Types of coffee drinks
With so many types of coffee drinks out there, picking your next cup can feel like a part-time job.
We’ve all had that moment — staring at the café menu and thinking, “No idea what half of this means.” But that confusion is about to be over.
This guide covers it all, from the most popular picks to modern favourites like nitro cold brew and dirty chai — so you’ll know exactly what to try next.
And if something catches your eye? Just open Bolt Food to explore your favourite coffee drinks from nearby cafés.
Key takeaways
- Espresso is the foundation of all types of coffee drinks. From Americanos to cappuccinos, it’s the base that shapes the flavour and strength of many café favourites.
- The classics like espresso, Americano, and cappuccino remain among the best coffee drinks worldwide.
- Coffee culture continues to evolve, focusing on alternative types of milk, lighter sweetness, and balanced, high-quality ingredients.
Classic coffee drinks
Classic coffee drinks have earned a permanent spot on café menus worldwide. Chances are, you’ve ordered many of them on repeat — the go-to choices when you want something familiar and reliable.
Espresso
Espresso is a concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under high pressure. The result is a small, intense shot with a thick, golden crema on top and a bold, rich flavour.
Espresso is the foundation of many popular drinks, but it also shines on its own. To truly enjoy its bold, complex flavours, sip it soon after brewing while the crema is fresh and the aroma is at its peak.
Double espresso (doppio)
A double espresso, also known as a doppio, is exactly what it sounds like: twice the coffee, twice the intensity.
This one’s for those moments when a regular shot just won’t cut it — early mornings, long days, or anytime you need full flavour and full focus.
Americano
An Americano is made by adding hot water to a shot of espresso.
The water stretches the coffee drink without diluting the flavour too much, giving you a longer, smoother cup that still keeps the espresso’s bold character.
Fun fact: the name dates back to World War II when American soldiers in Europe would dilute their espressos to resemble the drip coffee they were used to back home. Hence, “Americano.”
Cappuccino
A cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. It has a strong coffee flavour, balanced by a smooth and creamy texture.
It’s one of the most well-known drinks on café menus and a common morning choice around the world. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top adds a little sweetness and that classic, cosy feel.
Find cappuccinos from the best nearby cafés and get yours delivered to your door.
Latte
Latte means “milk” in Italian, so it makes sense that this coffee drink is less intense than a cappuccino.
It’s made with one shot of espresso, a generous amount of steamed milk, and a thin layer of milk foam.
Lattes are also one of the most customisable drinks on the menu. You can add syrups, use plant-based milks, or enjoy them iced. Many seasonal favourites, like pumpkin spice or vanilla lattes, are built on this base.
Macchiato
A macchiato is a shot of espresso with a small amount of foamed milk on top.
In Italian, macchiato means “stained” or “marked,” referring to how the milk simply marks the espresso, rather than mixing fully like in a latte.
It tastes bold, slightly bitter, and just a touch smoother than a straight espresso.
Mocha
If you’ve got a sweet spot for chocolate, mocha is probably already calling your name.
This coffee drink blends espresso with a mix of steamed milk and either chocolate syrup or cocoa powder.
The result? A rich drink that keeps the espresso’s sharpness but softens it with a creamy texture and a chocolaty finish. It’s like dessert — but with a caffeine kick.
Unique coffee drinks
This is where things get exciting. These coffee drinks aren’t your everyday orders — they feature unique flavours and creative brewing styles.
Flat white
A flat white is a creamy coffee drink made with a double shot of espresso and a small amount of steamed milk with a thin layer of soft foam on top.
It originally came from Australia, and it’s called “flat” because the top is smooth — not fluffy like a cappuccino.
Flat white tastes strong but not too intense. The milk softens the espresso without hiding the flavour, giving it a smooth, velvety feel.
Cortado
A cortado is made with equal parts espresso and warm milk — just enough milk to soften the espresso’s edge without overpowering it.
The name comes from the Spanish word cortar, meaning “to cut,” because the milk cuts through the espresso’s intensity.
