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Coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a global culture, a morning ritual, and a source of endless creativity.
Understanding the different coffee types, beans, drinks, and brewing methods can elevate your coffee experience.
This post is for coffee newbies, and seasoned connoisseurs, or experts.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about coffee, from bean varieties to popular drinks, iced coffee options, and brewing techniques. We’ve also included a FAQs section to answer your burning coffee questions.
Types of Coffee Beans
The foundation of every great cup of coffee lies in the beans. Here are the four main types of coffee beans you should know:
1. Arabica
Arabica beans are the most popular and widely consumed coffee beans in the world. Known for their smooth, sweet flavor with hints of fruit, sugar, and berries, Arabica beans are often used for black coffee. They contain less caffeine than Robusta beans, making them a milder option.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, complex, slightly acidic.
Best For: Black coffee, pour-over, and drip coffee.
2. Robusta
Robusta beans are stronger, more bitter, and contain nearly double the caffeine of Arabica beans. They’re often used in espresso blends and instant coffee due to their bold flavor and affordability.
Flavor Profile: Bold, earthy, bitter.
Best For: Espresso, instant coffee, and strong brews.
3. Liberica
Liberica beans are rare and have a unique, smoky, and floral flavor. They’re grown primarily in Southeast Asia and are a favorite among coffee enthusiasts looking for something different.
Flavor Profile: Smoky, woody, floral.
Best For: Specialty coffee drinks.
4. Excelsa
Excelsa beans are often categorized as a subtype of Liberica. They have a tart, fruity flavor and are commonly used in blends to add complexity.
Flavor Profile: Tart, fruity, complex.
Best For: Blends and experimental brews.
Coffee Types: The Most Popular Drinks
From classic black coffee to elaborate espresso-based drinks, here’s a breakdown of the 20 most popular coffee types:
1. Espresso
Espresso is a highly concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure.
How to make it:
- Use an espresso machine or Moka pot.
- Tamp finely-ground coffee into the portafilter.
- Brew under high pressure for 25-30 seconds.
2. Black Coffee
Simple and timeless, black coffee is made by steeping ground coffee beans in hot water. It’s perfect for purists who enjoy the unadulterated flavor of coffee.
How to make:
- Use a drip coffee maker, French press, or pour-over.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water.
- Brew and enjoy without milk or sugar.
Note about espresso and black coffee types:
Black coffee is not the same as espresso. While both are concentrated and strong, they differ in preparation, flavor, and texture.
Key Differences between espresso and black coffee:
| Aspect | Black Coffee | Espresso |
|---|---|---|
| Brewing Method | Steeping or dripping with hot water. | High-pressure extraction. |
| Grind Size | Coarse to medium. | Fine. |
| Serving Size | 6-12 ounces. | 1-2 ounces per shot. |
| Flavor | Lighter, smoother, more diluted. | Bold, intense, and concentrated. |
| Texture | Thin and watery. | Thick and syrupy with crema. |
| Caffeine | Less per ounce, more per serving. | More per ounce, less per serving. |
3. Latte
A latte is a creamy espresso-based drink made with steamed milk and a small layer of foam. It’s often flavored with syrups like vanilla, caramel, or pumpkin spice.
How to make:
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso.
- Steam milk until it’s velvety and smooth.
- Pour steamed milk over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon.
- Add a small layer of foam on top.
4. Cappuccino
Similar to a latte, a cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. It’s often topped with cocoa powder or cinnamon.
How to make:
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso.
- Steam milk, creating a thick foam.
- Pour equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam into a cup.
- Sprinkle cocoa powder or cinnamon on top.
5. Americano
An Americano is made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water, creating a drink similar in strength to black coffee but with a richer flavor.
How to make:
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso.
- Add 6-8 ounces of hot water to the espresso.
6. Long Black
Popular in Australia and New Zealand, a long black is made by pouring hot water over two shots of espresso.
How to make:
- Brew 2 shots of espresso.
- Pour hot water into a cup, then add the espresso on top.
7. Lungo
A lungo is a “long shot” of espresso, made by extracting more water through the same amount of coffee grounds.
How to make it:
- Brew finely ground coffee using an espresso machine.
- Uses the same amount of finely ground coffee as a regular espresso shot (7-9 grams).
- The extraction time is longer (30-40 seconds), allowing more water (about 2-3 ounces) to pass through the grounds.
Note about the Americano, Lungo, and Long Black coffee types
Americano, Lungo, and Long Black may be confusing because they all involve combining espresso and water, but they differ in preparation, flavor, and strength. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you distinguish between them:
Americano Vs. Lungo Vs. Long Black
- Americano:
- Made by adding hot water to espresso.
- Espresso is brewed first, then diluted with water.
- Results in a smoother, milder flavor similar to black coffee.
- Typically lacks the crema (foam) of a Long Black.
- Lungo:
- Made by pulling a long shot of espresso.
- More water is passed through the same amount of coffee grounds during extraction.
- Slightly bitter due to over-extraction.
- Lighter in body and less intense than a regular espresso.
- Long Black:
- Made by adding espresso to hot water.
- Hot water is poured first, then espresso is added on top.
- Preserves the crema, resulting in a richer, bolder flavor.
- Stronger and more intense than an Americano.
Key Differences:
Texture: Long Black retains crema, while Americano and Lungo typically do not.
