Guide to different types of coffee (Includes Common or fancy types)
The coffee world is vast and diverse, with many different and fancy types of coffee that can appeal to various tastes. The different types of coffee are evaluated by their flavour and their appearance and body.
Most coffee enthusiasts have an opinion on which type is the best or which dominates a specific category.
It is challenging to decide what type of coffee would suit you. In this guide to coffee types, we will take a look some unique or fancy types of coffee that may suit your palate!
So, In This Guide to coffee types, I Will Try To Introduce You To The Most Common Types Of Coffee you will find!
We have sorted out the coffee types into four categories as follows.
BLACK COFFEE
- Espresso
- Ristretto
- Lungo
- Americano
- Long Black
- Doppio
- Drip Coffee
- Batch Brew
- AeroPress Coffee
- Immersion Coffee
- Pour Over Coffee
- Instant Coffee
- Vacuum Coffee
MILK- BASED COFFEE
- Latte
- Caffe Breve
- Flat White
- Cappuccino
- Piccolo Latte
- Macchiato
- Latte Macchiato
- Cortado
- Gibraltar
- Mocha(ccino)
ICED AND COLD-COFFEES
- Cold Brew Coffee
- Espresso Tonic
- Nitro Coffee
- Japanese Iced Coffee
UNIQUE COFFEES
- Turkish Coffee
- Vietnamese Coffee
- Bulletproof Coffee
- Cascara Coffee
- Kopi Luwak
- Geisha Coffee
- Affogato
- Irish Coffee
Let’s get started with the explanation of each type of coffee:
Common types of coffee: Black Coffee
Lets start this guide to different types of coffee by talking about Black coffee! A Black Coffee has a taste pronounced with a strong, nearly bitter flavour. It is because it usually contains at least half dark roasting minerals like chicory or vanilla beans.
Many people prefer to have black coffee for its health value and the fact that it is delicious. It can also be an excellent alternative to drinking unhealthy sodas or energy drinks. It is the original and most common types of coffee in the world today.
To drink black coffee, simply take a cup, boil some water and add sugar or some drop of honey if you wish. After pouring the hot water, enjoy your drink.
There are a few different ways to serve black coffee. Depending on how you do it, the taste will change based on the preparation method.
Let’s explore the most popular black coffee types:
Espresso
Davidoff Café Espresso 57 Instant Coffee, 3.5-Ounce Jars (Pack of 2)
An espresso shot is best described as a soothing and fragrant beverage that’s around a half to an ounce. The coffee is robust but flavorful single-shot Espresso.
The espresso flavour can be slightly bitter and more intense than other caffeinated beverages, but that's why it is so popular.
Espresso can also be made into multiple shots for a more potent drink, but some people prefer to enjoy it by itself. An espresso shot includes the body at the bottom, the heart in the middle, and a light foam on top.
To make an espresso, we start with our unroasted coffee, which is called a bean. The machine grinds the beans into the ground and then forces hot water through them at high pressure.
It makes a shot of coffee with a thin layer of foam on top and sinks pretty quickly. It is not the same as drinking whole milk-based coffee drinks, but it is still delicious in its way.
Ristretto
Ristretto is a fancy type of Espresso coffee made with less water than usual, and it’s traditionally brewed in a smaller cup. It makes the drink a darker, richer flavour, with less bitterness and more subtle tastes of the coffee’s origin.
The espresso shot is usually brewed with a pressure of 9.5 bar, but the Ristretto shots are made at 6.5-7 bar pressure. As a result, the drink is thicker than average espresso shots, and its taste is aromatic and light.
Ristretto shots are usually used in lattes to give the drink a nice, thick consistency. It’s prevalent in the Italian culture, and many people prefer it over regular espresso shots. The type of coffee bean you select will ultimately affect the taste of your cup.
Lungo
A lungo is just a more extended version of an espresso shot, and it’s sometimes called a “long coffee” if it’s not mixed with other ingredients. A lungo shot is made by using more water, and its brewing technique is slightly different, but the taste will be similar to a regular shot.
