During my five-plus years as a barista, I noticed some things while taking drink orders: the number of questions—or lack of—when ordering. For those who aren’t coffee drinkers or want to venture out by trying new things, then this quick guide on a few well-known coffee drinks may help you order your next “regular.”
Espresso
Solo or Doppio, referring to a single or double shot. Simply put, espresso is a concentrated, viscous version of coffee brewed with pressure.
It doesn’t come in sizes and isn’t all that large; however, it gets the job done if you can’t drink a whole cup of coffee in one sitting. It’s about 1-2 ounces depending on the serving and the coffee shop.
Normally served hot, some places add a lemon wedge or a side of sparkling water to help cleanse the palate. Espresso offers the best opportunity to experience different tasting notes with each sip.
This drink is perfect for exploring all the complex flavors in coffee, but also great for a quick pick–me–up in the middle of the day.
Americano
Espresso with water.
The Americano is similar to a cup of brewed coffee and (most of the time for us) an alternative when there isn’t any brewed coffee in sight.
Depending on the coffee shop, the sizes may vary; it is a versatile solution to a cup of hot or iced coffee. It sits well with a little cream and sugar if needed as well.
Great for those who want to stay hydrated—yet caffeinated—and cut back on milk.
Macchiato
Derived from the Italian word for “marked” or “stained;” it is espresso with a literal splash of steamed milk on top.
There are two variations to this drink that I have witnessed as a barista (and as a coffee drinker). Some say the proper macchiato uses only foam, whereas some coffee shops (that I have seen in the US and Italy) pour a splash of steamed milk directly from the pitcher. In the latter, it’s a little bit of milk and a little bit of foam.
Whether you like the Macchiato with straight foam or a little steamed milk, please let your barista know because this will save time and limit waste. And no, it is not the same thing as a caramel macchiato—the Macchiato sits at about 2-3 ounces rather than the much larger latte-like drink many may be familiar with.
The Macchiato also serves as a great midday pick–me–up; very much similar to an espresso shot but think of that splash of steamed milk as a chaser.
Cortado
Derived from the Spanish word for “cut;” it is espresso with the same amount of steamed milk. In other words, a 1:1 ratio.
Sitting at approximately 4 ounces, the Cortado serves as a drink to sip on while still maintaining the complexities of the coffee. The milk helps bring out a creamier and sweeter note from the espresso.
This drink creates an equilibrium between coffee and milk with the slightest layer of foam or microfoam (uniform milk foam with small, consistent bubbles), making it a great choice for those who want to experience their coffee with a creamier twist.
Cappuccino
Frothy foam, milk, and espresso.
Variations of this fan-favorite classic Italian coffee drink differ from coffee shop to coffee shop—wet or dry, small or large.
- Wet: less foamy
- Dry: more foamy
Experience around this coffee conundrum begs the question of how people would like their Cappuccinos made.
The most commonly perceived form of the Cappuccino consists of a third foam and two-thirds milk and coffee (dry). Some shops have different sizes following the common form of the Cappuccino; however, modern coffee shops find ways to revolutionize this classic concoction by concentrating on the amount of milk (size). It may come in a 6-8 ounce cup referring to the amount of milk, but some shops that follow the common, frothy form may have sizes.
As a common trend throughout smaller, independent coffee shops, baristas steam the milk for this drink very much similar to a latte—aerating it less radically to create microfoam.
This drink serves as a great choice to dunk a buttery, flakey croissant for a light breakfast with sustenance until the next coffee refill.
Whether you like it wet, dry, small, or large—asking how baristas make it and if they can make it according to your preference is the best approach to getting the most out of your Cappuccino.
Flat White
Known to originate from Australia and New Zealand, the Flat White serves as the Cappuccino’s fraternal twin.
Similarly, it ranges anywhere from a 6-10 ounce cup—but consists of microfoam or no foam. However, variations to this drink refer to the ratio of more coffee to milk. In some cafes, the Cappuccino and Flat White mean the same thing depending on how baristas steam the milk.
This drink is considered a step down from the Latte but with a little less milk; it is a great choice for sustenance while maintaining a stronger sense of the coffee’s complexities.
I usually get this drink to cut back on milk, while also enjoying the bliss of sipping on a nice cup of milk and espresso.
Latte
Microfoam, milk, and espresso.
Derived from the Italian word for milk, it is also known as a Caffè Latte to mean coffee with milk.
With room to play, this drink best serves as a flexible option as a hot or iced beverage. Some modern coffee shops will usually offer it in a 12-ounce (hot) or 16-ounce (iced) cup. Depending on the shop, sizes for this drink may vary.
Lattes make for a great choice for beginner coffee drinkers, something a little sweeter and milky-er, or a substitute for a light breakfast or snack until lunchtime.
Next Time You Order Coffee
Try asking your barista what the different offerings are and how it is made. Whether you’ve had something a million times and want to try something new, an experienced barista should be able to guide you to your next favorite “regular” drink or a little treat for special occasions.
