Know Your Coffees: The Complete Guide to Coffee Drinks
From flat whites and lattes to cappuccinos and americanos - master the differences between classic coffee shop favourites.
Coffee Cheat Sheet: At a Glance
| Drink | Espresso Base | Steamed Milk | Foam Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Single or Double Shot | None | Crema layer only |
| Americano | Double Shot | Hot Water (no milk) | None |
| Flat White | Double Shot | Textured microfoam | Thin (0.5cm) |
| Latte | Single or Double Shot | Steamed milk | Medium (1cm) |
| Cappuccino | Double Shot | Steamed milk & deep foam | Thick (2cm+) |
Understanding Different Types of Coffee
Stepping up to a coffee counter or browsing an espresso menu can feel overwhelming with so many variations on offer. While every coffee shop has its own subtle spin, almost all popular menu items share the exact same foundation: a concentrated shot of espresso combined with varying proportions of hot water or textured milk.
Whether you want to understand the exact difference between a cappuccino and a latte or learn how to brew your favourite drink at home, this guide breaks down classic espresso beverages step by step.
The Foundation: Start with Quality Espresso Beans
Because milk and water dilute coffee, using freshly roasted whole-bean espresso ensures your drink maintains rich chocolate undertones and a bold aroma. Explore our speciality roasts:
Italian Espresso Beans
Dark roasted and intensely punchy. Ideal for cutting through steamed milk in cappuccinos and lattes.
Shop Italian Espresso
Espresso Velouté Beans
Silky smooth with subtle cocoa notes. Perfect for balanced flat whites and neat espresso shots.
Shop Espresso Velouté1. Espresso
Originating in Milan, Italy, around 1900, espresso is a highly concentrated coffee drink made by forcing nearly boiling water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans. Derived from the Italian meaning 'pressed out', this brewing process yields a dark, intense shot topped with a hazelnut-coloured layer of natural foam called crema.
- Main Ingredients: Finely ground espresso beans & hot water
- Flavour Profile: Bold, rich, and concentrated
- Best Beans: Miles Italian Espresso Coffee Beans
2. Americano
A Caffe Americano is prepared by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water. Legend has it that American soldiers stationed in Italy during WWII added hot water to traditional Italian espresso to recreate the familiar taste of filter coffee from back home. It offers a similar strength to drip coffee but retains the aromatic complexity of espresso.
- Main Ingredients: Double shot espresso & hot water
- Flavour Profile: Smooth, clean, and less intense than a straight espresso shot
3. Flat White
Originating in Australia and New Zealand in the 1980s, the flat white has become a staple across UK coffee shops. When debating a latte vs flat white, the main difference comes down to size and milk texture. A flat white is served in a smaller cup (around 160ml–200ml) with a double shot of espresso and silky microfoam, resulting in a stronger coffee flavour than a latte.
- Main Ingredients: Double espresso shot & velvety microfoam
- Flavour Profile: Strong espresso punch balanced with silky, creamy milk
4. Caffe Latte
Translating literally from Italian as 'coffee and milk', a Caffe Latte is a larger, milder milk coffee. Served in a tall glass or large cup (240ml+), it consists of one or two shots of espresso topped with a generous portion of steamed milk and a thin 1cm layer of light foam on top.
- Main Ingredients: Espresso & steamed milk
- Flavour Profile: Smooth, mellow, and milky
5. Cappuccino
Named after the dark brown robes of Capuchin friars, a cappuccino is an Italian icon. It features equal thirds of espresso, steamed milk, and deep, pillowy milk foam, finished with a classic dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate dust across the top.
- Main Ingredients: Double espresso, steamed milk, & thick foam depth
- Flavour Profile: Creamy, airy, with a distinct chocolate garnish
6. Caffe Mocha
Named after the historic port of Al Mokha in Yemen, a mocha blends espresso with rich chocolate and textured milk. It is the perfect indulgent crossover drink for hot chocolate lovers who want an uplifting coffee kick.
- Main Ingredients: Espresso shot, cocoa powder / hot chocolate, & steamed milk
- Flavour Profile: Sweet, chocolatey, and rich
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a flat white and a latte?
A flat white is smaller in volume (160ml–200ml) and made with a double shot of espresso and microfoam, giving it a stronger coffee flavour. A latte is larger (240ml+) with more steamed milk, resulting in a milder taste.
Which coffee drink is the strongest?
By coffee-to-milk concentration, a straight espresso or flat white offers the strongest flavour. In terms of overall caffeine content, drinks with double espresso shots (like a flat white or large americano) contain more caffeine than single-shot lattes.
Can you make espresso drinks at home without an espresso machine?
Yes! A stovetop Moka pot creates a dark, concentrated espresso-style coffee that works brilliantly as a base for home-made lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. Read our step-by-step stove pot coffee guide to master the technique.
