21 Types of Espresso Drinks (Easy & Quick Recipes)

Last updated on March 14th, 2025 at 05:00 pm

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a coffee routine, making the same drink every day?

I’ve always been a fan of trying new coffee at home. However, sometimes it’s easy to fall into a habit of brewing the usual latte or cappuccino without thinking twice.

One day, I realized I was missing out on other espresso drinks, from bold and intense to sweet and dessert-like coffee. That’s when I started experimenting, and let me tell you: You have so many incredible espresso drinks out there that completely changed how I enjoy coffee.

In this guide, you’ll discover 21 different types of espresso drinks. Some classics and some hidden gems. So let’s start brewing!

Classic Espresso Drinks

Whether you like your espresso short and intense or long and smooth, these variations all come down to how much water is used and how the shot is pulled. So let’s break it down.

1 – Espresso (Single & Double Shot)

This is the purest form of coffee, brewed under pressure to create a rich, concentrated shot in just 25-30 seconds.

A single shot (Solo) is 1 oz, while a double shot (Doppio) is 2 oz, making it the standard for most espresso-based drinks. If you’re a fan of strong, unfiltered coffee, sipping on a straight espresso is the way to go.

But if it’s too intense, don’t worry. It’s also the base for lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos. A good shot should have a thick layer of golden crema, which is basically a sign that the coffee was extracted just right.

2 – Ristretto

If espresso is already strong, imagine making it even shorter and more intense; that’s a Ristretto. It’s brewed with the same amount of coffee but less water.

You get a sweeter, smoother, and even more concentrated shot. Since it’s extracted quickly, it brings out more of the coffee’s natural sweetness and less bitterness. If you love the idea of a deep, syrupy, and super-rich shot, give Ristretto a try.

3 – Lungo

Now, let’s flip things around. A Lungo (which means “long” in Italian) is an espresso shot pulled with more water, so the brewing time is longer.

This results in a less intense but more bitter shot, since the extra time extracts additional compounds from the coffee. It’s kind of like a stretched-out espresso but not as strong as a standard shot.

If you want something a little milder and more sippable, the Lungo might be your new go-to.

Milk-Based Espresso Drinks

If you love creamy, smooth coffee, then milk-based espresso drinks are where it’s at. Adding steamed milk can completely transform espresso.

Because it balances its intensity and creates a rich, velvety texture. So, here are some of the best-known (and most loved) ones.

4 – Cappuccino

A cappuccino perfectly balances espresso, steamed milk, and foam, giving it that signature airy, creamy texture. It’s made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, usually topped with cocoa powder or cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.

This drink is all about texture. The thick foam layer makes it feel light while letting the espresso shine through.

5 – Latte (Caffè Latte)

Lattes are ideal for anyone who loves a smooth and mellow coffee experience. They’re made with 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk and topped with a light foam layer.

Because of the high milk-to-espresso ratio, lattes are less intense than cappuccinos and great for adding flavors like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup.

If you’re looking for a gentler introduction to espresso, a latte is the way to go. Also, it’s pretty customizable. You can enjoy it hot, iced, or with a splash of oat milk.

6 – Flat White

Think of a flat white as the sleek, refined cousin of the latte. It has a higher espresso-to-milk ratio, making it stronger than a latte but smoother than a cappuccino.

The magic of a flat white comes from its microfoam, which gives it a velvety, creamy texture without the thick foam of a cappuccino.

Usually, flat whites are a favorite among people who enjoy a strong coffee taste with just enough milk.

7 – Macchiato

Macchiato literally means “stained” in Italian, and that’s exactly what this drink is: espresso “stained” with a touch of milk.

Unlike lattes or cappuccinos, macchiatos keep the strong espresso flavor intact, with just a small dollop of foam on top to soften the intensity.

If you like your coffee strong and bold but with a hint of creaminess, a macchiato is a great choice. It’s like espresso with just a little extra smoothness.

8 – Cortado

The cortado is the perfect middle ground between espresso and milk-based drinks. It’s made with a 1:1 ratio of espresso to warm milk. This creates a drink that’s bold but smooth, strong but balanced.

Unlike a cappuccino or latte, a cortado has no foam. Instead, only steamed milk blended evenly with espresso.

Sweet & Flavored Espresso Drinks

If you’ve got a sweet tooth or love mixing things up with unique espresso flavors, this section is for you!

9 – Mocha (Caffè Mocha)

A mocha is like a latte’s chocolaty cousin, blending espresso with steamed milk and chocolate syrup or cocoa powder. The result is a rich, slightly sweet coffee drink that’s perfect when you can’t decide between coffee and hot chocolate.

How It’s Made: It starts with a shot of espresso, followed by chocolate syrup (or melted chocolate), steamed milk, and a light foam layer. Often it’s topped with whipped cream or chocolate shavings for an extra decadent touch.

10 – Spanish Latte

The Spanish Latte replaces regular milk with sweetened condensed milk, giving it a thicker, richer texture with a natural sweetness.

This drink is super popular in Spain, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, and once you try it, you’ll see why!

It’s similar to a latte: a shot (or two) of espresso mixed with steamed sweetened condensed milk. You can serve it hot or iced depending on your mood.

