Different types of espresso-based coffee have become beloved among coffee lovers all around the world. Espresso, with its flavors, velvety texture, and aromatic allure, is served as a fundamental foundation of many coffee drinks. In this blog, we embark on a journey to explore the different types of espresso-based coffee and their unique characteristics.
Espresso As a Foundation
Espresso, as a type of black coffee, is found at the heart of most coffee drinks these days. Espresso is not just a type of coffee beverage with bold and robust flavor; it is a brewing method for extracting the true essence of coffee beans.
Hot water is forced under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans; this is how espresso is made. The foundation of any espresso-based coffee beverage relies on the quality and craftsmanship of the espresso shot.
Let’s see the various types of espresso-based coffee beverages and their ingredients:
Macchiato
A traditional macchiato is a shot of espresso + amount of milk foam + steamed milk.
It has a strong coffee flavor with a touch of milk.
Cappuccino
Cappuccino is espresso+ steamed milk + milk foam.
It has a creamy texture with a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon on top.
Latte
A latte is a shot of espresso + a larger amount of steamed milk + a small layer of milk foam on top.
It has a milder coffee flavor and a smoother, creamy texture.
Flat White
Flat white is one or two shots of espresso + a velvety microfoam.
It has a stronger coffee taste compared to a latte.
Americano
An Americano is + a shot of espresso + hot water.
It has a similar flavor to regular brewed coffee but with the strength of espresso.
Read More: Different Types of Americano
Mocha
Mocha is an espresso + chocolate syrup or powder + steamed milk + a layer of milk foam.
It has a rich, chocolatey flavor along with the kick of espresso.
Read More: Popular Types of Iced Mocha
Affogato
Affogato is a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato + a shot of hot espresso.
It has a bitter and sweet taste with a delicious combination of hot and cold.
Ristretto
Ristretto is a shot of espresso + the same amount of coffee grounds (but extracted with less water).
It has a bolder and more intense flavor compared to a regular espresso.
Lungo
Lungo is the opposite of a ristretto. It is an espresso shot + a longer amount of water.
It has a milder and slightly more diluted taste.
Espresso Con Panna
Espresso Con Panna is a shot of espresso + a dollop of whipped cream.
It has a strong espresso flavor with a creamy texture.
Cortado
Cordato (a Spanish drink) is espresso + warm milk, typically served in a small glass.
It has a balanced taste between espresso’s intensity and the milk’s creaminess.
Vienna Coffee
Vienna coffee is a shot of espresso + whipped cream + dusting cocoa or cinnamon.
It is a luxurious and decadent coffee treat.
Read More: Vienna Coffee Recipe
Gibraltar
A Gibraltar is a shot of espresso + a small amount of steamed milk, similar to a cortado but served in a Gibraltar glass, which is a small tumbler-like glass.
Red Eye
A red eye is a regular brewed coffee + a shot of espresso.
It has a stronger caffeine kick.
Read More: Red Eye Coffee Recipe
Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is a hot coffee + Irish whiskey + sugar + a layer of whipped cream on top.
It’s a spirited coffee drink.
Read More: Irish Coffee Benefits
Café Cubano
Café Cubano, also known as Cuban espresso, is demerara sugar + espresso while it is brewing.
The result is a sweet and strong espresso with a caramelized flavor.
Café Bombón
Café bombón is sweetened condensed milk + espresso.
It has a strong espresso and a rich, sweet milk taste.
Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is prepared by brewing very finely ground coffee beans in a small pot called a cezve.
It is served unfiltered with a strong and intense coffee experience.
Read More: Turkish Coffee Benefits
Greek Frappé
Frappé is instant coffee + sugar + water + ice.
It is also served with milk or whipped cream.
Espresso Tonic
Espresso tonic is a shot of iced espresso + tonic water.
It has a unique contrast of flavors, with the bitterness of espresso and the crispness of tonic water.
Shakerato
Shakerato is an Italian coffee drink made by shaking espresso, ice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
It has a chilled and frothy coffee beverage.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Vietnamese iced coffee, also known as cà phê đá, is a strong brewed coffee + sweetened condensed milk + ice.
It has a rich and creamy flavor.
Mexican Café de Olla
Café de Olla is a Mexican spiced coffee. It is made by brewing coffee with cinnamon, cloves, and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar).
It has a warm and aromatic coffee with a touch of sweetness and spice.
Ethiopian Buna
Ethiopian Buna is a traditional coffee ceremony in Ethiopia. It is made by roasting green coffee beans, grinding them, and brewing them in a traditional pot called a jebena.
It is rich, aromatic, and often served with sugar.
Scandinavian Egg Coffee
Egg coffee is a traditional Scandinavian preparation. It is eggshells or egg whites + coffee grounds before brewing.
It has a smooth and rich coffee with a subtle hint of sweetness.
Ethiopian Macchiato
Ethiopian macchiato, also known as buna macchiato, is a shot of Ethiopian espresso + a small amount of milk foam + steamed milk.
Moroccan Spiced Coffee
Moroccan spiced coffee, or “nus-nus,” is dark roasted coffee + warm milk + spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
It has a warm and aromatic flavor with a touch of exotic spice.
Italian Marocchino
Marocchino is a shot of espresso + a layer of cocoa powder + frothed milk.
It has a harmonious balance of flavors.
Spanish Carajillo
Carajillo is a Spanish coffee cocktail made by combining espresso + a shot of liquor (brandy or rum).
It has a kick of flavor and warmth to the coffee.
Brazilian Café Pingado
Café Pingado is (Brazilian coffee) a shot of espresso + a small amount of milk.
It has a balanced taste between the richness of espresso and the creaminess of the milk.
Conclusion
In this exploration of different types of espresso-based coffee drinks, we have uncovered a world of unique flavors and creative possibilities. From the classic cappuccino to the Scandinavian Egg Coffee, each beverage offers a unique experience with its different ingredients for coffee lovers with different preferences.
You can customize your coffee drink to suit your preferences with a strong espresso foundation. Whether you prefer a stronger and rich espresso flavor, a sweeter concoction, or a creamy texture, there are endless ways to create your perfect cup of coffee.