Coffee Basics: Espresso Drinks 101

With such a large variety of drinks stemming from a single espresso base, it’s easy to get lost in a coffee shop menu. The next time you can’t decide what to order, use this guide to help you determine the differences between classic espresso-based drinks!

Espresso

First things first: What is an espresso? It’s classic and simple. Espresso is a concentrated “shot” of coffee brewed using an espresso machine that forces pressurized water through the fine coffee grounds. An espresso is the basis for all of the drinks in this guide.

Macchiato

An original macchiato is made with a shot of espresso and a dollop of steamed milk and foam on the top. While not as simple as a shot of espresso on its own, the dollop of foam adds a bit of texture without changing the flavor of the espresso. 

Americano

Next, we have an Americano, which is Italian for “American Coffee.” 

American soldiers stationed in Italy during WWII felt the traditional Italian espresso was too strong for their taste, so they opted to dilute it with water, thus creating the Americano. 

This espresso drink is prepared by pouring hot water over one or two shots of espresso. The water dilutes the espresso’s intense flavor and strength, creating a drink similar in volume to regular brewed coffee, but with the depth of espresso shining through.

Cappuccino

A cappuccino is a classic Italian coffee drink that is traditionally prepared with ⅓ espresso and  ⅔ steamed milk foam. Known for its velvety layer of microfoam and finely textured milk, it balances the acidity of the espresso and offers a delightful textural contrast. Microfoam used in a cappuccino is a velvety, thin foam layer with very small bubbles.

Latte

One of the most common espresso-based drinks is the latte.  A latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. It typically has a 1:3 ratio of espresso to milk, providing the strength of an espresso shot with a slightly sweeter taste. Lattes can be enjoyed plain or flavored with syrups or spices, and they are sometimes decorated with latte art. 

Cortado

A cortado is typically made with a double shot of espresso and an equal amount of steamed milk. This 1:1 ratio creates a drink that’s bold yet mellow, with the espresso’s flavor shining through but softened by the creamy milk. Unlike lattes or cappuccinos, the milk in a cortado is not foamy. It’s simply steamed to a velvety texture, adding a touch of sweetness and body without overwhelming the espresso.

Flat White

A flat white is made with espresso and steamed milk. It is typically smaller than a latte with a higher ratio of espresso to milk. The milk used in a flat white is steamed to create a microfoam. The recipe for a flat white, however, varies between regions and cafés. At Opus Coffee, we make ours “upside down” by pouring the ristretto shots into gently steamed milk. Doing this allows the rich flavor of espresso to come through first. A ristretto shot is Italian for a “short shot.” This iis similar to a traditional espresso shot, but with half as much water for a more intense flavor. 

With so many espresso-based drinks to explore, the possibilities are truly endless! Each option offers a unique balance of espresso intensity, milk texture, and sweetness, catering to a wide range of preferences. So, whether you crave a bold and intense flavor or a smooth and creamy experience, there’s an espresso drink out there waiting to be discovered! 

We hope you learned something new, and feel inspired to try out a coffee you haven’t before. When you visit Opus Coffee, our baristas are ready to pair you with a custom drink that’s perfect for you and your day’s adventures. We pride ourselves on providing you with a premium drink hand-crafted using our own Heartbeat Espresso Blend. After all, we’re all about making Good Coffee For Good People.