick foam
• Balanced milk and coffee
• Airier texture

9. Ristretto

Ristretto is a concentrated version of espresso made with the same amount of coffee grounds but less water. The shorter extraction produces a smaller shot with an intense aroma and naturally sweeter flavor.

Understanding a Ristretto Shot

A ristretto shot is prepared by stopping the espresso extraction earlier than a standard espresso. Because less water passes through the coffee grounds, fewer bitter compounds are extracted.

Typical characteristics include:

• About 15–20 ml of coffee
• Same coffee dose as espresso
• Short extraction time

The result is a rich and concentrated coffee experience.

Ristretto Flavor Profile

Although ristretto is smaller than espresso, it often tastes smoother and sweeter because the shorter extraction limits bitterness.

Common flavor characteristics include:

• Rich aroma
• Sweet notes
• Full body
• Low bitterness

Its concentrated flavor makes it popular among specialty coffee enthusiasts.

Ristretto vs Espresso

While both drinks use the same coffee grounds, they differ in extraction.

Ristretto:

• Less water
• Shorter extraction
• Sweeter and more concentrated

Espresso:

• Standard water volume
• Full extraction
• More balanced flavor profile

10. Doppio

Doppio is simply a double espresso shot. It contains twice the amount of espresso as a single shot, providing a stronger coffee flavor and more caffeine. Many cafés use a doppio as the standard espresso serving.

What Is a Doppio Espresso?

A doppio is prepared by brewing two espresso shots simultaneously using approximately twice the amount of ground coffee.

Typical serving:

• Around 2 ounces (60 ml)
• Double coffee dose
• Thick crema layer

It delivers a fuller body and richer flavor than a single espresso.

Doppio Caffeine Content

Because a doppio contains two espresso shots, it generally has more caffeine.

Average caffeine content:

• Single espresso: 60–75 mg
• Doppio: 120–150 mg

Actual caffeine levels vary depending on the coffee beans, roast level, and brewing technique.

Who Should Choose Doppio?

A doppio is an excellent choice for people who:

• Prefer strong coffee
• Need extra caffeine
• Enjoy rich espresso flavor
• Use espresso as a base for larger milk drinks

It is commonly ordered by experienced coffee drinkers who appreciate bold flavors.

11. Breve

Breve is a rich espresso-based drink made with steamed half-and-half instead of regular milk. This substitution creates a creamier texture and a fuller flavor than a traditional latte.

What Is a Breve Coffee?

A breve combines espresso with steamed half-and-half, which is a mixture of milk and cream.

The drink typically contains:

• One or two espresso shots
• Steamed half-and-half
• Thin layer of foam

Its higher fat content creates an exceptionally smooth mouthfeel.

Breve Taste and Texture

Breve is noticeably richer than a latte because half-and-half contains more fat than regular milk.

Its characteristics include:

• Thick and creamy texture
• Mild coffee flavor
• Velvety finish
• Naturally sweet taste

The richness makes it a popular choice for those who enjoy indulgent coffee drinks.

Breve Variations

Coffee shops often offer several versions of breve.

Popular options include:

• Vanilla breve
• Caramel breve
• Hazelnut breve
• Iced breve

These variations combine flavored syrups with the creamy texture of steamed half-and-half.

12. Affogato

Affogato is a classic Italian dessert that combines espresso with ice cream or gelato. It blends the bold flavor of hot coffee with the sweetness of frozen dessert for a unique treat.

What Is an Affogato?

An affogato is made by pouring a freshly brewed shot of hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream.

The hot espresso slowly melts the ice cream, creating a creamy coffee dessert with contrasting temperatures and textures.

Affogato Ingredients

Traditional affogato uses only a few simple ingredients:

• Fresh espresso
• Vanilla gelato or vanilla ice cream

Some cafés also add toppings such as:

• Chocolate shavings
• Cocoa powder
• Crushed nuts
• Caramel or chocolate sauce

When to Enjoy Affogato

Affogato is commonly served as an after-dinner dessert or an afternoon coffee treat.

It is a great choice for people who:

• Enjoy coffee-flavored desserts
• Prefer a sweet espresso experience
• Want a refreshing yet energizing treat

Its combination of rich espresso and creamy ice cream makes affogato one of the most enjoyable espresso-based specialties.

