Welcome to the World of Espresso!
If you are a coffee snob you must know what Espresso is. But do you know there are 30 different types of Espresso drinks? I bet you haven’t heard of them all before.
Espresso is the most popular coffee drink in the World and the type of Espresso drinks ranges from bold and strong shots to sweet and creamy Lattes.
Espresso Drinks Chart
In case you’re like me and a coffee enthusiast, after reading this article you will certainly want to try all these popular types of Espresso drinks
To make it easier, save this chart and try them all one by one.
Types of Espresso Shots
By altering the quantities of water and coffee used in the extraction process, four different espresso shots can be prepared, each offering its own distinct flavor characteristics.
1- Solo Espresso shot
A Solo Espresso shot is the simplest espresso drink. The shot is brewed from 6 to 8 grams of ground coffee and 1 to 1.25 ounces of pressurized hot water.
Hot water passes through finely ground coffee beans, at a high pressure of 9-10 bars. This gentle yet sophisticated process works its magic, resulting in a beautiful layer of crema that forms atop the Espresso shot.
In Italy, the single Espresso shot holds significant popularity, so much so that when you order a “caffè,” it simply translates to receiving a single shot of espresso.
2- Doppio
As we’re aware, Espresso has its roots in Italy, and the term “Doppio” in Italian translates to “double.” Consequently, a Doppio refers to a straightforward and delightful double-shot Espresso.
To prepare a double shot Espresso, simply double the amount of coffee grounds to 15-17 grams and increase the water volume to 2-2.25 oz.
The Doppio delivers the same concentrated and robust taste as a regular Espresso but with a larger serving size.
3- Lungo
“Lungo” means long in Italian and it is a less concentrated form of Espresso. Lungo shots are prepared similarly to Espresso but with more water.
A typical Espresso has a water-to-coffee ratio of 1:2, while a lungo shot has a 1:3 ratio.
In terms of taste, Lungo is milder than Espresso, but more bitter due to its longer extraction time.
4- Ristretto
“Ristretto” means restricting in Italian and by ordering a ristretto shot you are asking Barista to limit the amount of water.
Ristretto shots, have a 1:1 ratio of coffee to water and are renowned for their bold and intense nature.
They offer a less bitter taste compared to regular Espresso due to the short brewing time, which selectively extracts sweeter flavors while leaving behind the more pronounced bitterness.
Black Espresso Coffee Drinks
Black coffee, or coffee without any added milk, cream, or sweeteners, has its own allure that is admired by coffee lovers. Here are famous Black Espresso drinks.
5- Americano
The Americano coffee was introduced to American soldiers during World War 2 who preferred the milder taste of traditional espresso.
It is prepared by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water. The result is a beverage that resembles brewed coffee but has a distinct flavor profile similar to espresso.
The addition of hot water provides a milder and more approachable taste compared to a straight espresso shot.
6- Long Black
Long Black is essentially a copy of Americano “Diluted Espresso Drink” popular in Australia and New Zealand
But with a little difference!
In Long Black, an Espresso shot is poured over hot water contrary to Americano where hot water is poured over a Espresso.
Also Read: Long Black vs Americano
7- Espresso Macchiato
Macchiato means “spotted” in Italian and it is a popular drink in Italy which essentially means spotted or stained espresso.
Espresso Macchiato or Café Macchiato is a single or double shot of Espresso topped with milk foam.
In contrast to cappuccinos and lattes, the macchiato contains only a light “stain” of milk that allows the espresso’s bold flavors to shine through.
8- Espresso Con Panna
“Espresso con panna” which literally means “espresso with cream” in Italian, is a delightful coffee treat made of espresso topped with whipped cream.
Espresso Con Panna has its roots in Italy, where coffee is an integral part of the culture (As everyone knows!).
Espresso Con Panna is a delicious and creamy coffee drink that has a strong espresso flavor with a rich and velvety texture. The whipped cream adds a subtle sweetness to the drink, which perfectly balances out the bitterness of the espresso.
9- Espresso Romano
Espresso Romano is an Espresso shot served with a slice of lemon or by adding a small amount of lemon extract to the Espresso.
The acidity of lemon balances the bitterness and intensity of the Espresso and makes it a little milder.
10- Red eye
The Red Eye Coffee is prepared by adding an Espresso shot over a freshly brewed cup of drip coffee.
Think of it as an Americano, but in this case, you will add brewed coffee instead of just hot water.
Red eye refers to the reddening of the eyes caused by sleep deprivation or fatigue, and this ultra-caffeinated drink may help alleviate that.
The combination of the strong espresso and the milder drip coffee creates a drink that is not only potent but also flavorful.
