Coffee types explained: all types of coffee in one clear overview
Every coffee menu seems to offer more types of coffee than ever before. Ordering a simple cappuccino or black coffee can feel almost too safe. And then the questions begin: What’s the difference between all these coffee types? Why choose a ristretto instead of a regular espresso?
No worries, this guide explains the main different coffee types, highlights the key coffee differences, and helps you navigate today’s diverse coffee world.
How many coffee types exist?
Coffee comes in a wide variety of types, each with its own unique preparation method, flavour profile, and cultural origin. From concentrated espresso-based drinks to lighter, milk-rich creations, the world of coffee spans dozens of distinctive brews. While new variations continue to emerge, some of the most recognized types include espresso, ristretto, lungo, drip-brewed coffee, and a range of milk-based favourites like lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. Whether you enjoy your coffee bold and intense or smooth and creamy, there’s a coffee style to suit every preference.
Coffee comes in countless styles, each with its own preparation method, flavour profile, and cultural origin. From concentrated espresso types to milk-based favourites like lattes and flat whites, the variety is impressive. Some of the most common coffee differences can be found among espresso, ristretto, lungo, drip-brewed coffee, and milk-enriched drinks. Whether you enjoy bold and intense flavours or smooth and creamy textures, there’s a coffee style for every taste.
What are the different types of coffee?
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular espresso coffee types and other widely enjoyed coffees:
- Espresso – A strong, concentrated coffee shot.
- Ristretto – A shorter, more intense espresso with a bolder flavour.
- Lungo – A “long” espresso brewed with more water for a milder taste.
- Double Espresso (Doppio) – Two espresso shots served together for extra strength.
- Americano – Espresso diluted with hot water for a lighter cup.
- Long Black – Hot water topped with espresso, preserving the crema.
- Drip Brewed Coffee – Filtered coffee, smooth and straightforward.
- Latte – Espresso with plenty of steamed milk and a light foam layer.
- Cappuccino – Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
- Flat White – A velvety espresso drink with microfoam and a stronger coffee taste than a latte.
- Macchiato – Espresso “stained” with a small amount of milk or foam.
- Long Macchiato – A double espresso topped with milk or foam, stronger than a classic macchiato.
- Mocha – Espresso combined with chocolate and steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream.
- Cortado – Equal parts espresso and steamed milk for a balanced, strong flavour.
- Breve – A creamy espresso drink made with steamed half-and-half instead of milk.
- Vienna – Espresso topped with whipped cream instead of milk or foam.
Compare these different coffee types to find the one that perfectly matches your taste.
Espresso
Besides from being a stand-alone drink, espresso is also the perfect base for all things milky, such as the cappuccino or latte macchiato.
How to make an espresso:
1 shot of espresso in an espresso cup
Origin: Italy
Double espresso
A double espresso, also known as a doppio. The drink is highly concentrated and has a stronger taste than the espresso. Fun fact: did you know that doppio is the Italian word for double?
How to make a double espresso:
2 shots of espresso in an espresso cup
Origin: Italy
Drip brewed coffee
Coffee connoisseurs swear by measuring and pouring their own drip coffee. This popular brewing method is called slow brewing and is quite affordable. This method takes a bit of time and practice, but the results are amazingly delicious when done right!
How to make drip brewed coffee:
Add a filter to your pour over
Boil water
Measure 2 spoons of ground coffee per cup and add it to the filter
Pour the boiled water over the ground coffee in the filter
Let the water drip into the coffee pot for 3-4 minutes
Remove the filter and pour the coffee into the cupOrigin: Germany
Flat white
A flat white looks a lot like a cappuccino. Just like its Italian brother, the flat white has a layer of milk on the coffee. It also looks like a latte, but a flat white is slightly smaller and stronger. What makes the coffee unique is the texture of the milk. This is what gives the coffee its name. Beware: the steamed milk of a flat white has no bubbles like the Cappuccino.
How to make a flat white:
1 shot of espresso into a tumbler glass
Add steamed milk
Add a few cm of microfoam on top of the steamed milkOrigin: New Zealand/Australia
Piccolo latte
A Piccolo Latte is the same as a Café Latte but made in an espresso cup or smaller tumbler glass. Therefore, it has a strong but mellowed taste due to the steamed milk and microfoam added to the coffee. A perfect Piccolo Latte is made with Ristretto instead of espresso coffee. The origin myth says that the Piccolo Latte was invented in Syndey by baristas and roasters to check how their brews tasted with milk to prevent dairy bloat during the days.
How to make a piccolo latte:
1 shot of Ristretto in an espresso cup
Add steamed milk into the cup
Add a small amount of microfoam into the cupOrigin: Australia
Breve
The Breve is an Americanized classic of the Café Latte. The Café Breve is made with steamed half-and-half, therefore it is creamier than the classic Café Latte. Half-and-half is a blind of half whole milk and half light cream. So, if you love a little cream added to your morning coffee have a Café Breve!
How to make breve:
1 shot of espresso into a cup
Add half and half steamed milk
Add 1 cm of microfoamOrigin: United States
What is the difference between different coffees?
Different types of coffee vary based on how they're brewed, the amount of water and milk used, and their flavour intensity. Some, like espresso and ristretto, are highly concentrated, while others, like lattes or Americanos, are milder due to added milk or water. The texture, strength, and taste all depend on the preparation method and ingredients. To experience the full variety, explore L’OR’s wide selection of coffee capsules
Which is stronger: a Flat White or a Cappuccino?
A Flat White is generally stronger than a Cappuccino in terms of coffee flavour. Both use espresso as a base, but the Flat White has less foam and more liquid milk, allowing the espresso to shine through more clearly. Cappuccinos, with their thicker foam layer, offer a lighter mouthfeel and slightly milder taste.
Which type of coffee is best?
The best type of coffee depends on your personal taste. If you enjoy bold and concentrated flavours, espresso or ristretto may be ideal. For something creamier, go for a latte or flat white. Those who prefer a lighter, more diluted brew might enjoy an Americano or drip coffee. It all comes down to how strong, smooth, or sweet you like your coffee.
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