Style
Milk Profile
Serving Temperature
BeverageCoffee BaseMilk / TextureFlavor ProfileServing StyleWhen to orderBarista Notes
Espresso
Espresso Foundations
Black / No Milk
Hot
Also known asShort black
18 g dose pulled to 36 g espresso in about 25 seconds
No milk
Dense body, caramel sweetness, lingering bittersweet finish
Hot at 65–70°C in a preheated demitasse
Perfect when you want an intense coffee with crema in one or two sips.
Base for nearly every espresso drink.
Ristretto
Espresso Foundations
Black / No Milk
Hot
Also known asRestricted shot
18 g dose yielding about 20 g liquid
No milk
Syrupy, chocolate-like sweetness with muted bitterness
Hot, in a demitasse; often blended into milk drinks
Choose it when you want syrupy sweetness without extra bitterness.
Excellent for milk drinks when you want more sweetness in a smaller cup.
Lungo
Espresso Foundations
Black / No Milk
Hot
Also known asLong pull
18 g dose pulled to about 50–60 g
No milk by default
Lighter body than espresso, more bitters and roasted notes
Hot, larger demitasse or cappuccino cup
Choose if you like a longer espresso without adding water afterward.
Great for guests who prefer sipping a longer espresso.
Doppio
Espresso Foundations
Black / No Milk
Hot
Also known asDouble espresso
18–20 g coffee yielding 50–60 g espresso in 25–30 seconds
No milk
Broader body, layered sweetness, persistent crema
Hot in a 60 ml preheated demitasse
Standard for milk drinks in specialty cafés and a fuller espresso experience.
Use even distribution to avoid channeling through the larger puck.
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 espresso base
Equal 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.
In competitions, foam should be glossy with latte-art definition.
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.
Originated in Australia/New Zealand cafés in the 1980s.
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.
Marking with foam prevents milk from overwhelming aroma.
Piccolo Latte
Balanced Milk Classics
Balanced Milk
Hot
Also known asRistretto latte
Double ristretto
60–90 ml steamed milk with thin microfoam
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 as a barista's shift drink size.
Caffè Latte
Milk-Forward & Flavored
Milk-Forward & Creamy
Hot
Also known asLatte
Single espresso
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.
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.
Name means 'milk stained' in Italian.
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.
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
Cold & Dessert Specialties
Black / No Milk
Iced / Cold
Also known asImmersion cold brew
Coarse grounds steeped at 1:8 ratio
No milk unless added after
Silky texture, chocolate sweetness, restrained acidity
Chilled bottle or over ice
Serve as a ready-to-drink batch brew for consistent summer service.
Keep refrigerated and consume within 3–4 days for best flavor.
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.
Coffee Variety Comparison Table – Espresso, Milk Drinks, Cold Brew & Brew Bar - Paji Pocketbook