Preparation: Americano (espresso + water), Lungo (long-pulled espresso), Long Black (water + espresso).
Flavor: Americano is milder, Lungo is slightly bitter, and Long Black is bold and rich.
8. Macchiato
A macchiato is an espresso shot “stained” with a small amount of steamed milk or foam. It’s stronger than a latte but creamier than a straight espresso.
How to make:
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso.
- Add a dollop of steamed milk or foam on top.
9. Mocha
A mocha combines espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup, topped with whipped cream. It’s a sweet treat for chocolate lovers.
How to make:
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso.
- Mix 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup into the espresso.
- Add steamed milk and top with whipped cream.
10. Flat White
Originating from Australia, a flat white is similar to a latte but with a higher ratio of espresso to milk and little to no foam.
How to make:
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso.
- Steam milk until smooth and velvety.
- Pour steamed milk over the espresso, leaving little foam.
11. Affogato
An affogato is a dessert-like coffee drink made by pouring a shot of espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to make:
- Scoop vanilla ice cream into a cup.
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso and pour over the ice cream.
12. Moroccan Spiced Coffee
A fragrant and spiced coffee infused with traditional Moroccan flavors like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. It’s a warm, aromatic drink that’s perfect for those who enjoy a touch of exotic spice in their coffee.
How to make:
- Brew a cup of strong black coffee (using a French press, drip coffee maker, or pour-over).
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom, and a pinch of nutmeg to the coffee grounds before brewing (or stir spices directly into the brewed coffee).
- Sweeten with 1-2 teaspoons of sugar or honey, if desired.
- Optional: Add a splash of milk or cream for a creamier texture.
- Stir well and serve hot, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of extra spice on top.
13. Ristretto
A ristretto is a short, more concentrated shot of espresso, offering a richer and less bitter taste.
How to make:
- Use an espresso machine.
- Brew with half the amount of water for a richer, less bitter shot.
14. Cortado
A cortado consists of equal parts espresso and warm milk, balancing the strong espresso with smooth milk.
How to make:
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso.
- Add an equal amount of warm, steamed milk.
15. Red Eye
A red eye is a regular cup of coffee with an added shot of espresso for an extra caffeine boost.
How to make:
- Brew a cup of black coffee.
- Add 1-2 shots of espresso.
16. Breve
A breve is an American variation of a latte made with steamed half-and-half instead of milk for a richer texture.
How to make:
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso.
- Steam half-and-half until creamy.
- Pour over the espresso.
17. Doppio
A doppio is simply a double shot of espresso, stronger than a single shot.
How to make:
- Use an espresso machine.
- Brew two shots of espresso in one cup.
18. Turkish Coffee
A traditional coffee brewed in a special pot (cezve) with fine coffee grounds and sugar, unfiltered for a strong, thick brew.
How to make:
- Use a cezve (Turkish coffee pot).
- Add finely-ground coffee, sugar, and water.
- Heat slowly until it froths, then serve unfiltered.
19. Vienna Coffee
Vienna coffee consists of a double espresso topped with whipped cream instead of milk.
How to make:
- Brew 2 shots of espresso.
- Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
20. Bicerin
An Italian specialty from Turin, made with layers of espresso, hot chocolate, and milk.
How to make:
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso.
- Prepare hot chocolate and steamed milk.
- Layer hot chocolate, milk, and espresso in a glass.
Types of Coffee Makers
After covering various coffee beans and coffee types, let’s now consider types of coffee makers.
The right coffee maker can make all the difference in your brewing experience. Here are some popular options:
1. French Press
A manual coffee maker that uses a plunger to steep coffee grounds in hot water. It’s perfect for rich, full-bodied coffee.
2. Drip Coffee Maker
The classic electric coffee maker that brews coffee by dripping hot water over coffee grounds.
3. AeroPress
A portable, manual coffee maker that produces smooth, espresso-like coffee in minutes.
4. Pour-Over
A manual brewing method that involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter. It’s great for controlling the strength and flavor of your coffee.
5. Moka Pot
A stovetop coffee maker that brews strong, espresso-like coffee.
6. Cold Brew Maker
Specifically designed for making cold brew coffee, these makers simplify the steeping process.
FAQs About Coffee types
Which coffee bean has the most caffeine?
Robusta beans contain nearly double the caffeine of Arabica beans.
What’s the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Cold brew is steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a smoother, less acidic flavor. Iced coffee is regular brewed coffee served over ice.
What’s the strongest coffee drink?
A ristretto (a short pull of espresso) or a doppio (double shot of espresso) are among the strongest coffee drinks.
What’s the sweetest coffee drink?
A mocha, with its combination of chocolate and milk, is one of the sweetest coffee drinks.
Can I make espresso without an espresso machine?
Yes, you can use a French Press, AeroPress, or Moka pot to make espresso-like coffee at home.
Conclusion
Coffee is a beloved drink with endless possibilities. There are more coffee types than those we covered above. Covering all of them will be above the scope of this article. If we missed one of your favorite coffee types, we apologize for that.
Whether you prefer a simple black coffee, a creamy latte, or a refreshing cold brew, there’s a coffee type for everyone.
Our aim was to help you understand the different beans, drinks, and brewing methods. This can help you tailor your coffee experience to suit your taste and mood.
So, grab your favorite coffee maker, experiment with new recipes, and enjoy the wonderful world of coffee!