20 Types of espresso drinks and how to make them

You can begin to experiment with more or less water to adjust strength, steamed milk or cream for richness, and flavorful additions like chocolate sauce and whipped cream to make a nearly endless variety of espresso drinks. Plus, espresso can enhance a variety of dishes from desserts to marinades.

Read this espresso drinks guide to learn how to make different types of espresso drinks and enjoy developing your skills.

Espresso drinks chart

20 Types of espresso drinks

Some common espresso drinks from around the world include cafe con hielo with ice, macchiato with milk, cortado with steamed milk, cappuccino with milk foam, breve with cream, mocha with chocolate, espresso con panna (also referred to as cafe viennois) with whipped cream and latte with steamed milk. A ristretto uses less water for a stronger flavor while a lungo uses more for something closer to drip coffee.

Many different drinks can be made with espresso. The list below contains some of the most popular drinks with espresso.

1. Espresso

Espresso is a rich, concentrated coffee drink. A shot of espresso is different from an ordinary cup of coffee mainly in the way it’s prepared. The beans are ground very fine and packed tight, then pressurized water is pulled through them to create a small serving of full-bodied, flavorful coffee.

Espresso has a more intense flavor than regular coffee because of its lower grounds-to-water ratio, finer grind and pressurized brewing process. Espresso contains more caffeine per ounce than coffee, but a typical 8 oz. serving of coffee has more caffeine, since a typical single-shot espresso is only about 1 oz.

When it comes to the beans themselves, an espresso bean is simply a type of coffee bean that is roasted longer and darker. The espresso roasting method brings out oils in the bean that work well with a fine espresso grind. Together they create the thick consistency and well-rounded flavor that makes drinking espresso a pleasurable experience on its own or used as a base in a variety of other delicious drinks like espresso martinis or frappes.

2. Latte

A latte is a type of espresso drink made with espresso, steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. Flavored syrups like caramel, vanilla or lavender are often added for a sweet twist.

3. Cappuccino

A cappuccino is a popular espresso-based coffee drink. It typically consists of one or two shots of espresso and equal parts of steamed milk and milk foam.

4. Espresso macchiato

An espresso macchiato is a type of espresso drink made with espresso and a small amount of steamed milk, usually foam. It is generally served in a smaller cup than other espresso-based drinks and has a more intense flavor due to its higher espresso content.

5. Latte macchiato

Ideal for those who love a creamy espresso beverage, a latte macchiato is primarily steamed milk with a small amount of espresso. They tend to be larger than espresso macchiatos and use a milk-to-espresso ratio of 3:1 with a thin layer of microfoam.

6. Americano

An Americano is a drink that is made by diluting an espresso shot with hot water. It has a milder flavor than regular espresso.

7. Mocha

A mocha is a type of espresso drink mixed with chocolate, steamed milk and sometimes topped with whipped cream.

8. Ristretto

Often used as a base for other espresso-based drinks, a ristretto is a short, more concentrated shot of espresso. You can create a ristretto using less liquid—usually a grounds-to-water ratio of 1:1 or 1:1.5—for a more potent flavor profile.

9. Doppio

A doppio is a double shot of espresso offering a rich, more concentrated coffee experience with a robust flavor. This espresso drink can give you an extra boost of energy as you savor the boldness of espresso in its purest form.

10. Lungo

A lungo is a “long shot” espresso, brewed with extra water for a larger, more diluted cup compared to a standard espresso. Brew this drink if you’re looking for the richness of espresso but prefer a more subtle flavor profile.

11. Café con hielo

A café con hielo is an invigorating Spanish drink where strong espresso is poured over ice for a refreshing coffee experience. It's ideal for those who crave bold, robust flavors with a cool twist, especially on a warm day.

12. Piccolo latte

A piccolo latte is made with a concentrated ristretto shot and just a splash of milk, offering a stronger, more balanced flavor than a typical latte. Consider whipping one up when you’re in the mood for a rich espresso beverage without the milky flavor of a traditional latte.

13. Noisette

A noisette is a French favorite, similar to a macchiato, that’s made with a shot of espresso and just a touch of foamed milk. Noisettes have a hazelnut-like color and are smooth yet bold.