11- Black eye
Black eye Coffee is similar to Red eye the only difference is it is prepared by adding a double shot of Espresso to regular drip coffee instead of a single shot.
As its name implies, Black Eye is known for its boldness and strong taste, making it an energizing choice for coffee addicts.
12- Dead eye
A dead eye is made by adding not one, not two but by adding three shots of Espresso to a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
All these “Eyes Drinks” are highly caffeinated and can keep you awake all night. They can either be served as hot coffee or in iced form.
13- Laccino
Espresso Laccino is prepared by adding ice cubes over a single or double Espresso. So, it is essentially a cold form of Espresso.
14- Freddo Espresso
Freddo espresso is a popular iced coffee beverage in Greece.
It is made by blending espresso with ice cubes and optionally sweetening it with sugar or syrup of choice.
It can also be topped with a layer of cold milk foam to prepare Freddo Cappuccino.
The frothy texture of Freddo Espresso makes it a satisfying and invigorating choice, especially during the hot summer months. It has gained popularity both in Greece and internationally as a beloved iced drink.
15- Black Tie
Black Tie, also known as Thai iced coffee or Oliang, is a flavorful and popular drink originating from Thailand.
It is a unique blend of strong coffee, chicory, and Thai tea.
This is a refreshing and aromatic beverage that combines the boldness of coffee with the unique flavors of Thai tea.
16- Espresso Martini
If you are a fan of both alcohol and Espresso then you must be fascinated by this alcohol-based espresso drink.
It is prepared by adding 2 ounces of Vodka and 0.5 ounces of Kahlua over a freshly brewed shot of Espresso. The mixture is shaken vigorously with ice to create a frothy texture and strained into a chilled martini glass.
The Espresso Martini offers a delightful combination of the bold and aromatic flavors of espresso, the warmth of vodka, and the sweetness of the Kahula
17- Cafe Corretto
Café Corretto is another alcoholic Espresso beverage that originated in Italy. Corretto means correct in Italian so it is essentially a corrected form of Espresso.
It is prepared by adding a splash of Grappa or smoky Brandy at the top of the Espresso shot.
Italian farmers are often attributed to the innovation of combining grappa or brandy with Espresso, as they have a long history of having a shot of their homemade spirits alongside a cup of strong coffee.
In most cafes, espresso and grappa are served separately, allowing you to mix them as you like.
Espresso and milk drinks
Milk espresso drinks offer a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, creating a satisfying and indulgent coffee experience.
Here are popular Milk based Espresso drinks!
18- Cappuccino
Cappuccino is the most popular combination of espresso and milk prepared by adding a layer of steamed milk and foam over Espresso.
When prepared in the right way, a perfect cup of Cappuccino holds equal i.e. 1/3, 1/3, and 1/3 part Espresso, Milk, and milk foam.
It is believed that the first cappuccino was made in Viennese coffee houses in the 1700s. The drink then spread to Italy, where it was popularized by the Capuchin monks, who wore brown robes similar to the color of the cappuccino drink.
In the United States, the cappuccino became popular in the 1980s and 1990s, as specialty coffee shops and cafes began to proliferate across the country.
19- Dry Cappuccino
Dry Cappuccino is prepared in a similar way as Cappuccino. But as the name suggests it is dryer i-e it contains a lesser amount of steamed milk than a wet cappuccino.
As mentioned above, Cappuccino holds an equal amount of Espresso, milk, and foam but in dry Cappuccino, the proportion of foam is higher.
Also Read: Wet vs Dry Cappuccino
20- Latte
Latte has the same base as Cappuccino i-e a single or double shot of Espresso. The only difference is it has a higher ratio of steamed milk than Espresso.
Latte is generally prepared with a double Espresso shot and is the sweetest Espresso based drink.
Typically, Latte has 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk with a thin layer of foam at the top.
21- Piccolo Latte
Piccolo Latte is smaller than a regular Latte and the difference is it begins with a ristretto shot instead of a standard Espresso shot. A serving of Piccollo Coffee is around 3-4 oz which is substantially less than a traditional latte (10-12 oz).
The Ristretto shot in a Piccolo Latte is usually stronger and more concentrated than in a traditional latte, which gives it a bold and intense coffee flavor that is not overpowered by the milk.
22- Latte Macchiato
Latte macchiato contains a similar proportion of espresso, milk, and foam as in a simple Latte.
The difference in Latte Macchiato is Espresso shot is poured at the top instead of milk.
So, the first sip of Latte Macchiato will be strong and bitter instead of sweet and creamy as in a simple Latte.
