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Complete Guide to Espresso Drinks
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular espresso drinks.
Published November 11, 2021
Chandra Melo
Coffee experts@The Coffee Lab
For most people, coffee will play a significant part in their everyday life. Most people will drink coffee when it comes to getting up out of bed in the morning or getting over an afternoon slump. But, how well do you know the coffee you drink? How many coffee drinks have you tried? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular espresso drinks.
Everything You Need to Know About Espresso
Before learning more about the most popular espresso drinks, let’s find out more about espresso and what you should know before brewing it. Espresso is an Italian word that means ‘to force something out’. In the case of coffee drinks, it refers to the hot water that is forced through coffee grounds so quickly that bubbles will form on the top of the liquid before popping in a frothy foam. This is known as the crema, which signifies the quality of the espresso.
When drinking espresso, the consistency and the colour of the crema will tell you a lot about what kind of taste you can expect. Crema has a layer that is thick and airy; it looks like a dark brown foam that will have an amber tone to it when it hits the light.
One thing many people do not know about espresso drinks is that they are named this way due to the rate at which boiling occurs. This forces more surface area into contact with steam compared to other slower coffee brewing methods such as drip coffees and filter coffees. As a result, espresso brews have a higher concentration of aromatic oils and offer a significantly stronger flavour.
In Italy, where espresso originates, espresso can be drunk at any time of the day, while milk-based espresso drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos are reserved only for the morning. Espresso is designed to be enjoyed in a tidy and quick way; the crema tops the drink and acts as a lid that will help to maintain all the aromas of the drink for longer.
While you may see the word ‘espresso’ on bags of coffee beans or ground coffee, espresso is not a coffee roast or a coffee bean. Instead, the word refers to how the coffee is extracted from the beans or grounds. Brewing an espresso drink relies on a high amount of pressure, which makes the espresso unique compared to other types of coffee drinks.
What are the Most Popular Espresso Drinks?
Aside from the types of coffee drinks that you are most likely familiar with, there are countless different types of espresso drinks. Some of the most popular include:
Espresso
An espresso is a drink that includes just a single shot of espresso coffee. It’s typically served in an espresso cup which is like a shot glass for coffee with straight sides. Along with being drank on its own as an espresso shot, this is the base of lots of popular espresso drinks.
Doppio
Similar to an espresso shot, a doppio is a double shot of espresso. This drink is served in a larger type of espresso cup. It’s a popular type of espresso drink for people who want to feel more awake when starting their day, or as a drink to enjoy after dinner.
Latte
This is a popular espresso with milk drink. It is a smooth and sweet coffee drink that you will often find on the menu at coffee shops and cafes. The name of the drink comes from the Italian word for milk, which is Latte. It is typically made with espresso shots that are then topped with steamed milk, then foamed milk. It can be served hot or cold.
Cappuccino
A cappuccino can’t be missed out on any espresso drinks guide. It is one of the more popular espresso drinks, made with shots of espresso, steamed milk and foam. Generally, it will have more foam compared to a Latte. It’s served in a Cappuccino cup. You can have this drink either hot or iced, but most people choose to drink it warm.
Mocha
The mocha is one of the perfect espresso drink recipes for people who love both coffee and chocolate. It is a hot coffee drink that is made from a combination of espresso, chocolate, and milk foam. There are often various flavours available including white chocolate or hazelnut mocha.
Cortardo
The cortardo is the perfect espresso drink for you if you are looking for a strong coffee that is not bitter. It is made with half espresso and half milk, and offers a smooth texture while being easy to drink.
Flat White
Also known as the Australian Latte, a flat white is a drink that is in many ways similar to a latte. However, the main ways that it differs is that it has more espresso and less milk compared to a regular latte, and will usually be served in a smaller cup, making for a stronger drink. Depending on where it is made, it may be espresso with half and half, or have slightly more milk than espresso. Some companies will only use whole milk to make the flat white.
Macchiato
A macchiato is an ideal option if you are looking for espresso drinks half coffee half milk. It has quickly become one of the most popular orders in coffee shops throughout Italy, especially for people who need to stay active and alert throughout the working day. The foamed milk in this drink comes in just the perfect amount to make the espresso less intense.
Lungo
A lungo is made with espresso shots that have the time to pull it doubled, resulting in a finished shot of coffee that is larger than a standard one, and weaker due to more water. This is not a coffee drink for somebody who is looking for a strong shot of coffee, but a great choice for anybody who prefers to sip on a weaker brew.
Ristretto
This espresso drink is a short shot of espresso that is made using half the water, but the same amount of coffee. This allows it to have more flavour compared to regular shots of espresso, since the coffee is pulled in the first part extraction.
Americano
The Americano is one of the most popular espresso drinks in America, dating back to the Second World War. It is made using espresso shots and hot water, and can vary in strength and intensity depending on the amount of coffee and water that you add. Cold or warm milk can be added to the coffee later for those who do not want to drink it black.
Long Black
An espresso drink that is similar in many ways to the Americano, the long black is popular in New Zealand and Australia. The main difference between this drink and the Americano is the way that it is mixed with hot water. When making a long black coffee, a double shot of espresso is poured over the hot water, which helps to maintain the crema on the top of the coffee.
Frappe
A frappe is a coffee-based, cold drink that is made with milk foam and ice. It is usually blended together with espresso creating a slushy, icy texture that makes this a very refreshing drink for those warmer days, or for when you’re simply craving something sweet. Syrups are sometimes added to create unique frappe flavours.
Marrocchino
This is an espresso drink that originates from Alessandria, Italy. It is typically served in a small glass and is made with espresso, cocoa, and milk froth.
Sometimes, ristretto is used. If you want a more decadent version of this drink, you can use thick hot chocolate instead of cocoa powder. The name comes from light-brown leathers that were used in the 1930s, since the colour of this drink resembles them.
Glace
A glace is a cold ice cream coffee float that makes the perfect caffeinated beverage to enjoy during the hot summer. It is made with espresso, crushed ice, and ice cream, providing you with an energy boost while providing much-needed refreshment at the same time.
Vienna Coffee
This delicious espresso drink doesn’t need any milk or sugar. The drink is made from two espresso shots, then whipped cream is added to until the drink is full, before being topped with chocolate sprinkles.
Breve
The breve is an espresso drink that’s known for being a short, concise option. It is made using espresso with half milk or half cream depending on what you prefer. Some believe that it was first introduced by Starbucks in 2009, while others think that they were first offered to customers during breakfast hours at Seattle’s Best Coffee in 2004.
Espresso refers to the way that coffee is extracted from beans or coffee grounds. It can be drunk as a shot on its own or mixed with water, milk, or both to create a wide range of different popular espresso drinks. Whether you need a strong shot of coffee to get you going in the morning, or a smooth and milky coffee drink, there is an espresso drink for everybody.
About the author
Chandra Melo
Marketing as job, barista as passion. An authentic coffee lover, looking for the next fantastic cup of coffee that I will fall in love with. Coffee, for me, is more than a beverage. It's about community and connection - how can all the world consume the same fruit? And differently? How can we have so many different tastes? I also don't know. And because of this, I feel in love each day more for this world. Happy to share and make a change in the coffee community.
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