14. Flat white

A flat white is a velvety, espresso-based drink made with creamy steamed milk, offering an ideal balance of smoothness and bold espresso flavor. It’s an ideal choice for coffee lovers who want a smaller and more concentrated drink than a latte.

15. Cortado

A cortado is a Spanish espresso drink made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, making it less milky than a latte or cappuccino but creamier than a macchiato. Served in a smaller cup, it’s ideal for those who want a rich but mellow coffee experience.

16. Affogato

An affogato is a dreamy Italian dessert where hot espresso is poured over cold gelato, creating a delightful contrast of creamy sweetness and bold coffee. It’s a great treat for coffee lovers who want a quick, indulgent dessert with a touch of elegance.

17. Breve

A breve is an espresso-based drink made with steamed half-and-half instead of milk, creating a creamier, fluffier texture than a traditional latte. Breves are a decadent option for those who want an indulgent and sugar-free coffee experience.

18. Espresso con panna

An espresso con panna features a shot (or two) of espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a rich, small indulgence ideal for those who want a touch of sweetness without the heft of a full-sized latte.

19. Red eye

A red eye is a bold blend of brewed coffee and espresso, typically made by adding a shot of espresso to a cup of drip coffee. The result is an invigorating, intensely flavored drink where the rich bitterness of espresso harmonizes with the natural sweetness of the coffee, delivering a complex flavor profile.

20. Espresso martini

An espresso martini is a sophisticated cocktail crafted from vodka, coffee liqueur and freshly brewed espresso. The ingredients are shaken together to create a smooth, frothy blend of bold coffee and rich spirits. While traditionally made with espresso, you can substitute cold brew or drip coffee for a milder twist.

How to make espresso drinks

While a simple shot of espresso is hard to beat, it can also be used as the base for other classic coffee drinks like lavender lattes and winter cocktails. You can even use espresso in food such as desserts like a chocolate espresso torte or tiramisu. Other brewed beverages like tea can also be prepared with an espresso machine.

Many espresso drinks call for steamed milk, frothed milk or some combination of both. To create rich, creamy lattes, cappuccinos and more, a good milk frother or steaming wand is essential. Use these step-by-step instructions to make your favorite brews at home and discover some new favorites along the way.

How to make espresso with a machine

The exact steps to take when brewing up an espresso will depend greatly on the type of espresso machine you have. Espresso machines range from fully manual to super-automatic models. Depending on your model, some of these basic steps will be taken care of for you and some you’ll do yourself to create a truly customized cup.

1. Grind the beans

A fine grind is essential for espresso. Unlike other types of brewing methods, the water in an espresso machine travels through the grounds for only a short time, and a fine grind enables maximum flavor extraction. Try starting with a grind that’s somewhere between powdery and sandy, then adjust according to your preferences.

2. Pack the portafilter

The portafilter is the spoon-like device with a handle that sticks out of the machine. Remove it and fill the basket in the portafilter fully with grounds. The amount of grounds you use will depend on the size of the basket. Some models come with a single and double shot basket, like the KitchenAid^® Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine.

Set the portafilter on a flat surface and pack down the grounds with a tamper until it forms an even, tight puck. It's important to create a level bed of coffee grounds to prevent water from channeling and over- or under-extracting flavor from the grounds. The KitchenAid^® Commercial-Grade Portafilter is designed with two recessed spouts to enable a flat base for easier, more stable tamping vs. traditional residential espresso portafilters.

3. Pull the shot

You may need to run the espresso machine once without the portafilter to clear the nozzle. Then lock the portafilter in place and put your cup below. Start the machine. A typical shot might take around 20 to 30 seconds to brew. Some espresso machines will have preset times while some will require you to set the time yourself or stop the brew manually.

How to make a latte

ESPRESSO + STEAMED MILK + FOAM

Create a latte by gently pouring steamed milk over a rich shot of espresso to create a smooth, creamy texture. Finish with a swirl of foam on top for a barista-style latte ready to enjoy.

1. Pull the espresso

Heat your cup in a cup warmer if your machine has one, so the coffee doesn’t go cold while you steam the milk. Pull one or two shots of espresso (see step-by-step instructions in the Espresso tab). If you want to add any flavored syrup, do this now.

