The coffee glossary: Every single coffee drink, explained
Keep tripping over the coffee menu? Can’t figure out the difference between a mocha and a marochino? Or an espresso and an Americano?
Or… chuck it, this should equip you with all the knowledge your caffeine-seeking brain could ever need to know.
Play around with your new vocabulary and see a whole new world of caffeine opening up for you!
1. Affogato
Dessert, anyone? An affogato is espresso poured over vanilla gelato or ice cream. Delicious, indulgent, and the ultimate coffee treat.
2. Americano
An Americano is a single shot of espresso diluted with hot water. It’s a lighter, smoother drink that lets you savor the rich espresso taste without the intense strength.
The name was a sarcastic dig for Americans who apparently couldn’t handle an actual espresso.
3. Breve
Espresso made creamy and rich with steamed half-and-half instead of milk.
4. Cafe au Lait
A weaker form of caffe latte made with brewed coffee instead of espresso, with an equal milk to coffee in the ratio of 1:1. It’s commonly enjoyed in France.
5. Cafe Bombon
Espresso layered with sweetened condensed milk. Sweet and indulgent.
6. Café Con Leche
A Spanish beverage consisting of and espresso mixed with steamed milk in a 1:1 ratio. Smooth and comforting.
7. Caffè Corretto
Espresso “corrected” with a small amount of liquor, usually grappa or brandy. For a little kick!
8. Cafe Latte
A caffe latte is a single shot of espresso to three parts of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam on top.
It’s often customized with syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut for a delightful twist. with a small amount of froth on top.
9. Café Viennois (or Vienna Coffee)
A classic in the cafés of Budapest and Vienna, this is Espresso topped with whipped cream and sometimes chocolate shavings—elegant and decadent.
10. Cappuccino
A true cappuccino is equal parts espresso, steamed milk and milk froth. If frothed correctly, these are not supposed to distinct layers but rather a smooth, silky blending of each elements. It’s airy, rich, and great sprinkled with cocoa or cinnamon.
11. Cappuccino Fredo
A Greek iced cappuccino made with espresso, ice, and cold milk foam.
12. Caramel Frappe
Blended coffee drink with ice, caramel syrup, milk, and whipped cream.
13. Cold Brew
Coffee brewed slowly with cold water, resulting in a smooth, rich, and less acidic beverage. Perfect on hot days and for iced coffee enthusiasts!
14. Con Panna
Another name for Espresso con Panna—espresso served with whipped cream.
15. Cortado
Originating in Spain, a cortado is equal parts espresso and steamed milk. It’s smooth, balanced, and great if you want just a touch of creaminess without sacrificing espresso strength.
16. Cuban coffee
Cuban coffee is a sweet espresso mixed vigorously with natural brown sugar during brewing for a frothy finish.
17. Demi-cremé
Espresso with a small splash of cream or half-and-half.
18. Doppio
A double shot of espresso, extracted using a double coffee filter. This results in 2 oz (60 ml) of drink, double the amount of an espresso. Double the strength, double the fun!
19. Dry Cappuccino
A regular cappuccino but with very little steamed milk and more foam or froth.
20. Espresso
The heart of almost every coffee drink, espresso is a concentrated 1 oz shot of coffee made with 7 grams of finely ground coffee extracted at high pressure.
Having it “short” means that it has less water and is therefore more concentrated, and “long” conversely uses more water and does not taste as strong.
Purists have it without milk (you can add a bit of sugar!), while standing at the café. Perfect for when you need a quick caffeine kick!
21. Espresso con Panna
Espresso topped with whipped cream for a creamy indulgence.
22. Flat White
Originating from Australia (or New Zealand—the debate continues!), a flat white is like a latte but with less milk and minimal foam, giving it a stronger espresso flavor.
23. Iced Coffee
Regular brewed coffee served chilled over ice, often with milk or sweeteners.
24. Indian filter coffee
Made from fresh ground, dark-roasted coffee Arabica or Peaberry beans, filter coffee is left to drip-brew in a traditional metal coffee filter for a few hours. It is usually served with coffee to milk ratio of usually 3:1.
25. Irish coffee
Hot coffee blended with Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with whipped cream. Perfect for chilly evenings.
26. Latte Macchiato
A milky drink with espresso poured over steamed milk, creating a beautiful layered effect.
27. Long Black
An Aussie creation, a long black is made by pouring a double shot of espresso over hot water that’s been heated by the espresso machine. It’s similar to an Americano but slightly stronger.
28. Lungo
Espresso made with more water for a longer extraction. It has a slightly milder taste than regular espresso.
29. Macchiato
An espresso “marked” with a small amount of frothy milk.
Not to be confused with the sugary caramel macchiato popularized by coffee chains—traditional macchiatos are bold, minimalistic, and perfect for espresso lovers.
30. Marochino
Espresso topped with cocoa powder and a small amount of milk foam. A chocolatey delight!
31. Mocha (or Mochachino)
If you have a sweet tooth, a mocha is your go-to. It’s a delicious blend of espresso, steamed milk, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream. It’s coffee meets dessert, in a cup!
32. Red Eye
Brewed coffee with a shot of espresso added for extra strength.
33. Ristretto
‘Ristretto’ means ‘restricted’— to make a shot, water is forced through ground coffee just like espresso but more quickly.
There’s less caffeine compared to regular espresso but the same amount of coffee oils and flavour, packing a powerful punch.
34. Romano
Espresso served with a twist of lemon zest for added brightness.
