Espresso is the foundation of many of the most beloved coffee drinks, each with its own unique twist on this bold preparation. Whether you're visiting a coffee shop or experimenting at home, understanding the variety of espresso- based drinks can enhance your coffee experience.

In this article, we'll explore the most popular espresso drinks and give you tips on choosing the perfect one for your mood and taste.

What is an espresso?

At its core, espresso is a concentrated form of coffee brewed under pressure to achieve a rich, bold flavor that serves as the foundation for most coffee drinks. The versatility of the espresso shot allows it to serve as the basis for so many different beverages, each with its own unique character and flavor.

Espresso variations

Double

A doppio is a double shot of espresso made with twice the amount of ground coffee. It produces approximately 2 fluid ounces of espresso. The word means "double" in Italian. A doppio is the standard shot in most Italian coffee shops.

Lungo

A lungo coffee , also known as a "long shot," is a coffee brewed with an espresso machine using twice the amount of water needed to make an espresso. The word means "long" in Italian. Because it requires more water, it has a milder flavor; however, it is more bitter. Most Nespresso machines have a preset setting for a lungo along with an espresso.

Ristretto

Ristretto refers to a single shot of espresso. The word means "restricted" in Italian and uses approximately 0.5–0.7 ounces (15–20 ml) of robust, undiluted espresso. It's prepared by shortening the extraction time, about 15–25 seconds. As a result, ristretto has a full body and is slightly more bitter compared to espresso. Order a ristretto if you want to enjoy espresso in its purest form.

American

Americano coffee is basically a diluted espresso that can be served hot or iced. The drink was invented by American soldiers stationed in Italy during World War II. Finding Italian espresso too strong, the soldiers wanted to drink something similar to the filter coffee they drank at home; hence the name Americano.

Cappuccino

Cappuccino is a type of coffee drink originating in Italy. It's made with a shot of espresso, steamed milk, foam on top, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. It's somewhat similar to a latte, but is served in a cup and has more foam.

Finding information about the origin of cappuccino can be tricky. There is an unverified account that attributes the invention of cappuccino to an Italian monk named Marco d'Aviano in the 1900s. Therefore, the name "cappuccino" derives from "cappuccino," the color of the robes worn by monks.

Dry Cappuccino

A dry cappuccino, also known as bone-dry, is a cappuccino with more foam and less steamed milk. It has a more bitter taste than a regular cappuccino (wet cappuccino).

Flat White

The flat white is a coffee drink made with espresso and a fine, velvety foam or microfoam. It's similar to a latte but with more espresso than milk. The drink is said to have originated in New Zealand, although there is much debate about its invention. Some people who claim to have invented the flat white include Derek Townsend and Darrel Ahlers of Cafe DKD in Auckland, people from Bar Bodega in Wellington, and Craig Miller, an Auckland-based author.

Latte

A latte (or café latte) is an Italian coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. It can be prepared in two ways: by mixing filter coffee with hot milk or by combining a shot of espresso and steamed milk. In Italy, the milk is not frothed and adding sugar is optional, but in the United States, a latte is topped with a thick foam and heavily sweetened.

Iced Espresso

Iced espresso is essentially a shot of espresso served with ice and approximately 1 ounce or two tablespoons of milk. It's ideal for those who prefer a stronger cold brew than regular iced brewed coffee.

Iced Cappuccino

The iced cappuccino is a variation on the regular cappuccino. It's made with a double shot of espresso, cold foam, and ice.

Macchiato

A macchiato is a coffee drink made with a shot of espresso and then topped with milk foam. The word means "marked" or "stained" in Italian. It's ideal for those who want something lighter than an espresso but not as sweet or milky as a latte.

Latte Macchiato

The latte macchiato is a variation of the macchiato prepared by adding espresso to milk. It's frothier and uses only half a shot of espresso. A macchiato is a layered drink, unlike a regular latte, where the ingredients are mixed together.

Long Black

A long black is a type of coffee drink originating in Australia and New Zealand. It's prepared with one or two shots of espresso, followed by hot water. It has a stronger, more concentrated espresso flavor compared to an Americano.

Mocha

A mocha, or café mocha, is a latte variation made with espresso, milk, and hot chocolate. It's often served in a glass instead of a cup. Some use chocolate syrup or cocoa powder. It's also called a mochaccino in Italian, or mochaccino in some cafes. The drink can be prepared hot or cold.

Specialty espresso drinks

Black Tie

Black tie is a drink that combines a double shot of espresso, black tea, and some spicy and sweet ingredients, such as star anise, sugar, chicory, condensed milk, and orange blossom water. This drink is said to have originated in Thailand.

Brief

The breve is prepared with one or two shots of espresso and half-and-half (half heavy cream and half whole milk). This recipe creates a rich, creamy coffee that's strong yet sweet. The drink originated in the United States and is considered the American version of an Italian latte.

Caramel Macchiato

The caramel macchiato is a specialty coffee drink created by Starbucks in 1996. It was invented by Hannah Su, an employee, in celebration of Starbucks' 25th anniversary. It's made with a foamy macchiato and then topped with caramel sauce. Originally, this drink was only going to be offered for a few weeks, but it was so popular with customers that it became one of Starbucks' staple drinks.

Cut (Gibraltar)

The cortado is made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. Although the milk used for this drink is steamed, it is not frothy or textured. The drink originated in Spain, and the word means "to cut" or "to dilute" in Spanish. In the United States, the cortado is also known as a "Gibraltar" and is served in a Libbey Gibraltar glass.

Espresso con Panna

Espresso con panna is made with one or two shots of espresso topped with whipped cream and served in a small cup or glass. The name means "espresso with cream" in Italian. In France and the United Kingdom, this drink is called "Viennese coffee."

Affogato

Affogato is a coffee-based dessert originating in Italy. It is said to have gained popularity in the 1950s, although its exact origin remains unknown. It is made with a shot of espresso and one or two scoops of vanilla ice cream or gelato.

Espresso-based beverages open up a world of possibilities, offering ways to personalize and enjoy. Whether you prefer the charm of a macchiato or the rich decadence of a flat white , there's an espresso creation to suit every taste. Dare to experiment, try new things, and enjoy the adventure through the world of coffee traditions .