It goes without saying, but coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a global phenomenon. From bustling cafés to quiet mornings at home, coffee fuels our days, brings people together and generally makes life that bit more awesome. But with so many types to choose from, what are the 12 types of coffee you should know about? Let’s dive into a mix of espresso-based and brewed coffee styles, along with some fascinating coffee facts and insights. If you’ve always been too scared to ask what’s the difference between cappuccino and a latte? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
What is espresso & why is it important?
Many of the coffees that we look at below are the ones that you would find in your local coffee shop. Apart from the odd pour-over or filter option, most of these have shots of espresso at their heart. Espresso originated in Italy in the early 20th century, invented by Luigi Bezzera, but quickly spread across the world following world war II. Soldiers who had been on the continent wanted to bring the amazing-tasting coffee home with them, and many Italian immigrants set up coffee shops to meet this demand. An espresso machine is needed to create espresso, which allows coffee to be brewed quickly under pressure, producing a rich, concentrated shot. Over time, baristas worldwide experimented with espresso, creating drinks like the cappuccino, latte, and macchiato, which remain popular today.
The 12 types of coffee most often found in coffee shops
Coffee culture varies by country, but certain drinks have stood the test of time and are found universally. From the frothy cappuccino to the strong Americano, coffee lovers worldwide have their preferences. Let’s explore 12 of the most popular coffee types typically found in western coffee shops:
- Espresso – A small, concentrated shot of coffee with a rich crema on top.
- Americano – Espresso diluted with hot water, creating a smoother flavour.
- Cappuccino – A mix of espresso, steamed milk, and a thick layer of milk froth. Make a cappuccino at home with our recipe here.
- Latte – Espresso with more steamed milk than a cappuccino and a thin layer of foam. Most festive drinks are made from a basic latte, with different variations of syrups and flavourings added.
- Macchiato – An espresso “marked” (macchiato comes from macchiare, which means marked in Italian) with a small amount of frothed milk: usually only 6 mere teaspoons worth. Minute but powerful!
- Flat White – Similar to a latte but with a stronger coffee (usually ristretto shots instead of espresso) and finer microfoam. It is also supposed to be about half the size. Learn how to make one here.
- Mocha – A mocha is essentially a chocolate-infused latte, often topped with whipped cream. There’s no real set recipe for this, and many cafes have their own recipe for creating a mocha: here’s ours.
- Cortado – A wet version of a macchiato, a cortado features equal parts espresso and warm milk, reducing the bitterness.
- Long Black – An Australian and New Zealand favourite, similar to an Americano but made by adding espresso to water, essentially to preserve the crema.
- Affogato – A real fan favourite, this unique coffee combines ice cream with fresh espresso. Served either as an after dinner treat or as a stand alone beverage: with an affogato you can have your dessert and drink it too!
- Iced Latte – Espresso + ice cubes then fill the cup up with milk. Perfect in its simplicity and perfect for hot days. There’s a reason why iced coffee has become a character trait tool for millennials. Wonderful with caramel.
- Frappe - Most coffee shops have their own variation on this, but it is essentially an iced latte with thickener (and sometimes sugar) added, which is then zapped in a blender to create a milkshake-like texture.
Each of these drinks has its own unique preparation method and appeal, ensuring that there’s a perfect coffee beverage for every taste preference.
What’s the Difference Between Cappuccino and a Latte?
We couldn’t have a blog post about the most popular coffee drinks without answering one of the most asked questions: what’s the difference between cappuccino and a latte? While both are espresso-based with milk, the key differences lie in proportion and texture:
- Cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and a thick milk foam layer: famously a 3/3/3 ratio, with chocolate powder on top. The milk is steamed in a different way to latte milk, as it is extremely stretched to fill it with air. This will make it a lighter, stronger tasting drink but it will also cool quicker than a latte.
- Latte contains more steamed milk and only a thin layer of foam, resulting in a creamier drink. The milk is stretched slightly but then simply warmed, much like milk on a hob.
Pro tip: You can tell them apart, even in closed takeaway cups, because a well made cappuccino will weigh next to nothing as it is mainly highly stretched milk.
TLDR: A cappuccino offers a stronger coffee flavour with a frothy top, while a latte is smoother and more milk-forward.
Cultural Coffee Traditions Across the Globe
Now you know what coffee beverages you are likely to find in your local cafe, but coffee is enjoyed around the world, so how do other cultures and countries enjoy theirs? Let’s take a look. Here are some fascinating coffee traditions from other countries:
- Turkish Coffee – Brewed in a small pot called a cezve with finely ground coffee and sugar, Turkish coffee is unfiltered and often served with a glass of water and a piece of Turkish delight.
- Italian Espresso Culture – In Italy, espresso is a way of life. Italians typically drink it quickly while standing at a café bar, and ordering a cappuccino after 11am is considered unusual as it is seen as a breakfast drink.
- Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony – In Ethiopia, coffee is an important cultural ritual. The beans are roasted, ground, and brewed in a traditional jebena pot, with the ceremony symbolising hospitality and community.
- Vietnamese Egg Coffee – A unique delicacy made by whisking egg yolk with condensed milk and adding it to strong Vietnamese coffee, creating a rich and creamy treat.
- Swedish Fika – In Sweden, fika is a daily coffee break that emphasises slowing down and socialising, often accompanied by pastries.
These traditions highlight the deep connection between coffee and culture, showing that coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a shared experience.
From its rich history to its ongoing competition with other drinks (we see you there matcha), coffee remains a beloved staple across cultures. So, next time you order your favourite brew, you’ll know a little more about what makes it special. Whether you prefer a short, sharp ristretto, a creamy latte, or a refreshing cold brew, there’s a coffee for everyone. Now that you know what the 12 types of coffee are, which one will you be sipping next?
Whatever form your coffee takes, make sure that it is made using the very best coffee beans found in the UK. Here at the Coffee Bean Shop, we flame roast our premium beans in small batches, meaning that they are as fresh as can be.