11 types of coffee and what makes each one different

You walk into a café for the first time. The barista looks up and asks what kind of coffee you want. You pause. To you, coffee is coffee, a hot, dark drink that gets you through the morning. You did not expect to be asked questions. But in a café, that is rarely the whole story, and the menu above the counter is not making things any easier.

The difference between one coffee and another usually comes down to three things: how the coffee is brewed, how much milk goes in, and what form that milk takes. A small change in any one of those three things produces a completely different drink.

Here is a breakdown of the most common types and what sets each one apart.

Espresso

A small, concentrated shot of coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground beans under high pressure. It is the base for most coffee drinks. What makes it distinct is that it is served on its own, with no milk and no dilution resulting in a strong and dense drink with a strong and rich aroma.

Americano

An americano is made by adding hot water to espresso. This gives it a smoother and less intense taste than plain espresso while still keeping the coffee flavour strong. It is a good option for people who enjoy black coffee but want something lighter.

Latte

An espresso shot with a large amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam on top. It is the milkiest of the espresso-based drinks, which makes it the mildest in flavour. If you are new to coffee, this is usually the easiest starting point.

Cappuccino

Made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk and milk foam. What sets it apart from a latte is the thick layer of foam on top and the stronger coffee taste that comes through because there is less milk overall. Usually served in a smaller cup. It is the most popular coffee choice around the world.

Macchiato

An espresso shot with just a small dash of steamed milk or foam. Unlike a latte or cappuccino, the milk here is not meant to soften the drink significantly. It is still largely an espresso, with the milk added only to take the edge off the bitterness.

Mocha

An espresso-based drink made with steamed milk and chocolate. What makes it different from every other drink on this list is the chocolate, which gives it a sweetness that no other coffee has by default. Often topped with whipped cream.

Flat white

Similar to a latte but smaller, with less foam and a higher ratio of espresso to milk. The result is a stronger, more concentrated coffee flavour than a latte without the frothy texture of a cappuccino. It originated in Australia and New Zealand.

Cortado

A cortado is made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The milk reduces the sharpness and acidity of the espresso without overpowering the coffee flavour. Unlike a latte or cappuccino, a cortado has very little foam and is the texture is smooth, balanced, and stronger in taste than milk heavy coffee drinks.

Filter coffee

Unlike the coffees mentioned earlier, this is not an espresso based drink. Instead, its name comes from the brewing method itself. To make it, coffee grounds are placed in a paper or metal filter before hot water is poured over them. As the water slowly passes through the grounds, it produces a smooth and clean tasting cup of coffee. It remains one of the most common brewing methods used in homes around the world.

Cold brew

Made by steeping (soaking) coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for several hours, usually overnight, cold brew is not simply hot coffee poured over ice. The slow brewing process creates a smoother, less acidic drink with a naturally sweet undertone.

Iced coffee

Hot coffee brewed in the usual way and then poured over ice. Unlike cold brew, it is quick to make and has a lighter, sharper flavour. The two are often confused, but the brewing process is completely different.