30 Seconds Summary
- There are 17 main types of coffee drinks, each with a different taste, milk, and preparation style.
- Using the right equipment (espresso machine, grinders, drip brewer, French press, etc.) is important for quality and efficiency.
- Knowing coffee types helps train staff, improve service, and increase café profit.
Running a cafe or restaurant is hard. You must move fast. You must train new staff. You must keep costs low. And you must serve drinks your customers love.
To do that, you must know each drink on your menu. Not just the name. But how it’s made. How much milk does it need? How long does it take to prepare? And what tools your bar team needs.
This guide explains the different types of coffee drinks simply. You will see: what the drink is, how to build it, its flavor, the tools you need, and how it affects money, workflow, and training.
You can use this guide to set your menu, train your team, and increase your coffee profit.
Check out Cooks Forge's commercial dinnerware to present drinks beautifully.
17 Types of Coffee Drinks
Here are 17 types of coffee drinksexplained that aremost commonly available at different cafes or restaurants.
1. Espresso
What Is Espresso?
Espresso is a small, strong coffee that many cafés use as the base for other drinks. It has a rich taste and a light layer of crema on top. Even though the cup is small, the flavor feels full and bold. Among the various types of coffee drinks, espresso is one of the popular ones.
Ratio & Build
Here is how most cafés make a standard espresso shot:
- Coffee: about 7-9 grams
- Drink size: around 25-30 ml
- Brew time: about 25-30 seconds
Flavor Profile
Strong, rich, and intense. You may taste notes like dark chocolate, nuts, or caramel. The finish is bold and slightly bitter, with a thick, creamy feel called “crema.”
Profit Tip: The cost to make one shot is low, but you can sell it at a good price. This makes espresso a high-profit drink. It also helps you build other menu items, such as cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites.
You can serve espresso in the Yanco Miami 2 3/4" Espresso Cup 3 Oz from Cooks Forge for heat retention and a clean presentation.
2. Americano
What Is an Americano?
An Americano is a drink made by mixing hot water with espresso. It tastes like a smooth, lighter version of espresso, but still has a rich flavor.
Ratio & Build
- Espresso shots: 1-2 shots
- Hot water: About 90-100 ml
- Shot volume: Around 45-50 ml
- Brew time: 25-30 seconds
Most cafés add the hot water first, then brew the espresso on top. This keeps a little crema on the surface and gives a nicer taste.
The Flavor Profile
An Americano tastes clean and mild.
Profitability & Menu Strategy: Americanos are great for business. They use no milk, are fast to make, and cost very little per cup.
Use a Winco Premium 18/8 Stainless Steel Coffee Scoop from Cooks Forge to keep dosing consistent for Americanos.
3. Macchiato
What Is a Macchiato?
A macchiato is a strong espresso “marked” with a small amount of milk foam. It stays bold but has a light, creamy touch.
Build & Ratio
- Espresso: 1 shot
- Milk foam: 1-2 teaspoons
Flavor Profile
Bold, rich espresso taste with a light, creamy top. Smooth but still strong.
Profit Tip: A macchiato uses very little milk, so it has a high profit margin and is quick to serve.
Check out the Winco Chantelle Demitasse Spoon from Cooks Forge. This set has 12 spoons made of strong stainless steel. They are shiny, dishwasher safe, and look nice with your coffee cups. Perfect for stirring espresso or macchiatos.
4. Cortado
What Is a Cortado?
A cortado is an espresso “cut” with the same amount of steamed milk. It is small, smooth, and easy to drink.
Build & Ratio
- Espresso: 1 shot
- Steamed milk: 1 shot (equal parts)
Flavor Profile
Smooth and even, with no foam. You taste the espresso clearly, but the milk cuts the sharp notes.
Profit Tip: Great for customers who want a small milk drink. It has less milk than a latte, so costs stay low.
Other than an Espresso machine and a small milk pitcher, you can also use the Yanco 5-oz Clear Tumbler from Cooks Forge. It is the right size for a cortado and shows the coffee and milk layers.
5. Cappuccino
What Is a Cappuccino?
A cappuccino is a small espresso drink made with three parts: espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. You make it using an espresso machine to get the strong coffee base.
Build & Ratio
- Espresso: 1-2 shots
- Steamed milk: ~2 oz
- Foamed milk: ~2 oz
- Cup size: 6-8 oz
Flavor Profile
This type of coffee drink has a light, creamy foam with a smooth espresso taste. It can be slightly sweet if you add cocoa on top.
