For many of us, coffee isn't just a drink - it's an important part of our daily routine. But with so many drinks on coffee shops menus, it can be hard to know the difference between them all. What is a ristretto? Is there a difference between a cappuccino and a flat white?
In this guide, we'll explore the most popular and common coffee drinks and what makes each unique. So whether you're new to coffee or a longtime lover, you'll come away knowing what style suits your taste preferences.
What is an Espresso?
An espresso is a small, strong serving of coffee. Originating from Italy, it is brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee very quickly - this high pressure produces a concentrated taste.
Taste & texture: Espresso coffee has a bold and intense flavour, with a velvety texture and full-bodied taste. It is topped with a golden layer of crema, which is a foamy layer of emulsified oils and CO2 gas that is extracted during the brewing process.
How it’s enjoyed: Many people drink espresso straight, i.e. without additional milk or sugar, either as a single or double shot. This is especially common in European countries, where espresso coffee is a big part of daily life and cafe culture.
Perfect for: Those who love a quick, strong coffee hit with maximum flavour.
What is a Ristretto?
A ristretto is a small, short serve of espresso coffee. It is made with the same amount of ground coffee as an espresso but only uses half the water, resulting in a smaller, more concentrated drink. Originating in Italy, the word ‘ristretto’ translates to mean ‘restricted’ or ‘limited’, referring to the small, ‘short’ nature of the drink.
Taste & texture: Whilst similar to an espresso and its strong, concentrated flavour - a ristretto is often bolder and slightly sweeter, with less bitterness. This is due to less water being used and it’s shorter extraction time.
How it’s enjoyed: A ristretto is often enjoyed straight, in a small cup. Some people prefer a ristretto over espresso as they feel it has a richer, less bitter taste.
Perfect for: Espresso drinkers who like an even more intense and smooth cup of coffee.
What is a Macchiato?
A macchiato or espresso macchiato is a shot of espresso topped with a small amount of steamed or frothed milk. The Italian word 'macchiato' translates to 'stained' or 'marked', referring to the teaspoon of milk that stains the top of the coffee.
Taste & texture: A macchiato is a slightly sweeter, less intense version of an espresso. The addition of milk reduces the bitterness and intensity of the coffee, and adds a slight sweetness to the drink.
How it's enjoyed: Similarly to an espresso, a macchiato is served in a small glass. It's often enjoyed as a quick pick-me-up or after-dinner drink.
Perfect for: For espresso lovers who want a less intense and slightly sweeter shot of coffee.
What is a Flat White?
Originating from Australia and New Zealand, a flat white contains two shots of espresso, steamed milk and a very small amount of foam. Often a misunderstood drink, it is mainly characterised by having less foam than a cappuccino (hence the name 'flat') and less milk than a latte. This results in a stronger coffee taste and shorter serve.
Taste & texture: A flat white is a strong, yet creamy drink with a silky mouth-feel and rich flavour. With less foamed milk, it is a bolder alternative to a cappuccino.
How it's enjoyed: Often served in a smaller cup than a cappuccino or latte, the flat white is a great choice for strong coffee lovers who enjoy the strong taste of espresso but with a creamier finish.
Perfect for: Coffee drinkers who want a milk-based drink but still crave something strong and flavourful.
What is a Cappuccino?
The cappuccino is one of the most recognisable and loved coffee drinks worldwide. Traditionally, it’s made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
Taste & texture: A cappuccino is made with a shot of espresso, topped with silky steamed milk and a thick layer of frothed milk. It's often finished with a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder. This combination of milk and espresso creates a balance between rich coffee flavour and more mellow, sweet milk.
How it's enjoyed: In Italy, a cappuccino is seen as a common breakfast drink. However, elsewhere it is often enjoyed any time of the day.
Perfect for: Those who enjoy a creamy, frothy coffee that feels a little indulgent.
What is a Latte?
A latte is an espresso-based drink, that combines a shot of coffee with a large amount of steamed milk. The name comes from the italian, 'caffe latte', which translates to 'milk coffee', referring to the high milk-to-coffee ratio in the drink. Whilst similar to a cappuccino, a latte contains less foamed/frothed milk, making it a more mild and creamier drink.
Taste & texture: A latte has a lot more milk compared to a cappuccino or flat white, making it much smoother, creamier and more mild in flavour. It's a great drink for new coffee drinkers, as the taste of the espresso is more subtle.
How it's enjoyed: A latte is usually served in a large cup or glass, to accommodate the larger amount of milk. Flavoured or Iced lattes are also very popular, with many adding syrups or spices to customise the flavour.
Perfect for: Those who enjoy a gentler, creamier coffee, with less of that strong coffee taste.
What is an Iced Coffee?
An iced coffee is simply coffee served over ice. The most common brewing method is pouring hot espresso over ice, but the coffee can also be prepared and chilled in advance before combining with ice. The origins of iced coffee go back to the 1840s, where it was first brewed in Algeria.
Taste & texture: Whilst an iced coffee still has the same strong, intense taste as a regular espresso, the addition of ice can mellow the drink.
How it's enjoyed: An iced coffee is a seriously versatile drink. It can be enjoyed black or with milk, with syrups, spices or even topped with whipped cream.
Perfect for: When you're craving your favourite coffee but need a refreshing alternative. Especially great for cooling down on a hot day.