The drink comes from a period of Italian history when coffee drinking was much more widespread and diverse than it is today.
Lungo is a way to pull an espresso shot that gives it a less intense but more bitter and smoky taste. The beverage is also made with an espresso machine, and it takes longer to prepare the cup. A lungo takes up to a minute to brew.
Therefore, the water has more time to saturate the coffee, resulting in a less intense flavour than an espresso. A lungo is two ounces.
Americano
An Americano is a mixture of Espresso and hot water. It is also known as the “Americano-style coffee” or “Italian-American coffee.”
A more conventional version of this drink now calls for 1/2 espresso and 1/4 hot water, mixed in any proportion according to taste. Americano is traditionally served in a shorter time than the traditional Espresso.
The Americano is typically used as a morning drink; it is lower in caffeine than Espresso and one-third of the period needed to brew an espresso.
Long Black
A long black is prepared using a specific drip coffee maker, a coffee bag or press, or an espresso machine. The drink is a mixture of Espresso and hot water.
The extended black benefits are getting the rich taste of coffee without using as much water as required for a regular cup.
Therefore, it would have a more intense flavour than Americano. The best way to make coffee is by pouring two espresso shots over a smaller amount of water.
It makes the coffee taste more potent and more flavorful. The taste is excellent and might be an excellent alternative to those who like stronger coffee.
Doppio
A Doppio is an Italian term that simply means “double.” It’s a double shot of Espresso, and it is usually made by pulling two shots simultaneously. The drink is potent, and it has twice the amount of caffeine as a single shot.
Depending on your preference, you can have it either with milk or without milk, and it can be sweetened to taste.
Nowadays, the “doppio” is often considered a standard shot of Espresso.
Drip Coffee
Drip coffee refers to a coffee preparation method used in a machine, such as a drip coffee maker or a percolator. The ground coffee flows through the machine’s filters into an external container for brewing when the water heats.
This method of making coffee can be made simply by adding coarsely ground beans to water in a drip filter or by adding pre-ground beans to your favourite pre-packaged blend.
The taste and aroma depend on the type of beans you use and how they are prepared. It takes longer to make Drip coffee, but only because the brewing process is slower. The result is a more robust cup of coffee with the flavours intact.
Batch Brew
The batch brew is the most recent method of serving Dark Coffee. Instead of old-timer filter coffee machines, modern technology has simplified the process of making high-quality coffee.
As a result, cafes now use batch brewing, which allows them to make great coffee more often and significantly less preparation time, at a minimal cost.
The method involves filling up an opaque tank with water and adding ground coffee beans to it. The tank is then allowed to steep for a specific amount of time, after which the coffee is ready for use.
The flavours of the batch brew are described as “muddy” or “blah” compared to other methods, but the drink can still be good and valuable in certain situations.
AeroPress Coffee
An AeroPress device is necessary to make this coffee. First, place your paper filter inside the metal filter. Next, pour your coffee over the filter and wait less than a minute before pressing it through the filter with a plunger. The filter on this coffee keeps it tasting fresh.
AeroPress coffee is high in acidity and will take between 20 and 30 seconds to press. The coffee produced by this machine is usually thick, rich, and bright in colour.
Without temperature control, the flavour of this type of coffee can come out differently.
Immersion Coffee
This technique is the best for beginners because it also eliminates the need for a filter. This recipe will give you a rich, strong, and flavorful cup of coffee.
It is made by Dipping coffee grounds into boiling water to create a richer flavour. French press coffee is among the most popular variants of immersion coffee.
The instructions for making coffee are straightforward. It’s made from coarsely ground beans which are soaked in near-boiling
Pour Over Coffee
Pour-over Coffee is a manual filter technique that uses hot water to steep the coffee grounds. It is brewed right in front of you as you watch.
This approach to brewing isn't just for show—it has a purpose. The poured water gradually makes contact with the ground coffee and extracts flavour without extracting bitterness or sludge.
For those of you who want the best-tasting coffee, pour-over is what you’ll want to brew.