Profit Tip: It is ahigh-margin menu item. Uses less milk than a latte but still feels “premium” to customers.
Serve Cappuccino in the Yanco Recovery 4 1/2" Cappuccino Cup (14 oz) from Cooks Forge. It is the right size for a cappuccino and looks nice when serving.
6. Flat White
What Is a Flat White?
A flat white is a double espresso with warm steamed milk and very little foam. It is like a small, strong latte. Using a good espresso machine helps make consistent shots for drinks like flat whites.
Build & Ratio
- Espresso: 2 shots
- Steamed milk: ~4 oz
- Cup size: ~6 oz
Flavor Profile
Smooth, silky, and strong. You can taste the espresso clearly, with a soft milk finish.
Profit Tip: A higher-priced item. Because of its double-shot but moderate milk,it is popular with coffee lovers.
Serve a flat white in the Yanco GO-001 Stackable 6 oz Cup from Cooks Forge. It is sturdy, stackable, and perfect for a small milk-forward espresso drink.
7. Latte
What Is a Latte?
A milk-forward espresso drink with lots of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
Build & Ratio
- Espresso: 1-2 shots
- Steamed milk: 8-10 oz
- Foam: ~1 cm
- Cup size: 8-12 oz
Flavor Profile
Smooth, creamy, and mild. Works well with flavored syrups or toppings.
Profit Tip: Lower margin per cup due to more milk, but high popularity and flavored options drive volume sales.
Serve your latte in the Yanco AC-12-P 3 1/2" Prime Mug Stackable 12 oz from Cooks Forge for the right size and a nice look.
8. Mocha
What Is a Mocha?
It is a chocolate espresso drink, basically a latte with added chocolate.
Build & Ratio
- Espresso: 1 shot
- Chocolate: 1-2 oz syrup or powder
- Steamed milk: 1-3 oz
- Topping: 2-3 cm foam or whipped cream
- Cup size: 6-8 oz
Flavor Profile
Rich, sweet, and dessert-like. Balanced chocolate sweetness with light espresso bitterness.
Profit Tip: Higher ingredient cost, but easy to sell as a premium drink. It is a strong performer in cold weather and on dessert menus.
You can use the Cooks Forge Digital Food Thermometer to check the temperature of milk or chocolate.
9. Iced Coffee
What Is Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee is a type of iced coffee drink made by hot-brewing coffee, cooling it, and then serving it over ice. It is a light and refreshing drink that many people enjoy, especially in warm weather.
Build & Ratio
- Hot coffee (brewed stronger than normal)
- Ice
- Optional: milk or syrup
- Cup size: usually 12-16 oz
Flavor Profile
Iced coffee tastes light and smooth. You may notice simple flavors like nuts, caramel, or mild chocolate. Because of the ice, the drink tastes softer and less bitter.
Profit Tip: Iced coffee sells very well in the summer. Larger cup sizes make it easy to increase profit without extra effort.
Keep your iced coffee cold! The Hoshizaki Ice Machine makes up to 1,513 lbs of hard, long-lasting ice every day. It is strong, easy to use, and perfect for cafes and restaurants. Get it now at Cooks Forge!
10. Cold Brew
What Is Cold Brew?
Cold brew is coffee steeped slowly in cold water for 12–24 hours. This method produces a smooth, mild, and low-acid coffee that can be served cold or mixed with milk and other flavors.
Build & Ratio
- Coffee: 1 part coarse grounds
- Water: 4 parts cold water (for concentrate)
- Ice or water: Equal parts to dilute before serving
- Milk or syrup: Optional, to taste
- Cup size: 12-16 oz
Flavor Profile
Cold brew tastes smooth, mellow, and slightly sweet, with low acidity. Notes of chocolate, nuts, or caramel may come through depending on the beans.
Profit Tip: Cold brew concentrate stores well and produces very little waste. Selling it by the cup or as ready-to-drink bottles gives high profit margins.
Keep your cold brew perfect! The Winco Cold Beverage Dispenser with Ice Core keeps coffee cold and fresh without watering it down. Easy to pour with the drip-free faucet. Get it now at Cooks Forge!
11. Frappé / Frappuccino
What Is a Frappé?
A frappé is a refreshing blended coffee drink made with cold coffee, milk, ice, and optional sweeteners. It is thick, creamy, and lightly frothy, perfect for a hot day or as a dessert-style coffee.