11 – Affogato

An affogato is as simple as it gets: a scoop of vanilla ice cream “drowned” in a shot of hot espresso. It’s warm, cold, creamy, and bold all at the same time.

For this, you brew a fresh shot of espresso and pour it directly over vanilla ice cream in a small bowl or glass. That’s it!

12 – Carajillo (Spanish Espresso Cocktail)

The Carajillo is a Spanish espresso cocktail, made by mixing espresso with Licor 43 (a vanilla-citrus liqueur) or brandy. It can be served hot or iced, depending on how strong of a drink you want.

You can make this with an espresso combined with Licor 43 or brandy, then stirred or shaken with ice for a chilled version. Some people flame the liquor first for an even bolder taste.

13 – Bicerin (Italian Chocolate Espresso Drink)

Straight from Turin, Italy, the Bicerin is a layered espresso drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It has three distinct layers: espresso, thick hot chocolate, and lightly whipped cream.

How It’s Made: The hot chocolate goes first, then the espresso is carefully poured over it, followed by a layer of whipped cream. No stirring, you’re meant to be enjoyed layer by layer!

Iced & Refreshing Espresso Drinks

Sometimes, you just need an ice-cold coffee fix. I mean something refreshing but still packed with bold espresso flavor. I enjoy these drinks mostly for hot days, an afternoon treat, or when you want something different from your usual coffee routine.

14 – Iced Americano

If you want a straightforward, no-fuss iced coffee, this is the way to go. The Iced Americano is just espresso poured over ice and diluted with cold water. It keeps the bold espresso flavor but lightens it up, making it less intense than drinking straight shots.

For this, you brew a shot (or two) of espresso, pour it over a cup of ice, and top it off with cold water.

15 – Shakerato (Shaken Espresso)

The Shakerato is Italy’s answer to iced espresso, and it’s all about that frothy, silky texture.

By shaking espresso with ice and sugar in a cocktail shaker, you get a smooth, slightly sweet espresso drink with a light foam on top. It’s simple but feels fancy, and once you try it, regular iced espresso just won’t cut it anymore.

To make this, you brew a shot of hot espresso, pour it into a cocktail shaker with ice and a little sugar, then shake it hard for 15-20 seconds. Then strain it into a chilled glass, and enjoy the frothy, smooth goodness.

16 – Freddo Espresso (Greek Iced Espresso)

If you ever visit Greece, this is the go-to iced coffee. Unlike the Shakerato, the Freddo Espresso is blended with ice instead of shaken. This creates a light, creamy texture without adding milk.

Usually, it’s served unsweetened or lightly sweetened, depending on preference.

For this, you make a double shot of espresso, then blend it with ice and a little sugar in a high-speed mixer. Then pour it into a glass filled with fresh ice, and you’re all set.

17 – Espresso Tonic

Espresso tonic is a light, fizzy, citrusy coffee drink that combines the boldness of espresso with the crispness of tonic water. It’s slightly bitter, slightly sweet, and super refreshing.

How It’s Made: You fill a glass with ice, pour in tonic water, then slowly add a shot of freshly brewed espresso over the top. The espresso “floats” for a beautiful layered effect.

18 – Iced Espresso Lemonade

Yes, you read that right: espresso and lemonade! This bold, citrusy combo balances the richness of espresso with the brightness of fresh lemon juice. This creates a drink that’s sweet, tangy, and incredibly refreshing.

To make this, mix a shot of espresso with fresh lemon juice, sparkling water, and a little simple syrup. Afterward, pour it over ice, give it a quick stir, and enjoy.

Unique & International Espresso Drinks

Every coffee culture has its own spin on espresso, from chocolate-infused Italian creations to rich, sweet Cuban brews. These drinks bring bold flavors and unique textures. So let’s take a look:

19 – Marocchino (Italian Cocoa Espresso)

This small but decadent espresso-based drink hails from Italy, blending the richness of cocoa with creamy froth. Basically, it’s a mocha’s sophisticated cousin.

How It’s Made: A shot of espresso is topped with a dusting of cocoa powder, a small amount of frothed milk, and another layer of cocoa or chocolate shavings for good measure. Some variations add a bit of hot chocolate or Nutella for extra richness.

20 – Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

Okay, egg in coffee might sound odd at first! Vietnamese Egg Coffee is thick, rich, and almost like a coffee-flavored custard. It was originally created in Hanoi as a substitute for milk, and now it’s a must-try for anyone visiting Vietnam.

For this, you need a shot of strong espresso topped with a frothy, whipped mixture of egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar.

As a result, you get a creamy, dessert-like coffee with a velvety texture. Some versions are even served over ice for a chilled take.

21 – Café Cubano (Cuban Espresso)

If you like your espresso bold, strong, and sweet, you’ll love Café Cubano. This Cuban classic is short and intense, packing a sweet punch thanks to a unique brewing method where sugar is whipped into the espresso as it brews.

To make this, you need raw cane sugar (or brown sugar) placed at the bottom of a cup, and hot espresso is brewed directly over it. The heat dissolves the sugar, creating a thick, sweet crema-like foam on top, called espuma.

Last Thoughts

Now, I want to hear from you! Which of these 21 espresso drinks is your favorite? Have you tried any of the more unique ones, or do you have a personal espresso creation you swear by? Go below and drop a comment; I’d love to hear about it, and with that voilà!