23- Mocha
Cafe Mocha is similar to Latte but with added chocolaty flavor. If you are a fan of both chocolate and Espresso then Mocha is the perfect drink for you.
To prepare a Mocha, the Chocolate syrup is added to a single or double shot of Espresso, and steamed milk is poured over it with a layer of foam at the top.
Mocha Cafe is a wonderful combination of coffee and chocolate that will make your taste buds dance with delight. It’s like a warm and comforting hug in a cup that can turn any dull day into a cozy and flavorful adventure.
24- Café Galao
Café Galao is a Portuguese drink similar to Latte. The only difference is it has more milk than Latte.
Galao is prepared by adding three-quarters of milk over one-quarter of the Espresso shot. The name “Galao” refers to the tall glass in which it’s typically served.
In some regions of Portugal, Cafe Galao is prepared by steaming and blending the milk and espresso together in a pitcher. This unique method creates a smooth and consistent taste and texture throughout the entire drink.
25- Cortado
Cortado is a delightful coffee beverage that originated in Spain and is also enjoyed in various other parts of the world.
It is prepared by mixing espresso with an equal amount of steamed milk
Cortado is known for its delicate balance between the boldness of espresso and the smoothness of milk.
It offers a bolder flavor compared to a traditional cappuccino or latte, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more intense caffeinated experience with a touch of milk.
26- Breve Coffee
Cafe Breve is similar to Latte but it is prepared with half-and-half milk instead of simple whole milk.
Half and half milk is simply a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream, so Cafe breve is richer, sweeter, and heavier than a latte.
Breve is served in a small glass similar to Cortado coffee and prepared with a double shot of Espresso and 2 ounces of Half and half milk.
27- Raf Coffee
Raf Coffee originated in Russia and it is very popular in Russia and countries which were previously USSR.
It is prepared by adding two shots of espresso to a vanilla syrup which is then topped with steamed milk and cream.
Unlike Europe, Sweet coffee is generally popular in Russia, with many Russians enjoying their caffeinated beverage with some degree of sweetness. And this is reflected in the popularity of Raf coffee, which contains a lot of sugar.
28- Cafe Affogato
Affogato is more like a dessert than a drink. It is prepared by pouring Espresso over a scoop of ice cream and served in a small glass with a spoon.
The word “affogato,” means “to drown” in Italian, and it is essentially made by “drowning” ice cream in a hot espresso.
Traditionally, vanilla gelato is used, but you can use any ice cream flavor of your choice.
It is a perfect blend of hot and cold, bitter and sweet flavors that create a unique taste experience.
29- Marocchino
Marocchino is prepared by adding a thin layer of cocoa powder over an Espresso shot and then topping it with milk foam and again cocoa sprinkles.
In Italian, Marocchino means “Moroccan”, a type of brown leather that resembles chocolate.
Marocchino coffee is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. This chocolate and espresso blend creates an indulgent flavor that is both sweet and bitter at the same time.
30- Bicerin
Bicerin is also a chocolaty Espresso beverage like Marocchnino.
It is a layered beverage made with three ingredients: espresso, hot chocolate, and milk foam. On the bottom, there is freshly brewed espresso, followed by a thick layer of hot chocolate milk, and on top, there is frothed milk foam.
It is a classic Italian coffee recipe that is believed to be originated in the 18th century from Caffe Al Bicerin in Turin, Italy. This Cafe is still present to this date, so if you wanna try real classy Caffe Bicerin you can there.
Final Thoughts on Espresso Drinks
In conclusion, I am truly enamored by the world of espresso drinks. It is a captivating realm that offers an array of flavors, textures, and possibilities to explore.
Beyond the realm of personal preference, espresso drinks hold a special place in social and cultural contexts.
Whether I’m savoring a traditional Italian espresso, indulging in Russian Raf Coffee, or relishing a refreshing Greek Freddo Espresso, these beverages have a way of bringing people together, transcending borders and cultural divides.
So, fellow coffee enthusiasts, let’s let our taste buds be our guide as we embark on our own espresso drink adventures. Here’s to the boundless joy and endless possibilities that await in every cup of espresso perfection. Cheers!
FAQs
What are the most popular espresso drinks?
Cappuccinos and Lattes are by far the most popular Espresso drinks. They are sweet and creamy and prepared by adding foam and milk to Espresso.
Which espresso drink is strongest?
Ristretto is the strongest Espresso shot. The coffee-to-water ratio in the Ristretto shot is 1:1 which is less than 2:1 as in Espresso.
“Ristretto” means restricting in Italian and this shot is essentially prepared by restricting the amount of water.
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