Instant Coffee
Instant coffee is easy to make. Just add the desired amount of hot water and stir until it dissolves. Instant coffee is sometimes used to make a cup of coffee during long nights when the time is not enough to make the hot beverage with traditional methods.
It is also used in situations that require quick and simple preparation, as it is convenient and easy to prepare at any time of the day.
Instant coffee is famous around the world and is the most common types of coffee you will find. It has a longer shelf life than other coffees and varies in popularity depending on where you are. It is a good option for people who want to play around with coffee.
Vacuum Coffee
The vacuum coffee pot has a long-standing history. The vacuum maker has two containers. There’s a lower one that the water boils in and an upper one that the grounds remain in.
The pressure and the lack of vacuum from the heat push up the water, brewing Coffee.
Once when the heating stops, the product will fall into the bottom vessel and be serviceable:
It is a popular and a fancy type of a coffee drink in many countries around the world. It is consumed throughout the year and has different types available for all tastes.
This small but rich drink impacts people’s lives significantly, and there are scientific reasons why we should consider taking better care of it all the time.
MILK-BASED COFFEE DRINKS
Adding milk to your coffee will provide a characteristic and different type of flavour. Baristas enjoy foamed milk because it allows them to create their designs.
Milk-based coffee is the best because it contains lower levels of caffeine and acidity. However, like black coffee, milk-based beverages also comprise of numerous fancy types of coffee.
Latte
A latte means “milk.” It is a drink used in any way with a shot of Espresso and steamed milk mixed. The latte is a popular coffee drink that originated in Italy.
It is made by pouring hot milk into Espresso, then topped with foamed or frothed milk and a drizzle of chocolate.
The drink is usually served in a cup, but it can come in other sizes as well. The taste depends on the amount of coffee you add to the milk and the type of chocolate you use, but it’s usually delightful.
Caffe Breve
An American version of a latte is called a “caffè breve.” It consists of 1/4 espresso, 1/2 steamed milk, and 1/2 milk foam.
The latte is more foamy than usual because steamed half-and-half milk adds volume to the foam. However, it gives so much richness and sweetness that whatever you add seems unnecessary.
Flat White
The flat white is the coffee shot that comes with a milk or cream foam on top. This type of coffee is often regarded as New Zealand’s national drink.
Flat whites are a popular kind of coffee. They consist of Espresso mixed with a small amount of steamed milk.
The Espresso is still the dominant flavour, while the milk provides a subservient taste. However, it is not the same thing as white coffee (a bean originating from Yemen).
Cappuccino
A cappuccino is an Italian coffee drink that is made out of Espresso and hot foamed milk. The word “cappuccino” comes from the colour of the hat of the Capuchin friars who drank it while they were taking meals.
The signature quality of a cup of cappuccino is its dense foam. Foam that shifts upon physical movement and doesn’t deflate quickly is the best.
Cappuccino has three ingredients, i.e., an espresso shot (made with coffee and water) with the addition of steamed and foamy milk.
Other extras like chocolate powder, sugar or cinnamon powder, etc., are also added according to one’s taste and preference.
Piccolo Latte
A piccolo latte is made by pouring hot milk over a single ristretto shot. It is often served with a froth or foam on top. A café typically serves it in a short 100ml latte glass, a little milk coffee shot.
There are other labels for this coffee, like Cataldo (Spanish) and Mezzo-Mezzo (Australian).
If you drink a lot of coffee, it can be challenging to get enough energy and caffeine your body needs. One solution is to drink a few small cups of coffee instead of one big cup.
Macchiato
A macchiato is a robust coffee with just a bit of milk. It is originally from Italy, and it’s typically served with a small amount of foam on top.
If you’re using different materials or in a different location, your results could be different. Finding the right coffee is a personal journey and one that won’t end anytime soon.
The macchiato is made by pouring hot milk over one single shot of Espresso. Sometimes, it’s also called “a Caffe macchiato” because “macchiato” means “a mark” or “stained.
