Coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a cultural phenomenon with countless variations enjoyed across the globe. From strong espressos to creamy lattes and sweet Vietnamese brews, each country adds its unique twist to the coffee experience. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular coffee drinks worldwide, their ingredients, and preparation methods.
1. Espresso (Italy)
Overview
Espresso is the foundation of many coffee drinks, originating from Italy in the early 20th century. Made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure, it produces a concentrated, robust shot with a creamy crema on top.
Ingredients
- Finely ground coffee
- Hot water (195°F to 205°F)
How to Drink
Espresso is typically served in small demitasse cups and consumed quickly. Italians often enjoy it standing at a café counter.
2. Cappuccino (Italy)
Overview
Cappuccino combines equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, creating a harmonious balance of strength and creaminess.
Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso
- Steamed milk
- Foamed milk
How to Drink
Traditionally enjoyed in the morning in Italy, cappuccino is served in a ceramic cup to retain heat.
3. Latte (Italy/Global)
Overview
A latte contains more steamed milk than a cappuccino, making it creamier and less intense. It’s often served in larger cups or glasses.
Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso
- Steamed milk
- A small layer of foam
Variations
- Flavored lattes with syrups (vanilla, caramel, etc.)
- Iced latte for hot weather
4. Americano (USA)
Overview
The Americano was reportedly created during World War II when American soldiers in Europe diluted espresso with hot water to approximate drip coffee.
Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso
- Hot water
How to Drink
Served in a larger cup than espresso, with strength adjustable by varying water quantity.
5. Flat White (Australia/New Zealand)
Overview
Originating in Australia or New Zealand in the 1980s, a flat white is similar to a latte but uses microfoam (steamed milk with fine, velvety bubbles) and typically has a stronger coffee-to-milk ratio.
Ingredients
- 1-2 shots of espresso
- Microfoamed milk
How to Drink
Served in a smaller cup than a latte to maintain a stronger coffee flavor.
6. Cortado (Spain)
Overview
From the Spanish word “cortar,” meaning “to cut,” the cortado blends espresso with an equal amount of warm milk to soften the coffee’s acidity without overwhelming it.
Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso
- An equal amount of steamed milk
How to Drink
Often served in a small glass with little or no foam.
7. Café au Lait (France)
Overview
A classic French coffee made with equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk.
Ingredients
- Brewed coffee (French press or drip)
- Steamed milk
How to Drink
Served in large bowls or cups, commonly enjoyed at breakfast with a croissant.
8. Turkish Coffee (Turkey and Middle East)
Overview
One of the oldest coffee preparation methods, Turkish coffee involves boiling finely ground coffee with water (and often sugar) in a small pot called a cezve.
Ingredients
- Extra finely ground coffee
- Water
- Sugar (optional)
How to Drink
Served in small cups, unfiltered, with grounds settling at the bottom. Often enjoyed slowly, accompanied by sweets like Turkish delight.
9. Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Vietnam)
Overview
Known as cà phê sữa đá, this drink is made by brewing strong coffee over sweetened condensed milk and serving it over ice.
Ingredients
- Vietnamese robusta coffee
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Ice
How to Drink
Prepared with a phin filter, the coffee drips slowly over the milk before being stirred and poured over ice for a refreshing, sweet beverage.
10. Irish Coffee (Ireland)
Overview
A delightful combination of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream.
Ingredients
- Brewed coffee
- Irish whiskey
- Brown sugar
- Whipped cream
How to Drink
Served in a heatproof glass and enjoyed as an after-dinner drink.
11. Café de Olla (Mexico)
Overview
Traditional Mexican coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) in a clay pot, infusing it with distinctive flavors.
Ingredients
- Ground coffee
- Cinnamon stick
- Piloncillo
- Water
How to Drink
Often enjoyed during festive occasions and served hot.
12. Dalgona Coffee (South Korea)
Overview
Popularized by social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dalgona coffee is made by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and water into a frothy topping over milk.
Ingredients
- Instant coffee
- Sugar
- Hot water
- Milk
How to Drink
Served cold or hot, with the whipped coffee sitting atop the milk for a visually striking presentation.
13. Affogato (Italy)
Overview
A simple dessert combining hot espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla gelato.
Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso
- 1 scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream
How to Eat
Enjoyed immediately before the ice cream melts completely, blending hot and cold flavors.
14. Espresso Romano (Italy)
Overview
A unique twist on espresso, served with a slice of lemon or lemon peel to accentuate the coffee’s brightness.
Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso
- Lemon slice or peel
How to Drink
Sip the espresso, optionally rubbing the lemon on the cup rim for an extra citrus aroma.
Final Thoughts: A Global Celebration of Coffee
From traditional Turkish coffee rituals to the modern flair of Dalgona, coffee’s versatility is a testament to its global appeal. Each preparation method reflects local customs, resources, and preferences, offering coffee lovers endless ways to enjoy their favorite beverage.
Whether you prefer the simplicity of an Americano or the indulgence of an affogato, exploring these diverse drinks is a flavorful journey around the world—one cup at a time.