Coffee is a popular drink enjoyed by millions around the world. There are many ways to prepare and serve coffee beyond a simple black cup.
From creamy lattes to refreshing iced drinks, coffee can be customized to suit different tastes and occasions.
You can make many coffee drinks at home with basic ingredients and equipment. This article will cover over 26 different coffee drinks you can try making yourself.
Whether you prefer hot or cold, sweet or strong, there’s a coffee recipe here for everyone. You’ll learn about classic cafe drinks as well as fun variations to spice up your usual coffee routine.
1. Espresso Shot
An espresso shot is the foundation of many coffee drinks. It’s made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under high pressure.
To make espresso, you need an espresso machine. Grind your coffee beans very fine.
Use about 7-9 grams of coffee for a single shot. Pack the grounds into the portafilter and tamp them down firmly.
Lock the portafilter into the machine and start the extraction. A good espresso shot takes about 25-30 seconds to brew.
It should have a rich, golden-brown crema on top. The flavor is strong and concentrated.
You can enjoy espresso on its own or use it as a base for other drinks like lattes or cappuccinos.
2. Cappuccino
A cappuccino is a classic Italian coffee drink. It’s made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The result is a rich, creamy beverage with a bold coffee flavor.
To make a cappuccino at home, start with a shot of espresso. You can use an espresso machine or alternatives like an Aeropress or Moka pot.
Next, steam and froth milk until it’s creamy and velvety. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, then top with a layer of milk foam.
For the best taste, use freshly ground coffee beans and whole milk. You can also experiment with different milk types or add flavored syrups for variety.
3. Latte
A latte is a popular coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. It has a smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor.
To make a latte at home, start by brewing a shot of espresso. Steam milk until it’s hot and frothy.
Pour the espresso into a mug, then add the steamed milk on top. You can customize your latte with different flavors.
Try adding vanilla syrup for sweetness or cinnamon for a warm spice. For a festive twist, make a peppermint mocha latte with chocolate and mint syrups.
Lattes aren’t just for coffee lovers. You can make tea lattes using strong brewed tea instead of espresso.
Popular options include chai, matcha, and Earl Grey.
4. Americano
An Americano is a simple yet tasty coffee drink. It’s made by adding hot water to espresso. This creates a drink similar to drip coffee, but with a different flavor profile.
To make an Americano, start with a shot or two of espresso. Then add hot water.
The usual ratio is 1 part espresso to 2 parts water, but you can adjust this to your taste. You can enjoy an Americano hot or iced.
For a cold version, use cold water and serve over ice. Some people like to add milk or sugar, while others prefer it black.
An Americano is a great choice when you want something stronger than regular coffee but not as intense as straight espresso.
5. Mocha
Mocha is a tasty mix of coffee and chocolate. It blends espresso with cocoa and steamed milk. You can make it hot or cold.
To make a mocha at home, start with strong coffee or espresso. Add chocolate syrup or cocoa powder.
Pour in steamed milk and stir well. You can top your mocha with whipped cream for extra richness.
Some people like to sprinkle cocoa powder or cinnamon on top.
Mochas are great for those who enjoy both coffee and chocolate flavors. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by using more or less chocolate.
6. Flat White
A flat white is a creamy espresso drink that’s gained popularity in recent years. It combines a double shot of espresso with steamed milk.
The key to a great flat white is the milk texture. You want microfoam – tiny, velvety bubbles mixed evenly through the milk. This gives it a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
To make one at home, pull two shots of espresso into a small cup. Steam your milk until it’s silky and glossy, with minimal large bubbles.
Pour the milk over the espresso, aiming for a thin layer of microfoam on top. The result is a strong coffee flavor balanced by creamy milk.
7. Macchiato
A macchiato is a simple yet flavorful espresso-based drink. It consists of a shot of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk on top.
The word “macchiato” means “stained” in Italian. This refers to how the milk “stains” the espresso.
To make a macchiato at home, start by pulling a shot of espresso. Then add just a dollop of steamed milk foam on top.
The milk should be about 1-2 tablespoons. You can choose between two main types: the traditional espresso macchiato or the larger latte macchiato.
The latte version has more steamed milk and less espresso. Macchiatos have less milk than cappuccinos or lattes.
This allows you to really taste the bold espresso flavor. It’s a great choice if you want something stronger than a latte but not as intense as straight espresso.