Latte Macchiato
A latte macchiato is a coffee drink with a single shot of Espresso and hot unsweetened milk. Although it is simply made by pouring hot milk over Espresso, the composition is a bit different.
Espresso and milk create the famous crema coffee, but they also get in each other's way when both are hot. Therefore, the macchiato is made by pouring both the Espresso and hot milk separately.
The aroma of this coffee is more robust than that of any other drink because the milk contains sugars and fat. It has a creamy white foam on top, which looks similar to cappuccino foam in colour.
Cortado
Cortado is espresso coffee with very little milk. Cortados are served in small cups with a layer of foamy milk on top. They are slightly lighter than a cappuccino and more similar in colour to an Americano.
The main difference is that the foam layer in a cortado is much thicker, therefore resulting in a much creamier cup of joe.
Cortado is popular because it’s an espresso drink that doesn’t taste overly intense. The milk helps make this drink light and refreshing, and it can be enjoyed any time of day.
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is another type of coffee with a very similar quantity of Espresso and milk as Cortado has. The only difference is that Gibraltar has no foam on top. This beverage is usually served in a glass as well.
Gibraltar is a coffee served in San Francisco. It is a bit colder than Cortado and has a richer texture than a traditional Cortado.
In a typical Gibraltar, an espresso shot and 85ml of milk are poured into a heated glass. The downside to Gibraltar is the glass getting too cold and quickly. By way of this, you should consume it quickly for optimal benefits.
Mocha(Ccino)
A cafè latte is the same thing as a Mochaccino, a variety of café latte.
A particularly delicious drink, consisting of a double shot of Espresso and foamed milk, is typically enjoyed with a flavour of chocolate syrup and cocoa powder.
You can also add some cinnamon, whipped cream, or other toppings.
The mocha is like a simple, easy-to-make coffee drink. It’s usually the first drink to entice people who are just getting into coffee.
ICED AND COLD-COFFEES
Iced coffee is an excellent balance of refreshing drink and pleasant coffee aroma. You can pursue it in two different ways.
One way is to brew iced coffee, which will give it a different flavour, and the other is to make hot coffee and then cool it with ice or cold milk or even ice cream.
Cold Brew Coffee
To make cold brew coffee:
- Start by mixing ground coffee with cold water.
- Steep the mixture for about 12 hours.
- Strain it and pour the liquid into a container.
- Put the cold brew in the refrigerator to chill for almost a day.
This method makes for a smooth coffee.
One main characteristic of cold brew is its lower amount of caffeine. It is because a cold brew takes less time to steep than a hot brew.
Espresso Tonic
To make this refreshing drink, you should infuse two shots of Espresso and let them cool. The first step is to fill up a glass with ice. The second step is to add some lime juice and then gradually pour tonic water with espresso shots.
Nitro Coffee
Nitro Cold Brew coffee is a popular drink charged with nitrogen, making it smoother and creamier than regular iced coffee.
It is also known as simply Nitro or NCB. Nitro cold brew is made with coffee grounds that have been steeped for at least 16 hours in cold water.
The process of soaking the coffee beans in room temperature water, then filtering them out using a mesh bag results in a different flavour than espresso or drip coffee.
Nitro cold brew is not bitter like an espresso shot and not syrupy like some iced coffees. Instead, it’s soothing and creamy with a hint of sweetness.
Users have found this coffee very smooth, and since it’s very light and frothy, it’s like a coffee beer without any alcohol, of course.
Japanese Iced Coffee
This coffee has a particular manner of brewing. First, you have to brew this coffee in hot water and then pour it over ice. Contact with ice will help release the flavours that generally take a long time to produce.
To create a Japanese iced coffee, you should brew the coffee at a higher temperature than what you would typically use for an iced coffee. The result will be a cup of coffee that's as full-bodied as it is cold and refreshing.
Unique/Fancy types of Coffees
The coffees mentioned above come from two primary sources, the cuisines and cafés of the United States and Italy. Still, various other cultures brew unique and distinctive aromas.
Read on to know some of the strangest and most unique/fancy types of coffees in the world in this guide to coffee types and how they are made.
Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is a robust and bold coffee. Turkish coffee is made from finely ground beans; traditional Turkish pots called a cezve, and a little sugar. Heat the water and sugar together in the skillet until it boils before adding the ground coffee.
You can quickly heat your coffee and use a milk frother to achieve the desired texture. However, unfiltered coffee can produce bitter flavours, which is why it's best to filter out the grounds.
The flavour of Turkish coffee is robust. You can go through the entire cup without being able to taste the coffee flavour.
Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is a delicious and refreshing drink. The Vietnamese coffee is made by using a traditional coffee pot called Cà Phê ơr cà phê đỏ.
The French influence in Vietnam has led to many changes, especially when it comes to coffee. As a result, Vietnamese coffee has become more popular during the past few years.
Coffee from Vietnam is commonly dripped through a Vietnamese metallic filter.
This coffee is known as Bo Giữa Café. This is a name given by the Vietnamese because they call this drink Bo Giữa (coffee pot for two).
The Vietnamese believe that you should drink two cups of coffee, one after another, to make a perfect cup of coffee.
The mixture makes the unique flavour of both black and roasted coffee beans come alive when mixed with hot water. It's a delicious drink for the Vietnamese, and they'll enjoy it any time of the day.
You can enjoy it either hot or cold with milk that has been sweetened. Egg coffee is also a Vietnamese beverage made with egg yolks added to coffee and sugar.
Bulletproof Coffee
ulletproof coffee is a beverage that has become increasingly popular in the last few years. It’s made with coffee, of course, but it also contains butter and MCT oil.
This coffee is inspired by the words of Dave Asprey, who recommends that you take your coffee with butter and healthy fats if you want to experience a great rush of energy in the morning.
Cascara Coffee
Cascara Coffee is not a regular coffee. It is more of a tea made with coffee cherry leaves, which relieve digestive problems.
To make a cascara coffee, start by mixing coffee cherry leaves with hot water. Filtered coffee is best for this kind of drink.
The mixture will be bright red due to the presence of chlorogenic acids and tannins.
Kopi Luwak Coffee (Civet Coffee)
Kopi Luwak is the most expensive and rarest coffee in the world. It’s expensive due to its unusual process of production.
You may wonder how it's made. Well, kopi luwak is made from the coffee beans leftover from the mouth of a small mammal called a civet cat. The taste is robust but also very smooth and sweet.
Geisha Coffee
Geisha coffee, also known as Gesha, got its name from its original origins in the Gori Gesha forest located in Ethiopia. However, this coffee isn’t entirely from the Arabica bean.
Geisha beans are a cross between Arabica and Robusta beans. The taste is milder than typical Arabica beans but still has an incredible flavour that blends well with milk and cream. This mixture is then packed in a thin brown bag called “kimono.”
It’s a unique and tasty treat with a bar of subtle chocolate and nutty flavour. In addition, this coffee has a powerful fruity smell, perfect for people who are not used to drinking coffee.
Geisha coffee is one of the most exclusive and expensive coffees globally, costing up to USD 600 per pound.
Affogato
An affogato, also known as “affogato al caffe”, is an Italian dessert drink. There are many different ways to have Espresso.
According to the Italian culture, it is a straightforward dessert that involves pouring a scoop of ice cream into an espresso cup and drinking it together. The Espresso is added directly to the ice cream, and then they are mixed.
Some say that you can add sugar to your choices, but this is not mandatory. You can also drink an affogato using chocolate syrup instead of ice cream or coffee as well. Some variations also include a shot of amaretto or Bicerin or Kahlua and other liqueurs.
It is a rich, creamy amalgamation of two very different flavours. While generally considered a dessert, some people do consider the affogato to be a drink. It originates in Italy but can now be found on a global basis.
Irish Coffee
This cocktail consists of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar stirred and topped with cream. The coffee is drunk through the cream. Thus, it is essentially a whiskey-based coffee drink.