2. Steam the milk

The steam wand typically sticks out of the side of the machine and has at least one 90° curve. Quickly turn on the steam wand to clear any water out of it. Then turn it off. Pour the milk into the milk pitcher to a third of its capacity. Place the steam wand into the milk at an angle, with the tip just below the surface of the milk. Turn it on. You’re doing it right if you hear a light hiss rather than a deep gurgle.

3. Pour the milk

Stop steaming when the milk reaches a silky consistency with only a small amount of foam on top. The temperature should typically be around 150° F. Pour the milk slowly into the espresso to ensure the foam on top doesn’t mix with the milk. Hold it back with a spoon if possible. Then scoop the foam onto the very top of the latte.

How to make a cappuccino

ESPRESSO + STEAMED MILK + FOAM

A cappuccino is made with the same ingredients as a latte but in different ratios: it uses equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foam. This results in a lighter, foamier drink with a stronger coffee flavor.

1. Pull the espresso

Heat your cup in a cup warmer if your machine has one so the coffee doesn’t go cold while you steam the milk. Pull one or two shots of espresso (see step-by-step instructions in the Espresso tab).

2. Steam the milk

Quickly turn on the steam wand to clear any water out of it. Then turn it off. Pour milk into the milk pitcher to a third of its capacity. Place the steam wand into the milk at an angle, with the tip just below the surface of the milk. Turn it on. You’re doing it right if you hear a light hiss rather than a deep gurgle.

3. Pour the milk

Stop steaming when the milk has doubled in size and is about half foam. The temperature should typically be around 150° F. Pour the milk slowly into the espresso to ensure the foam on top doesn’t mix with the milk. Hold it back with a spoon if possible. Then scoop the foam onto the very top of the latte.

How to make a mocha

ESPRESSO + CHOCOLATE + STEAMED MILK + FOAM

A mocha is essentially a latte with chocolate in it. You’ll add chocolate directly to the espresso and plenty of milk to create a smooth, sweet coffee drink.

1. Pull the espresso

Heat your cup in a cup warmer if your machine has one so the coffee doesn’t go cold while you steam the milk. Pull one or two shots of espresso (see step-by-step instructions in the Espresso tab).

2. Add the chocolate

While the espresso is hot, add chocolate syrup, drinking chocolate, melted chocolate chips or cocoa powder to it and stir until smooth.

3. Steam the milk

Quickly turn on the steam wand to clear any water out of it. Then turn it off. Pour milk into the milk pitcher. Place the steam wand into the milk at an angle, with the tip just below the surface of the milk. Turn it on. You’re doing it right if you hear a light hiss rather than a deep gurgle.

4. Pour the milk

Stop steaming when the milk reaches a silky consistency with only a small amount of foam on top. The temperature should typically be around 150° F. Pour the milk slowly into the espresso to ensure the foam on top doesn’t mix with the milk. Hold it back with a spoon if possible. Then scoop the foam onto the very top of the latte.

How to make an americano

ESPRESSO + HOT WATER

An Americano is a nice option if you want the bold, complex flavor of espresso but the volume of a drip coffee. It also doesn't require a steam wand, which is handy if your espresso machine doesn’t have one.

1. Heat the water

Start bringing a pot of water to a boil. Many Americanos consist of about 2 or 3 parts water and 1 part espresso, but it’s a matter of personal preference. Make the espresso while the water is heating.

2. Pull the espresso and pour

Pull one, two or even three shots of espresso (see step-by-step instructions in the Espresso tab). Many Americanos are made with two shots. Add the water to the espresso and you’re done.

How to make a macchiato

ESPRESSO + STEAMED MILK

You can use your espresso maker to create a traditional macchiato. In this drink, espresso is paired with a small dollop of steamed or frothed milk, allowing the bold and rich flavors of your espresso to truly shine.

1. Pull the espresso

Use your espresso machine to pull one or two shots of espresso. If your machine has a cup warmer, heat your cup to keep the espresso warm while you prepare the rest of your drink.

2. Steam the milk

Clear any water out of the steam wand by turning it on quickly. Then turn it off. Pour the milk into your steaming pitcher. Place the steam wand into the milk at an angle, with the tip just below the surface of the milk, then turn it on. For a macchiato, you want to create foam that is nearly double the volume of the original milk pour.

3. Top your espresso with milk

Gently place a dollop of your frothed or steamed milk on your espresso. For an extra garnish, you can sprinkle cocoa powder or ground cinnamon over the top of your beverage.