It’s served in a small glass and is smoother than a straight espresso but bolder than a latte.
Breve
A breve is like a latte with extra richness. Instead of milk, this coffee beverage uses half-and-half — a blend of milk and cream — which makes the drink thicker, creamier, and more indulgent.
It’s smooth, slightly sweet on its own, and has a velvety texture that really stands out. If you like your coffee rich and comforting, this one delivers.
The name breve means “short,” referring to the reduced amount of milk used in the drink.
Affogato
‘Should I go with dessert or drink?’ With an affogato, you don’t have to choose.
This coffee drink blends hot espresso with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream, creating a sweet, creamy, and bold combination.
Affogato means “drowned” in Italian, referring to how the ice cream melts into the coffee. The contrast between cold and hot, sweet and bitter, makes it unforgettable.
Red eye
The red eye is made by adding a shot of espresso to a regular cup of drip coffee. It is simple, strong, and seriously caffeinated.
If you’ve had a sleepless night or you’re heading into a long shift, now you know what to go with. This one’s made for coffee lovers who need more than just a gentle wake-up.
Black eye
Thought it couldn’t get more intense than a Red Eye? The Black Eye takes it further by adding two shots of espresso to a cup of brewed coffee — doubling both the caffeine and the flavour.
The name “Black Eye” comes from the dark ring it leaves in coffee with cream — like a bruise swirling in the cup.
Cold coffee drinks
When the weather heats up, or you just want something refreshing, cold coffee beverages hit the spot. They energise you, help you cool down, and deliver your favourite coffee flavours.
Iced coffee
Iced coffee is exactly what it sounds like: hot coffee brewed the usual way, cooled down, and poured over ice.
It’s great when you want a simple cold option that tastes like the coffee you love — just colder and crisper.
Cold brew
Smooth, mellow, and low on acidity — that’s what sets cold brew coffee apart.
It’s made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12–24 hours. That slow extraction draws out sweetness while softening any harshness.
This coffee drink is a go-to for people who find regular coffee a bit too bitter.
Nitro cold brew
Nitro cold brew starts with regular cold brew coffee but takes it to another level by infusing it with nitrogen gas. Yes, you heard that right.
It is a smooth, creamy coffee drink with a rich, foamy head — kind of like a stout beer, but with caffeine.
It’s naturally sweet and ultra-smooth, and it’s served cold without milk or sugar.
Dessert-inspired coffee drinks
Two of your favourite things — dessert and coffee — come together in one cup.
These coffee beverages mix bold espresso with sweet, indulgent extras like chocolate, cream, or even ice cream. They’re rich, comforting, and perfect when you want a little treat with your caffeine.
Irish coffee
Irish coffee blends hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a layer of whipped cream — warm, smooth, and just boozy enough.
It was first created in Ireland in the 1940s to warm chilly travellers. And it still works — especially after dinner or on cold evenings.
Vienna coffee
If you like strong and sweet coffee, Vienna Coffee delivers both. This coffee drink layers two espresso shots under a generous swirl of whipped cream — no milk needed.
The result is rich, bold, and silky all at once.
It’s popular across European cafés because it’s simple to make but feels luxurious, especially when served in a glass mug.
Dalgona coffee
Did you know this coffee drink once took over the internet?
Dalgona coffee is made by whipping equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a thick, fluffy foam, then spooning it over milk — usually served iced.
Thanks to TikTok, this Korean-inspired creation became a viral hit for its frothy, dessert-like texture that looks great and tastes even better.
Regional coffee drinks
Coffee isn’t just a drink — in many parts of the world, it’s a cultural ritual. From how it’s brewed or served, regional coffee drinks give you a glimpse into local traditions and history.
Turkish coffee
Turkish coffee is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water and often sugar, then poured unfiltered into a small cup. No straining, no paper filters — just pure, bold flavour and thick texture.
This coffee drink is usually sipped slowly, often alongside something sweet like Turkish delight.