8. Cortado
A cortado is a small but mighty coffee drink. It’s made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The name comes from Spanish, meaning “cut,” as the milk cuts the strong espresso.
You’ll usually find a cortado served in a 4-ounce glass. It packs a caffeine punch with a double shot of espresso.
The small amount of milk softens the coffee’s intensity without overpowering it.
To make a cortado at home, brew a double shot of espresso. Steam an equal amount of milk until it’s hot with a light foam.
Pour the milk over the espresso, maintaining a 1:1 ratio. Cortados are perfect when you want a strong coffee taste with a touch of creaminess.
They’re less milky than lattes or cappuccinos, letting you enjoy the espresso’s full flavor.
9. Affogato
Affogato is a simple yet elegant Italian coffee dessert. You can easily make it at home.
Start with a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream in a small glass. Pour a shot of hot espresso over the gelato.
The heat from the coffee will start to melt the gelato, creating a creamy mix.
For added flavor, you can include a splash of liqueur like Amaretto or Frangelico. Some people enjoy a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Affogato works great as a dessert or an after-dinner drink. It combines the richness of ice cream with the bold flavor of coffee.
Serve it right away to enjoy the contrast between hot and cold.
10. Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is a warm, boozy drink that mixes coffee with whiskey. It’s perfect for cold days or after dinner.
To make it, you’ll need hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream. Start by heating your mug with hot water.
Pour out the water and add a spoonful of sugar. Mix in hot coffee and a shot of whiskey. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Top it with a layer of lightly whipped cream. Don’t stir it in – sip the coffee through the cream.
The drink was created in Ireland in the 1940s. It became popular in the US in the 1950s.
11. Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is a unique brewing method that creates a strong, rich drink. You make it by combining finely ground coffee with water and optional sugar in a special pot called a cezve.
The coffee is heated slowly until it foams. You pour it into small cups, letting the grounds settle at the bottom.
The result is a thick, intense coffee with a layer of foam on top.
Turkish coffee has cultural significance beyond just drinking. It’s often part of traditional wedding customs and fortune-telling practices.
The coffee-to-water ratio is usually about 1:12, using very fine grounds. You can enjoy Turkish coffee plain or add spices like cardamom for extra flavor.
It’s typically served with a glass of water and sometimes a sweet treat on the side.
12. Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Vietnamese egg coffee is a unique drink that blends strong coffee with a creamy egg topping. It’s a sweet treat that originated in Hanoi.
To make it, you’ll need espresso or strong brewed coffee, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk.
Whip the egg yolks and condensed milk until frothy. Pour hot coffee into a mug, then gently add the egg mixture on top.
The result is a rich, custard-like layer floating on dark coffee.
This drink offers a perfect balance of bitter coffee and sweet, silky foam. It’s a great way to start your day or enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up.
13. Café Cubano
Café Cubano is a strong, sweet espresso drink popular in Cuba. To make it, you’ll need dark roast coffee and sugar.
Brew espresso in a moka pot or espresso machine. While it’s brewing, mix sugar with a small amount of the first drops of espresso.
This creates a thick paste called espuma. Pour the rest of the espresso over the espuma and stir.
The result is a rich, flavorful coffee with a sweet, creamy top layer.
Café Cubano is often enjoyed in small shots throughout the day. You can also use it as a base for other Cuban coffee drinks like cortadito, which adds a splash of steamed milk.
14. Café de Olla
Café de Olla is a traditional Mexican coffee drink with a rich flavor.
You make it by brewing coffee with cinnamon sticks and piloncillo, a type of unrefined cane sugar.
To prepare Café de Olla, you’ll need water, ground coffee, cinnamon sticks, and piloncillo. Some recipes also add cloves or star anise for extra spice.
First, you simmer the spices and piloncillo in water. Then, you add the coffee grounds and let them steep.
After a few minutes, strain the mixture and serve it hot in clay mugs called “ollas.”
This coffee drink is perfect for cold days or as a comforting morning beverage. You can also try an iced version for warmer weather by cooling the coffee and pouring it over ice.
15. Dalgona Coffee
Dalgona coffee is a whipped coffee drink that became popular during 2020. To make it, you whip instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it’s thick and creamy.
You then spoon this fluffy mixture over cold or hot milk. The name comes from a Korean candy that looks similar to the whipped topping.
To enjoy dalgona coffee, stir the whipped coffee into the milk before drinking.
You can customize it by using different types of milk or adding flavors like vanilla or cinnamon.
