Coffee Variety Comparison Table
Compare core coffee beverages at a glance, including espresso styles, milk-based drinks, cold signatures, and brew-bar methods with ingredients, textures, and serving guides.
Style
Milk Profile
Serving Temperature
| Beverage | Coffee Base | Milk / Texture | Flavor Profile | Serving Style | When to order | Barista Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Espresso (Single) Espresso Foundations Black / No Milk Hot Also known asShort black, Solo | 7–9 g dose → 14–18 g liquid (approx. 25–30 ml) | No milk | Intense body, rich caramel sweetness, lingering finish | Hot in a preheated demitasse cup | Drink quickly to enjoy the crema and intense flavor peaks. | Modern cafes often pull a 'Double' as the standard serving. |
Doppio (Double) Espresso Foundations Black / No Milk Hot Also known asDouble espresso | 18–20 g dose → 36–40 g liquid (approx. 50–60 ml) | No milk | Same intensity as single, but more volume and texture | Hot in a larger demitasse or cappuccino cup | For a fuller experience or as the base for most milk drinks. | Used 18-20g of coffee? That's a double basket, making a Doppio. |
Ristretto Espresso Foundations Black / No Milk Hot Also known asRestricted shot, Short shot | 1:1 ratio (e.g., 18 g dose → 18 g liquid) | No milk | Lower acidity/bitterness, magnified body and sweetness | Hot demitasse. Often used as base for Flat Whites. | For a syrup-like texture and less bitterness. | Cutting the shot early avoids the bitter compounds found in the tail. |
Lungo Espresso Foundations Black / No Milk Hot Also known asLong pull, Long shot | 1:3 ratio (e.g., 18 g dose → 54 g liquid) | No milk by default | Thinner body, higher bitterness, distinct roast notes | Hot, larger demitasse or cappuccino cup | When you want a larger cup without adding water separately. | All water passes through the puck, extracting different compounds than an Americano. |
Espresso Romano Espresso Foundations Black / No Milk Hot Also known asCaffè Romano | Single or double espresso | No milk | Sharp espresso bite softened by zesty citrus aroma | Demitasse with lemon twist or slice on side | Try it if you find straight espresso too bitter but don't want sugar. | Rub the lemon peel on the rim of the cup before drinking for maximum aroma. |
Americano Espresso with Water Black / No Milk Hot Also known asCaffè Americano | One or two espresso shots | No milk | Clean, tea-like clarity with espresso aroma | Hot water added after espresso, 200–240 ml cup | Order if you enjoy a drip-style strength but prefer espresso flavor. | Water-after-espresso keeps crema and softens perceived acidity. |
Long Black Espresso with Water Black / No Milk Hot Also known asReverse Americano | 150 ml hot water topped with double espresso | No milk | Layered crema, brighter acidity, lingering roast | Hot water first, espresso floated gently | Pick it if you want a stronger top layer and more aromatic sip than an Americano. | Popular in Australia and New Zealand café culture. |
Caffè Crema Espresso with Water Black / No Milk Hot Also known asSwiss caffè crema | 18–20 g coffee ground coarser, extracted 30–35 seconds to 140 g | No milk | Medium body, mellow bitters, long crema layer | 160 ml porcelain cup | Offer when guests want a fuller cup from the espresso bar without switching to batch brew. | Dedicated grinder setting prevents clogging screens with fines. |
Red Eye Espresso with Water Black / No Milk Hot Also known asShot in the dark | Brewed coffee with single espresso | No milk | Intense, complex roast notes, heavy body | Large mug | The ultimate wake-up call for late nights or early mornings. | Add two shots for a 'Black Eye', three for a 'Dead Eye'. |
Cappuccino Balanced Milk Classics Balanced Milk Hot Also known asTraditional cappuccino | Single or double espresso (depending on cup size) | Steamed milk and thick microfoam | Balanced espresso bite, sweetness, and airy foam | 150 ml ceramic cappuccino cup | Great morning choice when you want balanced coffee, sweetness, and foam texture. | Modern 'Specialty Cappuccino' has slightly less foam than the old-school 'Dry Cappuccino'. |
Flat White Balanced Milk Classics Balanced Milk Hot Also known asAussie flat white | Double ristretto base | Silky steamed milk with minimal foam cap | Rich espresso core with velvety sweetness | 150–180 ml tulip cup | Choose when you want velvety milk but a punchier espresso presence. | Compared to a latte, it has less milk volume and a much thinner foam layer. |