This method dates back centuries and is still a cornerstone of hospitality in many Middle Eastern and Balkan cultures.
Pro tip: wait a moment before your first sip to let the grounds settle at the bottom.
Cuban coffee
Cuban coffee is brewed like espresso, but what makes it stand out is the sugar whipped into the first drops of the brew to create “espuma” — that signature foamy layer on top.
It’s also called cafecito, but despite this sweet name, Cuban coffee is intense and bold.
You’ll often see it passed around after meals or during social gatherings, embodying Cuba’s warm, communal coffee culture.
Galão coffee
Galão is a drink from Portugal that blends strong espresso with three parts steamed milk.
Think of it as Portugal’s version of the latte — but lighter and silkier, with a creamy texture.
It’s typically made with about 75% frothed milk and 25% espresso, giving it that soft, creamy feel. For comparison, a latte uses one part espresso, two parts steamed milk, and a thin layer of foam.
It’s usually enjoyed mid-morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up, served in a tall glass.
Innovative coffee trends
As you’ve seen, there’s no shortage of great coffee drinks — but coffee culture isn’t standing still. Today, coffee beverages are evolving to reflect wellness trends, sustainability, and global flavours.
Golden latte
Also known as turmeric lattes, golden lattes are warming, caffeine-free drinks made with spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and sometimes black pepper — all blended into a smooth, latte-style base.
The flavour is slightly earthy and can be both sweet and savoury, with gentle spice notes and a creamy finish.
But this coffee drink is a favourite for more than just its taste. The main ingredient, turmeric, is known for its anti-inflammatory effects and is often mentioned as a natural way to help ease anxiety.
Matcha latte
Matcha has been used in Japanese tea ceremonies for over 800 years. Now, it’s made its way into modern cafés around the world.
Matcha latte combines finely ground matcha tea (a type of powdered green tea) with steamed milk and sometimes a shot of espresso for an extra kick.
With its grassy, slightly sweet taste and creamy texture, this coffee drink has become a go-to for health-conscious sippers.
Why it’s trending: it has lower caffeine than coffee, is packed with L-theanine, and it’s very Instagrammable.
Dirty chai
Rumour has it, the dirty chai was created by accident: a barista added a shot of espresso to a chai latte by mistake, and the customer loved it.
It’s called “dirty” because of that added espresso shot — but flavour-wise, it’s anything but messy.
You get the bold, roasted notes of coffee layered with the warm, aromatic spices of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger. It’s rich, spiced, and perfectly balanced.
Discover new coffee flavours
Even if you already have a go-to order, there’s always something new worth trying — bold, sweet, iced, spiced, or unexpectedly creamy.
With Bolt Food, you can explore the best local cafés in one place — and get your coffee delivered or ready for takeaway.
FAQ about coffee drinks
What are the top 10 coffee drinks?
The most popular coffee drinks include espresso, Americano, cappuccino, latte, flat white, macchiato, mocha, cold brew, iced coffee, and affogato. These are widely loved for their flavour, variety, and versatility.
What are the 4 types of coffee?
The four main types of coffee beans are Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Arabica is smooth and mild, Robusta is strong and bitter, Liberica has a smoky taste, and Excelsa is fruity and tart.
What is a black coffee with milk called?
A black coffee with milk can be called white coffee, café au lait, or if espresso-based, a latte or flat white, depending on the milk-to-coffee ratio.
What is the creamiest coffee drink?
The breve is the creamiest, made with half-and-half instead of milk. Lattes and mochas are also creamy, especially with whole milk or whipped cream.
What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?
A latte has more steamed milk and a thinner foam layer, making it creamier. A cappuccino balances equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, giving it a stronger coffee flavour with more texture.
How is cold brew coffee different from iced coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping ground coffee in cold water for 12–24 hours. It’s smooth, low in acidity, and often stronger. Iced coffee is brewed hot, then cooled down and poured over ice — which gives it a more traditional coffee taste, just chilled.