This drink is easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. It’s a fun way to change up your usual coffee routine.
16. Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is a refreshing drink made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours. This method creates a smooth, less acidic brew that’s perfect for hot summer days.
To make cold brew at home, mix 1 cup of coarse coffee grounds with 4 cups of cold water in a large jar.
Let it sit in the fridge overnight. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or coffee filter.
You can enjoy cold brew black over ice or mix it with milk, cream, or flavored syrups.
For a twist, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to your cold brew.
Cold brew concentrate keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, making it a convenient option for busy mornings.
17. Nitro Cold Brew
Nitro cold brew is a smooth, creamy coffee drink infused with nitrogen gas.
It’s made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for many hours. The result is then charged with nitrogen to create tiny bubbles.
You can make nitro cold brew at home with a whipped cream dispenser or mini keg.
Start with cold brew coffee concentrate. Add it to your chosen device and charge with nitrogen.
Nitro cold brew has a naturally sweet taste without added sugar. It’s less acidic than regular coffee. The nitrogen gives it a silky texture similar to beer on tap.
You can customize your nitro cold brew by adding flavored syrups or cream. It’s often served straight over ice for a refreshing pick-me-up.
18. Frappuccino
Frappuccinos are icy blended drinks that combine coffee, milk, and ice. You can easily make these popular beverages at home.
To create a basic Frappuccino, blend 1/2 cup strong coffee, 1/2 cup milk, 1-2 tablespoons sugar, and 1-2 cups ice until smooth.
Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
For more flavor, try adding chocolate syrup for a mocha version. Or mix in caramel sauce and a dash of vanilla extract for a caramel Frappuccino.
Top your homemade Frappuccino with whipped cream for an extra treat. You can also drizzle flavored syrups on top for added sweetness.
19. Café au Lait
Café au Lait is a classic French coffee drink that pairs brewed coffee with hot milk. You can make it at home with a 1:1 ratio of coffee to milk.
For the coffee, use a strong brew from a French press or drip machine. Heat milk on the stove or in a microwave until steaming but not boiling.
Pour the hot coffee and milk into a large mug at the same time. This creates a smooth blend of flavors.
You can add a touch of sugar if you like it sweet.
Café au Lait differs from a latte, which uses espresso instead of brewed coffee. It’s a comforting drink perfect for slow mornings or afternoon breaks.
20. Iced Latte
An iced latte is a cool and refreshing coffee drink perfect for hot days. To make one, you’ll need espresso and cold milk.
Start by brewing a shot or two of espresso. Let it cool for a few minutes. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
Pour the espresso over the ice. Add cold milk to fill the glass. Stir gently to mix.
For extra flavor, try adding a pump of vanilla or caramel syrup.
You can also top it with a dollop of frothed milk for a creamier texture.
Iced lattes are easy to customize. Experiment with different milk types like oat or almond for variety.
21. Ristretto
A ristretto is a short, intense espresso shot. It uses the same amount of coffee grounds as a regular espresso but less water. This results in a stronger, more concentrated flavor.
To make a ristretto, you’ll need an espresso machine. Use finely ground coffee and tamp it firmly.
Run about half the usual amount of water through the grounds.
The ideal brew time for a ristretto is 15-20 seconds. This quick extraction captures the coffee’s sweetest notes. You’ll get a small shot with a rich, creamy texture.
Ristrettos are perfect for those who love bold coffee flavors. You can enjoy them on their own or use them as a base for milk drinks.
22. Café Bombón
Café bombón is a sweet Spanish coffee drink. It mixes equal parts of strong espresso and sweetened condensed milk.
To make it, pour sweetened condensed milk into a clear glass. Then add hot espresso on top. This creates pretty layers.
You can stir the drink before drinking if you like. The mix of bitter coffee and sweet milk makes a tasty treat.
Café bombón started in Valencia, Spain. Now it’s popular in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Some places call it different names. In Malaysia, it’s “kopi susu panas.” In Thailand, people say “kafe ron.”
23. Red Eye
Red Eye coffee is a strong drink that combines drip coffee with espresso. It’s perfect when you need an extra energy boost.
To make a Red Eye, start with a cup of your favorite brewed coffee. Add one shot of espresso on top.
Some people like to pour the espresso first and then add the coffee.
You can adjust the strength by using more or less coffee. For an even bigger kick, try a “Black Eye” with two espresso shots instead of one.