Cortado Balanced Milk Classics Balanced Milk Hot Also known asGibraltar | Single or double espresso | Equal volume lightly steamed milk | Smooth, caramelized sweetness with restrained foam | 90–120 ml Gibraltar glass | Ideal afternoon drink when you want gentle milk sweetness without losing espresso bite. | Spanish cafés serve it as 'café cortado'—espresso cut with milk. |
Espresso Macchiato Balanced Milk Classics Balanced Milk Hot Also known asCaffè macchiato | Fresh single espresso | One teaspoon of dense microfoam | Direct espresso bite with a creamy, caramel-sweet finish | 60–90 ml demitasse with spoon | Offer to guests who want espresso first with just a touch of dairy sweetness. | Distinct from 'Latte Macchiato' (milk with a mark of espresso), this is espresso with a mark of milk. |
Piccolo Latte Balanced Milk Classics Balanced Milk Hot Also known asRistretto latte | Single ristretto or espresso | Steamed milk to fill 90–100 ml glass | Intense espresso core wrapped in gentle sweetness | 90 ml Gibraltar glass or small tulip cup | Serve when guests want a smaller milk drink that keeps espresso intensity. | Popular in Australian cafés. Some recipes call for a double ristretto, making it punchier. |
Magic Balanced Milk Classics Balanced Milk Hot Also known asMelbourne Magic | Double ristretto | Steamed milk, thin foam (flat white style) | Intense coffee punch balanced by sweet, silky milk | 150 ml (5oz) tulip cup, filled to ¾ full traditionally (magic ratio) | The 'Goldilocks' ratio for those who find lattes too weak and piccolos too intense. | Often described as a 'double ristretto flat white, three-quarters full'. |
Caffè Latte Milk-Forward & Flavored Milk-Forward & Creamy Hot Also known asLatte | Single or double espresso (depending on cup size) | 200 ml steamed milk with 1 cm foam | Creamy, gentle sweetness with softened espresso notes | 280–300 ml latte bowl or tall glass | Ideal for guests who like mellow coffee with silky milk body, opposite to Flat White. | Great canvas for latte art designs. |
Latte Macchiato Milk-Forward & Flavored Milk-Forward & Creamy Hot Also known asLayered latte | Steamed milk base, espresso added after | Rich foam cap with layered milk | Starts milky and sweet, espresso gradually mixes | Tall glass to showcase layers | Pick for guests who enjoy visuals and a gentler first sip. | Often confused with 'Espresso Macchiato', which is a tiny cup with just a spot of milk. |
Caffè Mocha Milk-Forward & Flavored Dessert & Flavored Hot Also known asMocha latte | Espresso with chocolate sauce | Steamed milk, optional whipped cream | Chocolate-forward sweetness with espresso backbone | Tall glass or 300 ml mug | Serve to guests craving dessert-like coffee with cocoa richness. | Add cocoa powder dusting for aroma and presentation. |
Caramel Macchiato Milk-Forward & Flavored Dessert & Flavored Hot Also known asCaramel latte macchiato | Vanilla syrup with steamed milk, espresso floated after | Steamed milk with thick foam cap | Layered vanilla sweetness, caramel aroma, gentle espresso finish | Tall glass to show foam and drizzle | Offer to guests seeking a dessert-style latte with layered sweetness. | Pour espresso slowly through the foam to keep layers defined. |
Spanish Latte Milk-Forward & Flavored Milk-Forward & Creamy Hot Also known asCondensed milk latte | Espresso stirred with sweetened condensed milk | 150–180 ml steamed milk | Silky body, caramelized sweetness, mild espresso bite | Ceramic cup or glass mug | Recommend to guests wanting a silky, naturally sweet latte without syrups. | Adjust condensed milk by origin sweetness to keep balance consistent. |
Café Breve Milk-Forward & Flavored Milk-Forward & Creamy Hot Also known asBreve latte | Single or double espresso | Steamed half-and-half with velvety microfoam | Custard-like richness, buttery finish, subdued bitterness | 240 ml ceramic mug | Suggest when guests desire a decadent latte without extra syrups. | Use cold half-and-half to texture properly and prevent separation. |
Dirty Chai Latte Milk-Forward & Flavored Milk-Forward & Creamy Hot Also known asJava chai | Masala chai concentrate with single espresso | Steamed milk with foam | Warm spices (cinnamon, cardamom) blended with roasted coffee notes | Large mug or latte glass | Perfect for those who can't decide between tea and coffee. | Dust with cinnamon for extra aroma. |