Build & Ratio
- Coffee: 2 double shots of cold espresso, or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee
- Milk: 1/4 cup whole or 2% milk
- Sweetener: 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- Flavoring: 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice: 4 oz (about 1 cup)
- Topping: Whipped cream (optional)
- Cup size: 12-16 oz
Flavor Profile
Frappés are sweet, creamy, and smooth with a balanced coffee flavor. The ice makes it refreshing, and the whipped cream adds richness.
Profit Tip: Frappés are highly customizable and visually appealing, making them ideal for upselling.
Make your frappés extra cold and perfect! The Winco Manual Ice Crusher is strong, easy to use, and crushes ice fast. Works great with any commercial blender to make smooth, creamy frappés. Available now at Cooks Forge!
12. Irish Coffee
What Is Irish Coffee?
Irish coffee is a warm coffee drink made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a layer of whipped cream on top. It is sweet, strong, and perfect for a cozy treat.
Build & Ratio
- Coffee: 6 oz hot, freshly brewed coffee
- Sugar: 1 tsp granulated + 1 tsp brown sugar
- Alcohol: 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
- Topping: Freshly whipped cream
- Cup size: 8-10 oz
Flavor Profile
Rich, sweet, and warming. The coffee is bold, the whiskey adds smoothness and a slight spice, and the cream makes it soft and velvety.
Profit Tip: Irish coffee can be sold as a premium drink, especially around holidays.
Serve your Irish coffee in style! The 12 Pieces Melamine 8 oz Bulbous Mugs are strong, heat-resistant, and dishwasher safe. Perfect for hot drinks and easy cleanup. Get them now at Cooks Forge!
13. Affogato
What Is an Affogato?
An affogato is an Italian dessert made with hot espresso poured over cold ice cream. It is sweet, creamy, and very simple to make. The hot coffee “drowns” the ice cream, which is where the name comes from.
You can use an espresso machine to make the perfect hot shots every time.
Build & Ratio
- Espresso: 1-2 hot shots
- Ice cream: 1-2 scoops (usually vanilla)
- Cup size: Small bowl or 6-8 oz glass
Flavor Profile
The affogato tastes rich, sweet, and creamy. The espresso adds warm, bold coffee notes, and the melting ice cream makes it smooth and soft.
Profit Tip: Affogato is a high-margin dessert with very low prep time. It looks premium, uses only two main ingredients, and can easily be upgraded with toppings or flavors for extra sales.
Keep your ice cream perfect with the Dukers Commercial Chest Freezer, available at Cooks Forge.
14. Red Eye / Black Eye
What Is a Red Eye / Black Eye?
A Red Eye is strong coffee made by mixing hot drip coffee with one shot of espresso. It gives a big boost of energy and has a deeper taste than normal coffee.A Black Eye is the same drink, but with two shots of espresso. You can make the best Red Eye or Black Eye with a commercial drip brewer and an espresso machine.
Build & Ratio
- Drip coffee: 6-8 oz
- Espresso: 1 shot (1 oz) for red eye & 2 shots (2 oz total) for black eye
- Cup size: 8-12 oz
- Optional: Milk or sugar
Flavor Profile
A Red Eye tastes bold and strong. You will feel a deep coffee flavor with notes of dark chocolate, spice, or caramel. A Black Eye tastes even heavier and richer because of the extra espresso.
Profit Tip: Red Eye and Black Eye drinks are low-cost and fast to make. You can offer them in different caffeine levels (1–3 shots) and upsell flavored syrup or milk.
Serve Red / Black Eye in the Yanco Peacock 3 1/8" x 2 3/4" Coffee Cup 8 oz, available at Cooks Forge.
15. Pour Over Coffee
What Is Pour-Over Coffee?
Pour-over coffee is hand-made coffee where you pour hot water over ground coffee and let it drip through a filter. There is no machine pushing water for you; you control everything.
Build & Ratio
- Coffee: 15-20 g (medium grind)
- Water: 250-300 g
- Bloom water: About 2× coffee weight (30–40 g)
- Paper filter
- Brew time: 3-4 minutes
- Cup size: 8-12 oz
Flavor Profile
Pour-over coffee tastes clean, bright, and smooth.
Profit Tip: Pour-overs look premium. You can charge more because each cup is made fresh by hand.
For the best pour-over, use the Winco Premium Stainless Steel Gooseneck Teapot with Vented Lid. It gives smooth control when pouring hot water. Available now at Cooks Forge.
