America loves its coffee.
As a whole, coffee consumption worldwide has been on a steady increase over the past few years. But not everyone takes their coffee the same way. There are countless preparation styles to choose from when it comes to coffee. After all, this is one of the best things about a cup of java.
But what are the most popular different types of coffee drinks? We’ve served a lot of coffee in our two plus decades of experience.
Join us as we offer numerous different types of coffee drinks explained. By the end of the list, we’re sure you’ll crave a sip. These are the 10 most popular coffee drink types that our customers love.
10. Caffé Breve
Of all the different types of coffee drinks on this list, the breve stands alone. Maybe it’s this coffee drink type’s creamy profile. Or maybe it’s because we love our unique coffee drinks here in America.
Either way, there’s no denying the breve’s allure. Much like a drink you’ll read about later on this list, the breve features a mix of espresso and milk. But the key difference, beyond the 1-to-1 ratio of milk to coffee, is the kind of creamer used.
Rather than using whole or 2% milk, the breve employs half-and-half. What you get when you blend equal parts ground goodness with silky steamed half-and-half is something you’ll crave again and again after the first taste.
9. Cortado
Hailing from the sunny lands of Spain, the cortado is a recent addition to many American coffee menus. But this barista-favorite beverage is sure to earn its place among the coffee superstars higher on this list.
Why? Because it’s a simple, unassuming classic. Take two ounces of espresso and two ounces of milk and mix. No sweeteners. No additives. No flavor shots. Just a mouthful of rich Arabica goodness that is sure to delight.
8. Mocha
Chocolate and coffee are a match made in heaven (don’t tell the peanut butter cup guys). So it stands to reason that mocha is featured on our list of the best coffee drink types.
A mocha is a simple combination of cocoa powder, sugar, steamed milk, and brewed coffee. For drink lovers with a sweet tooth, mochas are the types of coffee drinks worth reaching for.
It’s also a great option for those thirsty for a pick-me-up but who aren’t a fan of coffee by itself. There are lots of different types of coffee drinks explained on this list, and not every one of them is going to make it to the top of everyone’s list. For those who like coffee but don’t love it, a mocha is a great option.
7. Espresso
A simple nine grams is all it takes to turn coffee grounds into something truly delectable. Of all the types of coffee drinks on this list, espresso stands alone for its simplicity. This is a beverage for people who truly love coffee.
Finely ground beans are sent through a steampunk adventure until what comes out is equivalent to black gold. No additives or sugar are needed. Just great coffee concentrated into a drink demanding your attention.
Espresso has been popular by coffee aficionados for ages. But more recently, more adventurous coffee drinkers have been sampling it to see what all the fuss is about. And trust us, with good coffee and a barista who knows their way around the machine, a good cup of concentrated espresso is worth the intrigue.
It makes he mouth water just writing about it!
6. Latte
The latte (which is simply a blend of espresso, steamed milk, and a sweetener) has fallen in its popularity recently. But it still is a regular favorite among coffee drinkers.
This type of coffee drink appeals to every kind of coffee enthusiast. A latte can be as diluted or as strong as the consumer likes. This allows for a wider range of palates than other drinks on the list.
5. Black Coffee
The old cup of joe. It doesn’t get more classic than a straight black coffee.
A black cup of coffee, which dominated mid-century orders, regularly dominates orders for coffee drinkers. This is the drink for those who like to taste the subtleties of their roasted beans. For the authentic thing, there’s nothing quite as arresting as a cup of black coffee.
4. Cappuccino
The cappuccino likely peaked in popularity in the 1990s thanks to popularized cafe culture in media like Friends and Frasier. However, a cappuccino is still one of the top go-to coffee drink types for many customers. Maybe it’s something about the extra layer of foam on top that people just can’t quit…
3. Cold Brew
Cold brew is rising in popularity thanks to its diverse flavor quotient and high caffeine content. When coffee grounds are steeped in cold water over an extended period of time, the result is something quite dynamic. You’ll likely never have the same kind of cold brew twice!
2. Americano
The humble Americano is simply espresso that is diluted by water. That’s it. And coffee drinkers seem to love it.
Perhaps it’s because of the more mellow flavor caused by dilution. Or maybe it’s simply because it seems to be a standard menu offering at cafes all over the world. Either way, the Americano is here to stay.
1. Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is a reigning champ among coffee lovers. This is likely because the term iced coffee doesn’t indicate a preparation method. It, instead, simply means a coffee beverage that can be iced.
As a result, you get a much wider category of coffee beverages. This is what makes it so much more inclusive than the different types of coffee drinks explained above.
A customer may love iced black coffee or trend toward iced cold brew for their daily cup. And let’s not forget the iced mocha, which is a running favorite. There are countless ways to enjoy an iced coffee. This is why it sits atop our list of the most popular types of coffee drinks.
Find Your Next Favorite
Did our list of types of coffee drinks with pictures pique your interest?
At Ellianos Coffee, we know a thing or two about different types of coffee drinks. We’ve been serving the southeast U.S. at our coffee shop locations with high quality coffee beverages for twenty years. Find an Ellianos Near You.
