What Are the 12 Types of Coffee? A Beginner’s Guide to Coffee Drinks

What Are the 12 Types of Coffee?
What Are the 12 Types of Coffee?

The world has many types of coffee. When it comes to types of coffee, you might feel a little overwhelmed. But you’re aware of what coffee drinks taste like, from a creamy latte to a bold espresso to a sweet mocha. It can help you appreciate your coffee more deeply and make your coffee experience richer. Are you craving something rich and energizing, or a smooth cup of coffee to start your day? You learn the 12 main types of coffee that will help you find your perfect match. Spend a few time reading the detailed what are the 12 types of coffee below.

What are the 12 Types of Coffee?

Here is the delicious diversity of coffee with these 12 popular types of coffee drinks. Each with its own flavor, brewing technique, and texture. 

Filter Coffee

Filter coffee is also known as drip coffee or black coffee. The coffee drink is the pure essence of coffee beans. Filter coffee doesn’t require an espresso machine. This type of coffee includes pour-over, percolator, and French press methods that all bring out the bean’s unique flavors. Filter coffee is usually roasted at lower temperatures to preserve more of your coffee’s natural flavors. Therefore, filter coffee gives you a smoother, more satisfying cup.

Filter Coffee
Filter Coffee

Espresso

Espresso is a strong, concentrated coffee finished with crema, a golden brown foam that gives richness. Espresso is brewed with pressurized hot water, thicker than filter coffee, which is the base of many popular drinks. Specialty coffee shops often serve a doppio or double shot that serves a smaller volume of caffeine than a regular black coffee. If you’re a strong coffee person, espresso is a rich, perfect choice.

Doppio

Doppio, or double espresso, packs you with double the caffeine in one cup of coffee. Doppio is a popular choice because espresso is the standard in Italy. A doppio is perfect for you who want a really intense coffee experience with lots of flavors.

Latte

The latte is a drink made up of espresso and steamed milk. The steamed milk mutes the espresso. Therefore, latte is a popular choice for those who enjoy a milder coffee experience. Baristas often pour latte art on top, and it’s a chance for them to show off their skills in every cup.

Latte
Latte

Irish Coffee

Irish coffee is an espresso. The drink often combines cream and whiskey drink typically served as a dessert drink. Irish coffee has unclear origins but has been popular in Europe for centuries. Irish Coffee’s complexion is rich and creamy. People usually enjoy it as an after-dinner treat.

Flat White

Flat white is an Aussie and New Zealander original that has gone global. Latte, flat white, like a latte, with a bit of steamed milk and a very thin foam layer. 

Mocha

Mocha is espresso, chocolate, and steamed milk all in one! The coffee drink is part coffee part chocolate from Mocha, Yemen, a coffee trading hub as is. Therefore, mocha is a great coffee for those who have a sweet tooth.

Mocha
Mocha

Café au Lait

French classic Café au Lait is filter coffee mixed with hot milk. Brewed with black coffee, Café au Lait is a lot easier to make at home with a French press than a latte. Café au Lait is a mild coffee that is comforting for those who don’t want the intensity of espresso but want milk-based coffee.

Macchiato

An espresso shot with a sprinkling of milk foam on top, the macchiato means spotted in Italian. That’s a nice way for people who like espresso with just a touch of creaminess. This drink is in between an espresso and cappuccino, a very strong, balanced flavor.

Americano

An Americano is shot of espresso poured over hot water to make a drink that is as strong as filtered coffee and with a stronger flavor. American soldiers in Europe once watered down the coffee with the taste of espresso they wanted. Hot or iced, Americano is delicious coffee, and it works for any coffee moment.

Cappuccino

Cappuccinos are similar to lattes, but they have less milk and more foam. Therefore, cappuccino is stronger flavored. Cappuccinos usually come in a 5 oz mug and have a higher espresso-to-milk ratio for more flavor. However, the cappuccino has a wonderfully creamy, foamy aspect to it. Some cafes will offer bigger, foamier versions of the drink, as well. Cappuccinos can be excellent if you’re hankering for a flavored, textured drink.

