The Types of Espresso & Espresso Based Coffees

If I ask for an Espresso at a coffee bar, what do I expect to get? What is a Macchiato? What is the difference between a Cappuccino and Cafe Latte? Which drinks are just espresso and which are espresso that have milks or creams or other components added to them?

This post will give you all you need to be able to go into your favourite cafe / coffee shop and get what you want :-)

Espresso (Single or Double Shot)

  • Description: A concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground beans.

  • Traditional Serving: 1 oz (single) or 2 oz (double), served in a small demitasse cup.

  • Flavour: Bold, intense, with a layer of crema on top.

  • Origin: Italy (early 20th century).

Doppio

  • Description: A double shot of espresso (the standard shot size for most modern espresso drinks).

  • Serving Size: 2 oz.

  • Flavour: Twice the intensity of a single shot, bold and strong.

  • Origin: Italy.

Ristretto

  • Description: A “restricted” shot of espresso using less water than a standard shot.

  • Serving Size: About 0.75 oz.

  • Flavour: More concentrated and sweeter than regular espresso, with less bitterness.

  • Origin: Italy.

Lungo

  • Description: A “long” espresso shot that uses more water than a standard shot.

  • Serving Size: Typically 2-3 oz.

  • Flavour: Milder but more bitter due to longer extraction.

  • Origin: Italy.

Americano

  • Description: A shot of espresso diluted with hot water to mimic the strength of drip coffee.

  • Serving Size: 6-8 oz.

  • Flavour: Smooth and slightly milder than straight espresso but still bold.

  • Origin: Allegedly popularized by American soldiers during WWII in Italy.

Cappuccino

  • Description: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.

  • Serving Size: 6 oz total.

  • Flavour: Balanced between the strong coffee taste of espresso and the creamy texture of milk.

  • Origin: Italy, named after the Capuchin monks (due to the color of their robes).

Caffè Latte

  • Description: A single or double espresso shot with more steamed milk and a small layer of foam on top.

  • Serving Size: Typically 8-12 oz.

  • Flavour: Milder, creamier, and milk-forward compared to a cappuccino.

  • Origin: Italy, though it became more globally popular in the U.S.

Flat White

  • Description: Similar to a latte but with a thinner layer of microfoam and stronger coffee flavor.

  • Serving Size: 6-8 oz.

  • Flavour: Richer coffee flavor with silky milk texture.

  • Origin: Australia or New Zealand (debated).

Espresso con Panna

  • Description: A single or double shot of espresso topped with whipped cream.

  • Serving Size: 2-3 oz.

  • Flavour: Creamy and rich with a bold coffee base.

  • Origin: Italy.

Macchiato (Traditional)

  • Description: A single or double shot of espresso “marked” with a small dollop of milk foam.

  • Serving Size: 2-3 oz.

  • Flavour: Espresso-forward with just a hint of creaminess.

  • Origin: Italy.

Latte Macchiato

  • Description: Steamed milk “marked” with a shot of espresso poured on top.

  • Serving Size: 8-12 oz.

  • Flavour: More milk-forward with a layered presentation.

  • Origin: Italy.

Mocha (Caffè Mocha)

  • Description: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup or powder, often topped with whipped cream.

  • Serving Size: 8-12 oz.

  • Flavour: Rich, chocolatey, and sweet.

  • Origin: Inspired by the Yemeni port city of Mocha, known for its chocolate-flavoured coffee beans.

Cortado

  • Description: A 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk, served without much foam.

  • Serving Size: 4 oz.

  • Flavour: Balanced, with the milk softening the espresso’s intensity without overpowering it.

  • Origin: Spain or Portugal.

Affogato

  • Description: A scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream “drowned” with a shot of hot espresso.

  • Serving Size: Varies depending on the ice cream portion.

  • Flavour: Sweet, creamy, and coffee-forward.

  • Origin: Italy.

Flat White Mocha (Modern Twist)

  • Description: A flat white with added chocolate or mocha syrup for a sweet twist on the classic.

  • Serving Size: 6-8 oz.

  • Flavour: Balanced sweetness with the boldness of a flat white.

  • Origin: Popularized by specialty coffee shops globally.

Choosing Based on Preferences

  • Strong & Bold: Ristretto, espresso, doppio, or macchiato.

  • Creamy & Balanced: Cappuccino, caffè latte, cortado.

  • Sweet Treats: Mocha, affogato, or espresso con panna.

  • Lighter/Longer Coffee: Americano, lungo.

I know that was a pretty extensive list! But now you are ready to head out and explore the wonderful word of Espresso.

For us at The Commercial Drive Coffee Company (CDCC), we have 2 offerings that we would say you could use for making Espresso and Espresso based drinks.   We have our The Drive Espresso – Medium Roast (Very Traditional and what we would consider - the espresso that puts us back into Italy - well balanced taste, little bitter, little chocolate with no acid!) and the East Village Espresso – Dark Roast (What more in North America might enjoy - little more bite).

We are so proud to be able to tell you that we are a 100% Canadian owned and operated Coffee Company. We roast and package our coffee in BC in small batches and in an artisanal manner.

The infographic is from this webpage: teacoffeecup.com

Kenny Vannucci