12 Popular Types of Coffee You Should Know

Whether you’re a seasoned coffee lover or a curious beginner, understanding the wide world of coffee drinks can be both exciting and overwhelming. From robust espressos to smooth cold brews, each style has its own personality, brewing technique, and flavor profile. In this blog post, we’ll explore 12 popular types of coffee that every coffee enthusiast should know.


1. Espresso

The foundation of most coffee beverages, espresso is a concentrated shot made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under high pressure. Served in small portions (usually 30ml), espresso is known for its rich flavor, thick crema, and high caffeine content per ounce. It’s the base for drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.


2. Americano

The Americano is essentially a diluted espresso. Created by adding hot water to one or two shots of espresso, it mimics the strength and body of drip coffee but with a richer espresso flavor. This drink is often preferred by those who like their coffee a bit milder but still bold.


3. Latte

The latte is a popular choice for those who enjoy a creamier, less intense coffee experience. Made with one shot of espresso and a generous serving of steamed milk (typically 6–8 ounces), it’s topped with a thin layer of milk foam. Lattes are smooth and versatile, often flavored with syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut.


4. Cappuccino

A well-known Italian classic, the cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. This results in a strong, balanced drink that offers the boldness of espresso with the creaminess of milk. It’s typically served in smaller cups than lattes and often dusted with cocoa powder or cinnamon on top.


5. Macchiato

In Italian, “macchiato” means “stained” or “spotted.” A traditional macchiato consists of a shot of espresso “stained” with just a dollop of milk foam. The result is a strong drink with a slight creaminess. In contrast, modern coffee shops may offer a “latte macchiato,” which reverses the ratio with more milk and less espresso.


6. Flat White

Originating from Australia or New Zealand (depending on who you ask), the flat white is similar to a latte but uses microfoam — velvety steamed milk — and usually contains a higher espresso-to-milk ratio. The result is a richer, bolder drink served in smaller cups, ideal for those who want something stronger than a latte but smoother than an espresso.


7. Mocha

Love chocolate? Then mocha is your go-to. Also known as a caffè mocha, it combines espresso with hot chocolate (or chocolate syrup) and steamed milk. Topped with whipped cream or milk foam, it’s a dessert-like drink that blends the richness of coffee with the sweetness of chocolate.


8. Ristretto

A ristretto is a shorter version of espresso, using the same amount of coffee grounds but less water. This results in a smaller, more concentrated shot with a sweeter and richer flavor. While stronger in taste, a ristretto actually has slightly less caffeine than a regular espresso due to the reduced extraction time.


9. Cortado

A cortado is a Spanish-style coffee drink made with equal parts espresso and warm milk. Unlike a latte or cappuccino, the milk in a cortado isn’t overly foamy. The milk simply cuts the acidity and intensity of the espresso, resulting in a well-balanced, smooth drink served in a small glass.


10. Drip Coffee

Drip coffee is one of the most common brewing methods, especially in American households and offices. Hot water drips through ground coffee held in a paper or metal filter, producing a clean, straightforward cup of coffee. It’s perfect for those who enjoy sipping slowly or want to brew larger quantities at once.


11. Pour Over

Pour-over coffee is a manual brewing technique that emphasizes control and precision. Hot water is poured in a slow, circular motion over coffee grounds in a cone-shaped filter. This method highlights the beans’ flavor nuances and produces a clean, crisp cup of coffee. Tools like the Hario V60 and Chemex are popular for pour-over enthusiasts.


12. Cold Brew

Cold brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. The result is a smooth, mellow coffee with low acidity and a natural sweetness. It’s usually served over ice and can be enjoyed black or with milk, sweeteners, or flavored syrups. Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then cooled, cold brew is never exposed to heat during the process.


Final Thoughts

Coffee isn’t just a beverage—it’s a ritual, an art, and for many, a daily comfort. From intense and robust espressos to chilled and mellow cold brews, the variety of coffee types caters to every palate and preference. Exploring different coffee styles is a journey in itself, so don’t be afraid to try something new the next time you visit your local café or brew at home.

Whether you like it bold, creamy, sweet, or strong, there’s a coffee for everyone. Which type is your favorite?