It is a well-known drink in European and Irish culture and can be found in many traditional pubs. The glass was created by Harry Hines, an Irish immigrant to the United States, in the 1850s to appeal to his American customers.
The original recipe for this drink contained no whiskey but has been known to include various other ingredients such as brandy or rum.
Final Thoughts on the guide to different types of coffee:
We have tried our best to decode the mysteries of coffee in this guide to coffee types, and we hope it has turned out to be helpful.
It is said that the richer the flavour of a coffee, the more refined and exquisite it is, so we recommend you stick to medium roasts.
Now you know how to choose different types of coffee beans and drink them in different ways!
Some people also go nuts drinking coffee in a cruet (a fancy glass for oils or other things) because they think it is more elegant.
Enjoy the coffee and, most importantly, enjoy every cup of coffee you drink! I hope you try all the common types of coffee and all the unique and fancy types of coffee we have mentioned in this guide to different types of coffee!
If you have any opinion on coffee and would love to share it with us, please leave us a comment. We will try to answer as soon as possible.
FAQs About Coffee
1. How Many Types Of Coffee Exist In The World?
Numerous types of coffees exist. But there are thirty drinking preferences globally, and the ones mentioned in the article are only the most prevalent. There are so many variations, flavours, and aromas of coffee that it would take more than a lifetime to taste them all.
2. What Is The Most Common Type Of Coffee?
Espresso is the most popular coffee drink. You can find it in many different coffee shops and cafes. However, when it comes to coffee beans, the most common types are believed to be Arabica and Robusta.
3. What Is A Good Beginner Coffee?
Some people have never experimented with coffee before, but they are looking forward to tasting them. So we recommend that you start with mild coffees and then try more complex ones later on.
A good beginner coffee is an espresso latte or mocha. They tend to be milder and have a milky taste that makes them easy to drink without being too strong. However, if you're new to coffee and want a more pungent aroma, try Espresso.
Which is the best coffee type?
This is a question that many people want answered. If you are brand new to coffee, try the mildest type first, especially if you are not sure if you like it. Coffee is actually a very personal thing– everyone has their own variation and preference!
How do I know what coffee I like?
There are several options for this. If you are short on time, you should go to your local cafe or coffee shop and ask for different types of coffee. Tell them it is your first time trying coffee and you want something mild that is not too strong.
Coffee that can be recommended to beginner coffee drinkers include mochas, cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, and even filter coffees such as a French press or an Aeropress.
How can you tell good coffee?
There are many different ways to tell a good coffee. Firstly, you could go to your local cafe or coffee shop and ask for some recommendations. Many people would give you their personal preferences.
Opinion is also something that can be vital to your choice of coffee type. Try asking around and see what other people’s preferences are, and choose the flavour that everyone agrees on.
What is the weakest coffee?
Generally, the most weak coffee is one that has not been roasted. For example, beans that are green or even raw are the weakest. Also, unroasted beans tend to have a much weaker aroma than roasted ones.
What coffee style has the most caffeine?
The Vietnamese coffee is, in fact, the highest in caffeine levels. It has almost twice as much caffeine as espresso. However, when we look at the amount of caffeine per cup, it comes out to be much higher than espresso or Turkish coffee.
Which type of coffee is healthiest?
It depends on the type of coffee you drink. If you ask me, there is no such thing as the most healthiest type of coffee. Many people say that espresso or french press is the healthiest, but I don’t necessarily agree with that.
Why is Death Wish Coffee so strong?
This is a question that many people have been asking. The reason that Death Wish Coffee is so strong is because it uses special roasting techniques. But this brand also has different brewing methods, which can make their coffee even easier on the stomach.
Which coffee is best for weight loss?
Black coffee with or without sugar is a good option when it comes to weight loss. However, if you want to drink coffee and lose some weight, we recommend that you switch to an espresso-based coffee or any type of coffee that has a creamy texture (such as espressos or cappuccinos).
Which is the most expensive coffee in the world?
Kopi luwak (among other types of coffee such as Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee) is by far the most expensive. It can be sold at up to $600 per pound, which is more than $200 a kilo!
