Coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks, and learning about it can be a fascinating journey into flavour, culture, and artistry. But starting to explore coffee culture can feel daunting; with so many variations and traditions worldwide it’s hard to know where to start. If you’ve ever felt confused hearing people throw around names like ‘flat white’ and ‘ristretto’, this is the guide for you. Our Barista School experts take you through the most common drinks you will encounter on your coffee journey.

  1. Espresso

Espresso is a strong, concentrated coffee that is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans. The result is a small, intense shot of coffee that is often served in a small cup. Espresso is the base for many other coffee drinks, including cappuccinos and lattes.

  1. Ristretto

Very similar to espresso, a ristretto is simply a smaller, more concentrated shot of coffee. Ristretto in Italian means ‘restricted’, because the barista will use less water with the same amount of coffee grounds as a standard espresso. The most common way to make a ristretto is to prepare it as if you were making an espresso but pull it before all the water has been sent through the grinds.

  1. Americano

An Americano is similar to espresso but is made by adding hot water to the espresso shot. The result is a milder, more diluted coffee that is still strong and flavourful.

  1. Cappuccino

Cappuccino is a popular Italian coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The drink is typically served in a small cup and has a 1:1:1 ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and foam. Cappuccinos are often topped with cocoa powder or cinnamon.

Cappuccino in a white coffee cup. The top is decorated with a spider web like design in chocolate.

  1. Latte

A latte is similar to a cappuccino, but it has more steamed milk and less foam. The ratio of espresso to milk is usually 1:3 or 1:4. Lattes are often served in a taller glass to allow for extra milk and can be flavoured with syrups like vanilla or caramel.

  1. Flat White

The origin of the flat white is the subject of debate, with both Australia and New Zealand claiming to be the originators, and the drink has since become one of the most popular coffees worldwide. A flat white should always be a double shot of espresso, served in a smaller cup between 150-200ml, and with a micro-textured milk that blends more smoothly into the espresso than the foam in a cappuccino does. Many cafes may vary this slightly according to customer requests and tastes, but the basic idea behind the flat white is to create a smoother, stronger drink that really lets the flavour of the coffee shine through.

Someone pours milk into a blue cup to create a flat white. Only their hands are visible.

  1. Mocha

Mocha is a sweet and creamy coffee drink made with espresso, chocolate syrup or powder, and steamed milk. Sometimes called a mochaccino, it is traditionally made with a thick layer of milk foam like a cappuccino. However it is also often served with finer textured milk, like a hot chocolate, and topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.

Top down view of a mocha in a light blue cup.

  1. Macchiato

With a name that means ‘stain’ in Italian, a macchiato is a small shot of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk added to it. The milk is added in a way that creates a distinctive mark or ‘stain’ on the surface of the espresso. A traditional macchiato is served in an espresso cup.

Top-down view of a macchiato in an espresso cup. A shot of coffee with a blob of white milk foam in the centre.

  1. Drip Coffee

Drip coffee is made by pouring hot water over ground coffee beans that are contained in a filter. The coffee slowly drips through the filter and into a carafe. Drip coffee is usually milder in flavour than espresso-based drinks and can be served with cream and sugar.

A glass jug with a coffee filter cup placed on top. The coffee is dripping through the filter into the jug below.

  1. Cold Brew

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, depending on factors like grind size and roast profile. The result is a smooth, less acidic coffee that is often served over ice.

Black coffee is poured from a glass jug into a glass full of ice.

At our Barista school, we believe the best way to learn about coffee is to make some yourself! Join us on our 3-day or 5-day barista courses for tonnes of practical experience that will help you know your flat whites from your lattes.