Espresso-Based Coffee Drinks Comparison Table

Coffee Drink	Espresso Shots	Milk Level	Foam Level	Typical Caffeine*	Flavor Profile	Best For
Espresso	1	None	None	60–75 mg	Bold, intense	Pure coffee lovers
Americano	1–2	None	None	60–150 mg	Smooth, rich	Those who prefer black coffee
Cappuccino	1	Medium	High	60–75 mg	Creamy, balanced	Classic café experience
Latte	1–2	High	Low	60–150 mg	Mild, creamy	Beginners and milk coffee fans
Flat White	2	Medium	Very Low	120–150 mg	Rich, velvety	Strong coffee with smooth milk
Mocha	1–2	High	Low	60–150 mg	Sweet, chocolatey	Dessert-style coffee lovers
Macchiato	1	Very Low	Low	60–75 mg	Strong, slightly creamy	Espresso enthusiasts
Cortado	1	Medium	Very Low	60–75 mg	Smooth, balanced	Those wanting less bitterness
Ristretto	1	None	None	55–70 mg	Concentrated, sweet	Rich espresso flavor
Doppio	2	None	None	120–150 mg	Extra bold	High-caffeine drinkers
Breve	1–2	High (Half-and-half)	Low	60–150 mg	Rich, creamy	Indulgent coffee lovers
Affogato	1	Ice cream/Gelato	None	60–75 mg	Sweet, creamy dessert	After-dinner treat

*Caffeine values are approximate and vary depending on the coffee beans, roast level, and brewing method.

FAQs About Espresso-Based Coffee Drinks

What is the most popular espresso-based coffee drink?

The latte is one of the most popular espresso-based coffee drinks worldwide. It combines espresso with steamed milk and a small layer of foam, creating a smooth, creamy beverage that appeals to both new and experienced coffee drinkers.

Which espresso drink is the strongest?

A doppio (double espresso) is typically the strongest common espresso drink because it contains two espresso shots. If you prefer an even more concentrated flavor, a ristretto offers a bolder taste, though it doesn’t necessarily contain more caffeine.

What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

A latte contains more steamed milk and only a thin layer of foam, resulting in a mild and creamy flavor. A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, giving it a stronger coffee taste and a lighter texture.

Is an Americano stronger than regular coffee?

An Americano has a stronger espresso flavor than many brewed coffees, but its strength depends on the number of espresso shots and the amount of hot water added. Caffeine levels can be similar to or slightly higher than regular drip coffee.

Which espresso drink has the most milk?

A latte generally contains the highest amount of steamed milk among traditional espresso-based drinks. This creates a smooth, mild flavor that softens the intensity of the espresso.

What is the difference between a flat white and a latte?

A flat white contains less milk and a thin layer of velvety microfoam, allowing the espresso flavor to stand out more. A latte has more steamed milk and a lighter coffee taste with a creamier texture.

Which espresso drink is best for beginners?

A latte or mocha is often recommended for beginners because the milk or chocolate balances espresso’s bold flavor, making the drink smoother and easier to enjoy.

Does espresso contain more caffeine than regular coffee?

Espresso contains more caffeine per ounce than brewed coffee because it is highly concentrated. However, a standard serving is much smaller, so a full cup of brewed coffee often contains more total caffeine.

What is a macchiato?

A traditional macchiato is an espresso “marked” with a small amount of steamed milk or milk foam. It preserves the bold espresso flavor while slightly reducing bitterness.

Can espresso-based drinks be served cold?

Yes. Many espresso-based drinks, including iced lattes, iced Americanos, iced mochas, and iced macchiatos, are served over ice and are popular choices during warm weather.

Conclusion

Espresso is the heart of many of the world’s most popular coffee drinks, offering endless possibilities through different combinations of milk, water, foam, and flavorings. From the bold simplicity of an espresso or doppio to the creamy comfort of a latte, cappuccino, or flat white, each drink delivers a unique coffee experience.

Whether you enjoy the rich sweetness of a mocha, the balanced taste of a cortado, or the refreshing simplicity of an Americano, understanding these 12 common espresso-based coffee drinks makes it easier to choose the perfect cup for your taste. Exploring different espresso drinks is one of the best ways to discover new flavors and appreciate the versatility of specialty coffee.