One of the most exciting things about espresso is how it transforms into a wide variety of delicious and popular coffee beverages. Once you have a perfectly pulled shot of espresso, the possibilities are endless!
Here are some of the most common and beloved espresso-based drinks you’ll find at any coffee shop:
1. Latte (The Milky Smooth Classic)
- What it is: A latte is primarily espresso and steamed milk, topped with a thin layer of foamed milk.
- Components:
- 1 or 2 shots of espresso
- Lots of steamed milk
- A small amount of milk foam
- Characteristics: Creamy, smooth, and mild in coffee flavor due to the high milk content. It’s often a great starting point for those new to espresso drinks. Flavored syrups (vanilla, caramel, etc.) are frequently added.
2. Cappuccino (The Foamy Favorite)
- What it is: A cappuccino is a balanced blend of espresso, steamed milk, and a significant layer of frothy milk foam.
- Components (roughly equal parts):
- 1 or 2 shots of espresso
- Steamed milk
- A generous cap of thick, airy milk foam
- Characteristics: Stronger coffee flavor than a latte, with a distinct texture from the foam. The foam acts as an insulator, keeping the drink warm. Often dusted with cocoa powder.
3. Americano (The Espresso Watered Down)
- What it is: An Americano is essentially espresso diluted with hot water.
- Components:
- 1 or 2 shots of espresso
- Hot water
- Characteristics: It tastes similar to drip coffee but retains the rich flavor profile of espresso. It’s a great option if you want a larger volume of coffee but prefer the specific taste of espresso without the milk.
4. Macchiato (The “Stained” Espresso)
- What it is: The word “macchiato” means “stained” or “marked” in Italian. An espresso macchiato is an espresso “marked” with a small amount of foamed milk.
- Components:
- 1 or 2 shots of espresso
- A dollop of foamed milk (just a spoonful!)
- Characteristics: This drink highlights the espresso’s flavor, with just a tiny bit of milk to soften its intensity. It’s not to be confused with the popular caramel macchiato found at some large coffee chains, which is a very different, much sweeter, and milkier drink.
Now that you know the basics of these delicious concoctions, let’s wrap up with some simple tips for anyone starting their espresso journey!