Café au Lait Milk-Forward & Flavored Milk-Forward & Creamy Hot Also known asCoffee with milk | Strong brewed coffee | Steamed milk, usually no foam | Mellow, milky, less intense than espresso drinks | Wide-mouthed bowl or large mug | A gentler morning cup compared to an espresso-based latte. | Traditionally served in a bowl for dipping pastries. |
Vienna Coffee Milk-Forward & Flavored Dessert & Flavored Hot Also known asEinspänner | Double espresso or strong black coffee | Cold whipped cream floating on top | Hot coffee meets cool cream, rich and velvety | Glass cup to show layers | A luxurious treat bridging coffee and dessert. | Do not stir; sip the hot coffee through the cool cream. |
Irish Coffee Milk-Forward & Flavored Milk-Forward & Creamy Hot Also known asWhiskey coffee | Strong hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar | Cold heavy cream, lightly whipped | Hot and cold contrast, boozy warmth, sweet cream finish | Heat-resistant glass mug (Irish coffee mug) | A warming evening treat or dessert cocktail. | Do not stir the cream into the coffee; sip through it. |
Iced Latte Cold & Dessert Specialties Milk-Forward & Creamy Iced / Cold Also known asIced caffè latte | Espresso shaken with chilled milk | Cold milk, often 180–200 ml | Lightly sweet, chilled creaminess with espresso aromatics | Tall glass packed with ice | Best seller for hot weather guests seeking creamy refreshment. | Use freshly pulled espresso to avoid oxidized bitterness. |
Cold Brew (Immersion) Cold & Dessert Specialties Black / No Milk Iced / Cold Also known asImmersion cold brew, Toddy style | Coarse grounds steeped at 1:8 to 1:12 ratio | No milk unless added after | Full body, chocolatey sweetness, rounded acidity | Chilled bottle or over ice | Serve as a ready-to-drink batch brew. Smooth and low-acid. | Keep refrigerated and consume within 3–4 days for best flavor. |
Cold Drip / Dutch Coffee Cold & Dessert Specialties Black / No Milk Iced / Cold Also known asKyoto style coffee, Dutch coffee | Medium-coarse grounds, 1 drip per 1-2 seconds | No milk | Complex, winey, fermented notes, cleaner than immersion | Chilled glass or over a sphere of ice | A visual centerpiece often served as a premium, wine-like coffee. | Often aged for a few days to let flavors mature. |
Nitro Cold Brew Cold & Dessert Specialties Black / No Milk Iced / Cold Also known asDraft cold brew | Cold brew keg charged with nitrogen | No milk | Silky, cascading sweetness with velvety head | Chilled tulip glass, no ice | Highlight it as a premium tap option with stout-like mouthfeel. | Purge keg with nitrogen to avoid oxidation before service. |
Affogato Cold & Dessert Specialties Dessert & Flavored Iced / Cold Also known asEspresso affogato | Hot espresso shot | Vanilla gelato or ice cream | Hot-cold contrast, caramelized sweetness, creamy finish | Chilled dessert glass with spoon | Offer as a dessert pairing after meals or with evening service. | Add liqueur like amaretto for an adult twist. |
Iced Americano Cold & Dessert Specialties Black / No Milk Iced / Cold Also known asCold Americano | Double espresso shaken with cold water | No milk | Bright acidity, cooling bitterness, lingering crema aromatics | Tall glass packed with ice | Serve to guests craving black coffee refreshment without added sweetness. | Bloom espresso in a splash of water before icing to preserve crema. |
Espresso Tonic Cold & Dessert Specialties Black / No Milk Iced / Cold Also known asCoffee tonic | 150 ml tonic water with ice | No milk | Sparkling citrus, bittersweet quinine, espresso aromatics | Highball glass with citrus twist | Great for summer menus or pairing with citrus-forward espresso roasts. | Pour espresso slowly along the glass wall to keep carbonation lively. |
Caffè Shakerato Cold & Dessert Specialties Black / No Milk Iced / Cold Also known asShaken espresso | Double espresso with 5–10 ml simple syrup | No milk | Silky crema foam, sweetened espresso bite, chilled finish | Chilled stem glass | Signature summer option in Italian cafés, perfect as a palate refresher. | Shake at least 15 seconds to aerate and chill thoroughly. |
Greek Frappé Cold & Dessert Specialties Black / No Milk Iced / Cold Also known asInstant coffee frappé | Instant coffee, sugar, cold water | Optional splash of milk | Foamy, bittersweet coffee with airy texture | Tall glass with straw | Classic beachside drink in Greece, suited for quick-service cafés. | Use instant coffee with high robusta content to achieve stable foam. |
