BREW GUIDES: Types of Espresso Coffee
When it comes to types of espresso coffee, there are so many delicious styles to choose from. Cappuccino. Latte. Doppio. Macchiato. And they can be served in a variety of ways. Short or long. Black or with milk. A pinch of sugar. (And don’t even get us started on the massive amount of milk choices!)
This rich array of choice is fantastic for our coffee-loving palates. But it can also be very overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in the different names, styles, milk based and non-milk based versions, and forget what we even enjoyed in the first place.
Our brew guide is here to help. We’ll cover what an espresso-based drink actually is and all the various styles you can enjoy.
What is Espresso Coffee?
What makes an espresso, espresso? And how is it different from other methods of coffee making?
Well, firstly, espresso is an Italian method of coffee brewing. It differentiates itself from other methods because it uses a small amount of near boiling water forced under pressure through finely ground coffee beans. The result is a very concentrated form of coffee that is generally served in small, very strong shots.
Unlike coffee, espresso shots boast a ‘crema’ top. This is the caramel brown foam layer that forms when air bubbles combine with the soluble oils in the coffee. It’s also the mark of a properly pulled espresso shot that is fresh. Remember that the more crema present, the more CO2 is present and the more fresh your beans are.
The espresso shot forms the base of the types of espresso coffee drinks that we enjoy. An espresso-based coffee will always start with the espresso shot and then may include steamed milk and/or foam, depending on the style that you order. It may also include other accompaniments, such as sprinkled cinnamon or chocolate.
So, let’s dive into the types of espresso coffee.
Types of Espresso Coffee
Espresso
The espresso, or ‘short black’, is a single pulled espresso shot with that beautiful crema on top. It’s made to be stirred or sipped. This is the purest form your coffee will be in before adding milk. The quality and freshness of your coffee is very important because it sets the foundation for all your coffee varieties on this list.
Doppio
A doppio, or double espresso, is exactly what the name implies—a double shot of espresso crafted by doubling a standard espresso shot. Again, made to be sipped.
Ristretto
A ristretto is an espresso shot that is made with the same amount of grounds to an espresso but with less water and using a finer grind. Another way to think about it is as if you just caught the first 2/3 of the espresso shot.
Café Americano
The café americano is a shot of espresso that has had hot water added to it. It’s popularly believed to have originated during WWII when American G.I.s would dilute espresso with hot water to make it more like the coffee they were used to back home.
Long Black
A long black is an espresso shot that is poured over hot water (so the opposite methodology to the americano), which allows it to retain more crema than with an americano. It is also generally prepared with less water, so the flavour of the coffee is more pronounced.
Lungo
A lungo is an espresso shot that is extracted with more than usual water. This extra water means the shot can take up to a minute to pull. Be aware of making coffee like this if your recommended coffee has a 1:2 ratio. If you extract more than a 1:2 ratio, you could end up with a more diluted, or even slightly bitter cup of coffee.
Short Macchiato
A short macchiato is a shot of espresso, a dollop of steamed milk with a foam layer at the top. This method of crafting a coffee leaves you with two distinct (and beautifully delicious) layers.
Long Macchiato
A long macchiato is made in the same manner as a short macchiato but contains a dollop of steamed milk in between the espresso.
Double Long Macchiato
A double long macchiato is made in the same manner as a long macchiato but contains a double shot of espresso.
Café Latte
A single or double shot of espresso topped with steamed milk forms the basis of the café latte. It has a strong milky component and a larger foam top (usually between 1 and 2cm of froth on the top), as the milk is two-thirds of the drink, while the espresso shot is one-third.
Cappuccino
A cappuccino is crafted by combining espresso topped with steamed and frothed milk. The milk froth ratio is larger than that of a latte (usually between 2 and 3cm tall).
Flat White
A flat white is an espresso made in a similar way and with similar quantities as a latte. However, it only has a micro foam layer on top.
Piccolo Latte
A piccolo latte (or a baby latte) is a shorter version of the café latte. It’s essentially a ristretto or espresso shot topped with warmed milk and served in a demitasse glass.
Breve Espresso
A breve is simply a cappuccino crafted with half milk and half cream. The milk and cream create a creamy foam that holds its own when mixed with a shot of espresso.
Cafe Mocha
A café mocha, or mocha, is essentially a latte with Belgian hot chocolate added (you can also use chocolate syrup, but we like to use Belgian chocolate for our mochas). It was inspired by a 1700s coffee beverage from Turin, Italy known as Bicerin which was traditionally made of espresso, drinking chocolate and milk served layered in a small glass.
Where to Start
If you’re looking for a place to start with espresso-based drinks, we recommend ordering an espresso shot first. Try it all on its own, and you might be surprised by how enjoyable an espresso shot can be. Once you’ve had a try, you can add a bit of sugar if you like, and take your time savouring the flavour.
From here, start working your way through our list and try them all. We do tend to recommend the more milky drinks in the morning, and the cleaner water-based versions for after a meal when you’re already fairly full. But how you enjoy your coffee is completely up to you. If its cappuccino in the evening for you, that’s fantastic as well!
Our Brew Guides
If you liked our Types of Espresso Coffee Brew Guide, be sure to check out our other Brew Guides. You can find out the specifics about other brewing methods, including all our tips and tricks.
If you’re looking for an easy way to stay caffeinated, we have fantastic beans in stock. Check out our shop today.