16. Drip Coffee
What Is Drip Coffee?
Drip coffee is made by pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a paper or metal filter. The water falls through the coffee and into a pot. It is simple, quick, and very common in homes and cafés.
Build & Ratio
- Coffee: 20 g (medium grind)
- Water: 320 ml
- Ratio: 1:16
- Filter: Paper or metal
- Brew time: 4-6 minutes
- Cup: 8-12 oz
Flavor Profile
Drip coffee tastes smooth and mild. It has gentle acidity and a clean, easy flavor.
Profit Tip: You can brew large batches fast. It has low waste and good profit with refills or breakfast combos.
Serve drip coffee with the Yanco RE-4-CM 4 oz Creamer from Cooks Forge. This small white creamer lets your customers add milk or cream themselves. It is made of durable material and looks nice on the table.
17. French Press Coffee
What is French Press Coffee?
French press coffee is a rich, bold brew made by steeping coarse-ground coffee in hot water. It uses a metal filter and a manual press, resulting in a full-bodied cup with strong flavor.
Build & Ratio
- Coffee: 25-30 g (coarse grind)
- Water: 350-400 ml
- Ratio: About 1:14-1:16
- Brew time: 4 minutes
- Stir time: 5-10 seconds
- Cup size: 10-12 oz
Flavor Profile
French press coffee tastes bold, rich, and full-bodied. It has more oils and a heavier mouthfeel.
Profit Tip: Great for serving premium “slow coffee.” You can charge more because it feels handcrafted and has a stronger flavor.
Offer your drinks in style with stylish mugs like thetwo-tone coffee mug from Cooks Forge
Latte vs. Cappuccino vs. Flat White: The Commercial Difference
These three drinks are often confused, but they differ in milk volume, foam texture, cup size, and margin. The following type of coffee drink chart makes everything clear and easy to understand.
|
Drink |
Milk Volume |
Foam Texture |
Typical Cup Size |
Relative Profit Margin |
|
Cappuccino |
Moderate |
Dry, airy foam |
6-8 oz |
Medium–High |
|
Flat White |
Lower than latte |
Very thin microfoam |
~6 oz |
High |
|
Latte |
High milk |
Light foam |
8-12 oz |
Medium |
Building a Profitable Coffee Program: The Essential Equipment
A well-stocked restaurant supply store like Cooks Forge can help you source all of these essentials in one order.
To make all these coffee drinks, your café needs a few key tools:
- Espresso Machine: This is the main machine for all espresso drinks. Pick one that fits your daily volume.
- Coffee Grinders: One grinder for espresso and another for drip or French press.
- Drip Coffee Brewer: For regular coffee and for drinks like Red Eye or Black Eye.
- Hot Water Dispenser / Gooseneck Kettle: For pour-over, Americanos, and tea.
- Milk Pitchers & Barista Tools: For steaming milk, making foam, and latte art.
- Mugs & Cups: Same size and good quality cups help with cost and give a better customer experience.
- Cold-Drink Tools: A blender for frappés and a fridge for cold brew.
- Dessert Tools: If you serve affogato, you need a freezer for ice cream.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?
A: A cappuccino has more foam and less milk. A latte has more milk and a thin layer of foam.
Q: What’s the strongest coffee drink?
A: Espresso and ristretto are the strongest by flavor. A Red Eye or Black Eye has the most caffeine.
Q: Which drink makes the most profit?
A: Flat whites often make the best profit. Cappuccinos also do well. Lattes make less per cup but sell a lot.
Q: What is in a macchiato?
A: A shot of espresso with a little steamed milk or foam on top.
Q: Which drinks use the most milk?
A: Lattes use the most milk.
Q: How do I set up a coffee menu for a shop?
A: Start with the main drinks (espresso, latte, cappuccino). Then add popular specials like mocha, affogato, or cold brew. Keep a simple drink chart for staff and customers.
Q: What equipment do I need for an espresso bar?
A: You need an espresso machine, espresso grinder, milk pitchers, a steam wand, and good water filters. For a full menu, also add a drip brewer, blender, and fridge.
Over to You
Knowing the different types of coffee to drink helps you build a smart and profitable menu. Each drink can help your café grow, from simple espresso to iced and specialty drinks.
Upgrade your shop by investing in the right tools: espresso machines, grinders, drip brewers, and more. Good equipment helps you make better drinks and earn more profit.
Need supplies in bulk? Visit our restaurant supply store: Cooks Forge.