Types of coffee drinks explained: the ultimate guide

Coffee menus can read like a foreign language. Here's a plain-English guide to the most popular coffee drinks — what each one is, and how to make it at home. Almost all of them start with the same thing: a shot of espresso.

The base: espresso

Espresso — a small, rich, concentrated shot with golden crema. The foundation of nearly every drink below. Its shorter and longer cousins, ristretto and lungo, are explained in our coffee sizes guide.

Black coffees

• Americano: espresso topped up with hot water — a longer, milder black coffee.
• Long black: like an americano, but the espresso is poured over the water, keeping more crema.

Milky coffees

• Latte: espresso with lots of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam — mild and milky.
• Cappuccino: equal parts espresso, steamed milk and thick foam — stronger and airier.
• Flat white: espresso with a smaller amount of silky microfoam — strong and smooth. See how to make one.
• Macchiato: an espresso "stained" with just a dash of milk or foam.
• Cortado: espresso with an equal amount of warm milk — balanced and smooth.
• Mocha: a latte with chocolate — part coffee, part hot chocolate.

Our guide to making milky coffees at home covers the ratios, and how to froth milk without a machine handles the foam.

Iced & specialities

• Iced latte / iced americano: the classics over ice — see how to make iced coffee.
• Cold brew: coffee steeped in cold water for hours — smooth and low in bitterness.
• Affogato: a hot espresso poured over vanilla ice cream — dessert in a glass.

Make them all at home

Every drink here starts with good coffee. Whatever your machine, build a box and save up to 30% with free UK delivery, and work your way through the menu.