Mazagran Cold & Dessert Specialties Black / No Milk Iced / Cold Also known asCoffee lemonade | Strong hot coffee poured over ice | No milk | Zesty, refreshing, sweet-tart balance with coffee depth | Tall glass with lemon slice | Often cited as the 'original iced coffee', great for adventurous palates. | Originating from Algeria, it predates modern iced lattes. |
V60 Pour-over Brew Bar Methods Black / No Milk Hot Also known asHario V60 | 1:15 brew ratio with 92–94°C water | No milk | High clarity, tea-like texture, bright acidity | 200–250 ml server and preheated cup | Use for single-origin coffees when you want transparent flavor separation. | Control flow with gooseneck kettle for consistent extraction. |
French Press Brew Bar Methods Black / No Milk Hot Also known asPress pot | 1:12 brew ratio with 4-minute steep | No milk, though pairs well with cream | Full-bodied, heavy texture with lingering sweetness | Serve in press pot with preheated cups | Perfect for sharing, brunch service, or highlighting chocolaty blends. | Skim the crust before pressing to reduce sediment. |
AeroPress Brew Bar Methods Black / No Milk Hot Also known asAeropress brewer | 1:14 ratio, 60–90 second brew | No milk | Can be syrupy concentrate or clean filter depending on recipe | Serve straight or dilute to 200 ml | Excellent for travel menus or experimental signature brews. | World AeroPress Championship inspires creative recipes yearly. |
Chemex Brew Bar Methods Black / No Milk Hot Also known asChemex pour-over | 1:16 ratio, 93°C water, three-pour technique | No milk | Ultra clean, delicate sweetness, crisp acidity | Serve from Chemex decanter into preheated cups | Showcase light roasts when you want clarity with gentle body. | Rinse filter thoroughly to remove paper taste. |
Kalita Wave Brew Bar Methods Black / No Milk Hot Also known asWave dripper | 1:15 ratio, pulse pours in 3 stages | No milk | Balanced body, caramel sweetness, soft acidity | 220 ml server with cup | Use for medium roast coffees when you want body with clarity. | Maintain flat bed by pouring in concentric circles. |
Clever Dripper Brew Bar Methods Black / No Milk Hot Also known asSteep-and-release | 1:15 ratio, 3-minute steep, release over 1 minute | No milk | Fuller body than pour-over with clear finish | Serve directly into 300 ml mug | Great for baristas needing consistency during busy service. | Stir twice: once after bloom, once before release. |
Syphon Brew Bar Methods Black / No Milk Hot Also known asVacuum pot | 1:15 ratio, 45-second immersion, 1-minute drawdown | No milk | Lush aromatics, syrupy body, sparkling finish | Present entire syphon with preheated cups | Table-side theatre ideal for highlighting aromatic coffees. | Stir twice: once to saturate grounds, once to create whirlpool before drawdown. |
Turkish Cezve Brew Bar Methods Black / No Milk Hot Also known asIbrik coffee | 1:10 ratio, slow simmer until foam crowns | No milk | Thick, spiced sweetness if cardamom added, lingering grounds | Small demitasse with glass of water | Great for cultural presentations or pairing with sweet desserts. | Allow grounds to settle 30 seconds before sipping. |
Moka Pot Brew Bar Methods Black / No Milk Hot Also known asStovetop espresso | 1:10 ratio, medium-fine grind | No milk | Intense, heavy body, bittersweet, often metallic or roasted notes | Small espresso cup | A household staple for strong, espresso-like coffee without a machine. | Use hot water in the chamber to start to prevent burning the coffee. |
Nel Drip Brew Bar Methods Black / No Milk Hot Also known asFlannel drip | Coarse grind, slow pour, often 1:10 ratio | No milk | Velvety mouthfeel, complex sweetness, zero sediment | Preheated demitasse or small cup | For connoisseurs seeking the ultimate smooth, heavy-bodied hand brew. | Cloth filters require careful maintenance (boiling and keeping wet) to avoid off-flavors. |
Vietnamese Phin Brew Bar Methods Black / No Milk Hot Also known asPhin filter | 1:8 ratio usually with Robusta beans | Often served over sweetened condensed milk | Chocolatey, nutty, very bold, smooth texture | Glass cup, often with ice | The authentic way to make Ca Phe Sua Da (iced coffee with condensed milk). | Watch the drip speed; too fast means too coarse, too slow means too fine. |