Coffee Types Explained
Coffee is a very versatile drink, and there are so many different ways to enjoy it. With all the different coffee types, and so many types of coffee drinks, it can be intimidating to try something new, especially when you've already settled on your favourite way to enjoy coffee. Perhaps you like a milky coffee, and so you prefer to drink a cappuccino. If this is the case, you might also enjoy a latte, a café au lait, or a cortado. If you prefer a bolder coffee, like a plain espresso, you could try an americano, a ristretto, or a cold brew coffee. At NESCAFÉ, we've put together this guide, to help you make sure that when the time comes to try something new, you know what you’re getting yourself into, and help you find new ways to enjoy your coffee.
Explore a world of coffee experiences
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![What is a latte?]()
What is a latte?
A delicious, well-known coffee cherished across the world, and the perfect canvas for some foam art. But what exactly is a latte? Where does it come from, and what makes it so unique?
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![What is a Cappuccino?]()
What is a Cappuccino?
Arguably the most famous type of coffee anywhere on earth, the Cappuccino is an easy-to-drink coffee with a precise amount of foam. But what exactly are they, what's their origin story, and how are they different to other coffee types?
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![What is an Americano?]()
What is an Americano?
To the untrained eye, an Americano is easily mistaken for a standard black coffee - but this simple, delicious, well-loved coffee is so much more than that.
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![What is an Espresso?]()
What is an Espresso?
Almost every coffee recipe relies on Espresso as the base - but what exactly is it? Take a dive into the story, flavours, and uses of espresso to find out just how delicious and useful it can be.
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![What is a Cortado?]()
What is a Cortado?
A newcomer to the world of coffee, the cortado is often confused with a flat white - but it offers a different flavour and texture experience that's not to be missed. Learn what a cortado is, and how it's different to other coffee types.
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![What is a Mocha?]()
What is a Mocha?
Coffee and chocolate are a match made in heaven, but have you ever wondered where the mocha comes from? And besides the chocolate, nutty flavours - how else is it different to other types of coffee?
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![What is a Macchiato?]()
What is a Macchiato?
A simple combination of foamed milk and espresso, the macchiato is designed to let the bold flavours of the espresso shine through. Perfect for those who want a less intense coffee!
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![What is a Flat White?]()
What is a Flat White?
An increasingly popular coffee order, the flat white is a newcomer making waves in the coffee world. Find out what sets it apart from other coffee types, and where it came from.
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![What is a Decaf coffee?]()
What is a Decaf coffee?
All the bold flavours and aromas, with a much lower caffeine content. Decaffeinated coffee is popular worldwide - but what exactly is it, and where does it come from?
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![What is an Irish coffee?]()
What is an Irish coffee?
Immediately recognised by its distinctive glass, the Irish Coffee is the perfect blend of coffee, cream, and Irish whiskey. Find out everything you ever wanted to know about this iconic beverage.
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![What is an iced coffee?]()
What is an iced coffee?
It's cold, it's refreshing, and it's utterly delicious. An iced coffee is the perfect companion on a hot day - but what goes into it, and how do you make the perfect iced coffee?
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![What is a café au lait?]()
What is a café au lait?
The Café au Lait has its roots in France, and its name literally translates to "Coffee with milk". But there's more to this delicious drink than just coffee and milk, and how it differs to other types of coffee.. Find out all you need to know right here.
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![What is cold brew?]()
What is cold brew?
Cold Brew coffee has become a household name among amateur and professional coffee enthusiasts alike. But what exactly is it? How is it made, and what makes it different to other coffee types?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many coffee types exist?
There are over 30 combinations of coffee types in the world. We've put together some of our favourite coffee types for you to try at home - easy recipes with NESCAFÉ instant coffee as the starting point. From the well known cappuccino, espresso, and latte, to the lungo, ristretto, café au lait and cold brew, there are so many types of coffee to enjoy. Give them all a try and find out which one is your favourite.
Which coffee type has the strongest taste?
The strongest type of coffee is freshly brewed espresso. It forms the base for most coffee drinks, and is easily enjoyed with added milk, but can be enjoyed by itself if you like bold, intense coffee flavours.
Which coffee type has the weakest taste?
A latte is generally considered the least intense coffee. Made with freshly brewed espresso, the taste is then made less intense because of the volume of milk added, which makes it sweeter tasting and with a more mellow taste.
Which coffee has the most milk?
A café latte has the biggest milk-to-coffee ratio, with 1/3rd being espresso and the remaining 2/3rd consisting of milk. The cappuccino is closely behind which contains equal parts of espresso, steamed milk and milk foam (in a ratio of 1:1:1)
Which are the most popular coffee drinks?
The cappuccino, the latte, and the espresso shot are probably the most popular types – or at least, the most well-known.
