From bustling cafés in Italy to cozy kitchens in Brazil, coffee is a global favorite — but how it’s prepared and enjoyed varies wildly from country to country. While the word “coffee” may seem universal, there are dozens of popular types, each with its own style, recipe, and story.
In this article, we’ll explore the most popular coffee types around the world, breaking down what makes each one special — so you can decide which style suits your taste.
1. Espresso
Origin: Italy
Espresso is the foundation of most modern coffee drinks. It’s made by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water through finely ground coffee at high pressure.
Key Features:
- Intense, bold flavor
- Small serving (25–30 ml)
- Rich crema on top
Perfect for those who love strong, concentrated coffee. Often enjoyed on its own or as a base for other drinks like cappuccino or latte.
2. Americano
Origin: USA (inspired by Italy)
An Americano is simply espresso diluted with hot water. It’s similar in strength to drip coffee but retains the espresso’s richness.
Ideal For:
- Those who want a milder espresso-based drink
- Enjoying espresso flavors over a longer sip
3. Cappuccino
Origin: Italy
A cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. It’s served in a small cup and often dusted with cocoa or cinnamon.
Texture & Taste:
- Creamy
- Rich, but balanced
- Frothy and comforting
Great for mornings or as a mid-day treat.
4. Latte
Origin: Italy / Global popularity
The latte (short for caffè latte) contains more steamed milk than cappuccino, resulting in a milder and creamier drink.
Composition:
- 1 shot of espresso
- A generous portion of steamed milk
- A thin layer of foam
Popular with people who prefer less intense coffee or want to add syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut).
5. Flat White
Origin: Australia/New Zealand
Similar to a latte, but with less milk and more microfoam, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor and a velvety texture.
Known For:
- Smooth texture
- Balanced flavor
- Small size with a punch
Loved by those who want something between a cappuccino and a latte.
6. Macchiato
Origin: Italy
“Macchiato” means “stained” in Italian. This drink is an espresso with a small amount of milk or foam added on top.
Types:
- Espresso macchiato – more coffee-forward
- Latte macchiato – more milk-forward
Great if you like espresso but want just a touch of creaminess.
7. Mocha
Origin: Inspired by Yemen & Italy
A mocha is a delicious blend of coffee and chocolate, usually made with:
- 1 shot of espresso
- Steamed milk
- Chocolate syrup or cocoa powder
- Whipped cream (optional)
Perfect for those who love coffee with a dessert-like twist.
8. Cold Brew
Origin: Global (popularized in the U.S.)
Cold brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12–24 hours. The result is a smooth, less acidic coffee served cold.
Why People Love It:
- Naturally sweet
- Strong caffeine kick
- Refreshing and smooth
Ideal for hot days or iced coffee lovers.
9. Iced Coffee
Origin: Global
Not to be confused with cold brew, iced coffee is regular brewed coffee (usually drip or espresso) poured over ice.
Key Differences:
- Brewed hot, then chilled
- Often more acidic than cold brew
- Can be sweetened or flavored easily
A quick and refreshing option for summer.
10. Turkish Coffee
Origin: Turkey / Middle East
Turkish coffee is made by boiling very finely ground coffee with sugar and water in a small pot called a cezve. It’s served unfiltered in a small cup.
Experience:
- Thick and intense
- Often served with sweet treats
- Grounds settle at the bottom
A strong cultural ritual, not just a drink.
11. Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê)
Origin: Vietnam
Made with dark roast coffee and sweetened condensed milk, often brewed using a phin filter.
Variations:
- Cà phê sữa đá: Served over ice
- Cà phê trứng: Made with whipped egg yolk (Vietnamese egg coffee)
Rich, bold, and sweet — perfect for adventurous palates.
12. Café au Lait
Origin: France
Similar to a latte but typically made with regular brewed coffee instead of espresso.
Composition:
- Equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk
Ideal for people who want a mild, milky coffee without the espresso punch.
13. Café Cubano (Cuban Espresso)
Origin: Cuba
Strong espresso sweetened with sugar while brewing, resulting in a rich, syrupy shot.
Known For:
- Sweet, intense flavor
- Served in small cups
- Social drink in Cuban culture
14. Affogato
Origin: Italy
Not exactly a drink — an espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream.
Why It’s Popular:
- Dessert + caffeine combo
- Great after a meal
- Minimal yet indulgent
Summary Table: Popular Coffee Types
| Name | Base | Milk | Served | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Espresso | No | Hot | Bold flavor lovers |
| Americano | Espresso | No | Hot | Milder coffee with espresso base |
| Cappuccino | Espresso | Foam + Milk | Hot | Balanced texture and taste |
| Latte | Espresso | Steamed milk | Hot | Smooth, creamy coffee |
| Flat White | Espresso | Microfoam | Hot | Strong but smooth coffee |
| Macchiato | Espresso | A little milk | Hot | Espresso with a soft touch |
| Mocha | Espresso | Milk + Chocolate | Hot | Coffee and chocolate combo lovers |
| Cold Brew | Steeped | Optional | Cold | Smooth and less acidic |
| Iced Coffee | Brewed | Optional | Cold | Quick and refreshing |
| Turkish Coffee | Boiled | No | Hot | Cultural and intense experience |
| Vietnamese Coffee | Brewed | Condensed Milk | Hot/Cold | Sweet and bold |
| Café au Lait | Brewed | Steamed milk | Hot | Light and smooth |
| Café Cubano | Espresso | Sugar | Hot | Sweet, strong espresso |
| Affogato | Espresso | Ice cream | Hot + Cold | Dessert and coffee in one |
Final Sip: Explore and Enjoy
With so many styles to explore, there’s truly a coffee for every mood, culture, and occasion. Trying new types of coffee is not just about taste — it’s about discovering the stories, rituals, and creativity behind each cup.
So whether you’re sipping a strong espresso, a chilled cold brew, or a frothy cappuccino, enjoy the global journey in your mug.
Paulo Marques is a coffee specialist with over 10 years of expertise in extraction and sensory evaluation.
Passionate about sharing practical techniques, he empowers enthusiasts and baristas to master every step of the brewing process.
He also mentors aspiring professionals and explores innovative methods to elevate the art of coffee.