Cappuccino
Cappuccino

Iced Coffee

During warmer months, iced coffee is a fun way to get your coffee fix. You can do as little as pour cold brew over ice or add creamers and syrups to give it some extra flavor. Cold brew is coffee steeped in cold water for a while. Therefore, cold brew is less acidic smoother, and ideal over ice.

When is the Right Time to Enjoy Coffee?

When it comes to your coffee experience, timing is everything. Coffee isn’t just a morning routine. It’s also a functional drink that can help you feel more alert, more productive, and even more relaxed.

  • Early Morning Boost: Coffee lovers get up and drink their first cup. However, it may be best to wait until around 9:30–11:30. It’s natural to turn to caffeine to help you boost energy without overstimulating you, and your body’s cortisol levels are starting to dip.
  • Midday Motivation: Coffee around 1–3 p.m is perfect for you in that post-lunch energy slump. If you drink a moderate amount of caffeine during this time. Coffee can keep you alert and productive without spoiling your nighttime sleep.
  • Pre-Workout Perk: Coffee can be a natural pre-workout supplement if you like coffee 30 – 60 minutes before exercise. Caffeine can help you burn more fat and endurance during workouts. Therefore, coffee helps you an effective, natural energy boost.
  • Social and Relaxing Evenings: Decaf is the way to go in the afternoon or evening. Decaf offers the rich taste and warm comfort of coffee. It’s perfect for winding down with friends.
  • Avoiding Late-Night Coffee: Caffeinated drinks can be tempting, but avoid coffee in the evening at least six hours before bedtime. In the early afternoon, you have to caffeine off so you can get a restful night’s sleep. The reason is that caffeine can stay in your system for several hours.
The Best Times to Enjoy Them
The Best Times to Enjoy Them

What Can You Eat with Coffee?

What you’ll find is that pairing coffee with the right food can elevate both of them. It turns your coffee break into something really special. Here’s a guide to some classic and inventive combinations that bring out the best in your brew:

Pastries and Baked Goods

There is no match better than coffee and pastries. Coffee and croissants, scones, or muffins are a perfect fit, with their buttery, flaky texture.

Chocolate Delights

Coffee and chocolate are perfect together. Specifically, dark chocolate intensifies the bittersweet notes in coffee and so gets to be a favorite pairing. 

Cheese and Charcuterie

In fact, coffee and cheese and cured meats go surprisingly well together. Coffee’s acidity is brought out by a mild cheese such as brie or camembert. They are tasty with quite a full-body coffee or cup of espresso, for a savory, sophisticated pairing.

Fruit and Nuts

You want to have something lighter. You try berries, apples, oranges with coffee. They’re very sweet, very natural, and very acidic. They contrast so well with the bitterness of coffee. Almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts are nut mixes that make for a nice crunchy addition as well as that nutty note to our coffee.

Breakfast Staples

Avocado toast, granola, and yogurt parfait can all be paired with your morning cup and make for a balanced meal. Avocado and yogurt’s creaminess complements the smoothness of coffee, and Granola’s crunch gives an enjoyable texture.

Desserts and Sweets

Cinnamon rolls, carrot cake, and tiramisu are classic coffee pairs. The desserts add a little sweetness and help bring out the warm comforting notes of coffee. Especially ideal is tiramisu, made with espresso, that complements your coffee the best.

Delicious Food pairings that Elevate every Sip
Delicious Food pairings that Elevate every Sip

Final Words

Once you know what are the 12 types of coffee and what each one can offer. You are easier for you to choose your perfect drink. For the kick of an Americano, or for the downstage of a flat white, every coffee type has its own unique flavor to offer. The next time you’re at a coffee shop or brewing at home. You should use this guide to help you pick the coffee drink that best suits your mood and taste.

Alan James
Alan James

Alan James is the Brew Master at Coffee Xpressio. She is a knowledgeable coffee brewing expert. With many years of experience and a deep love for craft coffee, Alan has mastered the intricate details of various brewing techniques, from the perfect espresso shot to the subtleties of pour-over coffee. Her expertise goes beyond just methods of coffee; she understands how each technique can bring out unique flavors and enhance the coffee experience.

As Coffee Xpressio’s Brew Master, Alan shares her insights, offering step-by-step guides, practical tips, and expert advice to help coffee lovers perfect their brewing skills at home.

Articles: 9
Table of Contents