Red Eye coffee is easy to make at home if you have an espresso machine. You can also find it at many coffee shops. It’s a great choice when you need to stay alert and focused.
24. Dirty Chai Latte
A dirty chai latte is a tasty mix of chai tea and coffee. It starts with masala chai, a spiced tea from India. The chai has black tea, milk, and spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
To make it “dirty,” you add a shot of espresso. This gives the drink a coffee kick and extra richness. The result is a warm, spicy beverage with a caffeine boost.
You can make a dirty chai latte at home.
Start with strong black tea and chai spices. Add steamed milk and a shot of espresso.
For the best taste, use fresh spices and good quality coffee.
This drink is perfect for those who like both tea and coffee. It’s a cozy choice for cool days or whenever you need a pick-me-up.
25. Vienna Coffee
Vienna Coffee is a classic Austrian drink that pairs strong coffee with whipped cream. It’s often served in elegant glassware.
To make Vienna Coffee, brew a cup of strong coffee or espresso. Add sugar if desired. Top with a generous dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Some variations include a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top. You can also try it iced for a refreshing summer treat.
Vienna Coffee shops often serve this drink with a small glass of water on the side. This helps cleanse your palate between sips.
Try making Vienna Coffee at home for a taste of Austrian coffee culture. It’s a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy your daily caffeine fix.
26. Greek Frappé
Greek Frappé is a popular iced coffee drink from Greece. You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.
To make a Greek Frappé, you’ll need instant coffee, sugar, cold water, and ice. You can also add milk if you like.
Start by mixing 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee with sugar and a little cold water. Use a frother or shake vigorously to create a thick foam.
Pour the foam into a tall glass. Add ice cubes and fill with cold water. Stir gently and add milk if desired.
Greek Frappé is perfect for hot summer days. It’s refreshing, creamy, and gives you a nice caffeine boost. Try making one at home for a taste of Greece!
Understanding Coffee Varieties
Coffee comes in many different varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile and characteristics. The two main species of coffee plants are Arabica and Robusta. Some coffees come from a single origin, offering distinct tastes tied to their growing region.
Arabica vs. Robusta
Arabica beans make up about 60% of global coffee production. They grow at higher altitudes and have a smoother, sweeter taste with hints of sugar, fruit, and berries. Arabica has less caffeine but more complex flavors.
Robusta beans are hardier and contain more caffeine. They have a stronger, harsher taste with grainy or rubbery notes. Robusta is often used in espresso blends and instant coffee.
Many coffee drinks use a blend of both types. This combines Arabica’s flavor with Robusta’s caffeine kick and crema-producing qualities.
Single-Origin Coffees
Single-origin coffees come from one specific growing region, farm, or crop. They showcase the unique flavors shaped by that area’s soil, climate, and processing methods.
Popular single-origin coffees include:
- Ethiopian: Bright, fruity flavors
- Colombian: Medium body, balanced acidity
- Sumatran: Earthy, full-bodied taste
- Kenyan: Bold, wine-like acidity
Single-origin coffees let you taste the distinct qualities of each region. They’re great for pour-overs and drip coffee to highlight their unique flavors.
The Art of Brewing
Making great coffee takes skill and practice. You can create amazing drinks at home by mastering a few key techniques.
Espresso Techniques
To pull the perfect espresso shot, start with freshly ground beans. Use about 18-20 grams of coffee for a double shot. Tamp the grounds evenly with 30 pounds of pressure. Your machine should brew for 25-30 seconds, yielding 1-2 ounces of espresso.
Look for a golden-brown crema on top. This foam shows you’ve extracted the coffee oils properly.
If the shot comes out too fast, try a finer grind. Too slow means you should grind coarser.
Milk steaming is also crucial for many espresso drinks.
Heat the milk to 150-160°F. Create a whirlpool effect to get silky microfoam. Tap the pitcher to pop large bubbles.
Using French Press
French press makes rich, full-bodied coffee. Use coarse grounds – about 2 tablespoons per 6 ounces of water.
Heat water to 200°F. Pour it over the grounds and stir gently.
Let the coffee steep for 4 minutes. Press the plunger down slowly and steadily. Don’t press too hard or grounds may slip through.
For the best taste, serve right away. Leaving coffee in the press can make it bitter.
If you like stronger coffee, try a longer steep time. For milder flavor, use less coffee or a shorter steep.
Clean your press after each use. Take it apart and wash all pieces to prevent oil buildup.