The most popular coffee drinks you should try include espresso, latte, cappuccino, macchiato, Americano, flat white, iced coffee, cold brew, and refreshers. Each drink has its own strength, milk texture, flavor profile, and serving style, which makes the right choice easier once you know the difference.
This guide explains how each drink tastes, what makes it different, and which cup suits your preference. Whether you enjoy bold espresso, creamy milk-based coffee, or a refreshing cold drink, this breakdown will help you order with confidence.
Espresso: The Classic Coffee Shot to Try First
Espresso is the foundation of many popular coffee drinks. It is a small, concentrated coffee shot made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under pressure. A single shot is usually about 1 oz, while a double shot, also called a doppio, is about 2 oz.
The flavor is bold, full-bodied, and concentrated. A well-pulled espresso shot also has a thin golden layer on top called crema, which forms naturally during extraction. Espresso is served in a small cup, but it carries the base flavor behind lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, macchiatos, and flat whites.
Why Espresso Is Worth Trying
Espresso is worth trying if you want to understand the pure taste of coffee before milk, foam, water, or flavor syrups change the profile. It gives you the clearest sense of the bean’s strength, roast character, and finish. According to the Specialty Coffee Association, a standard espresso shot is extracted for 20 to 30 seconds at around 9 bars of pressure to achieve optimal flavor balance.
Best for: Coffee drinkers who want a strong, direct coffee experience in a small serving.
Latte: The Smoothest Coffee Drink for Beginners
A latte is one of the most approachable espresso-based drinks. It is made with espresso, steamed milk, and a thin layer of microfoam on top. Because it contains more milk than a cappuccino or flat white, the espresso flavor feels softer and creamier.
A standard latte uses about 1 part espresso to 3 parts steamed milk. This gives the drink a smooth texture and a gentle coffee taste. Lattes also work well with flavors such as vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or seasonal syrups.
Why Latte Is a Popular Choice
A latte is popular because it offers a comfortable balance between coffee flavor and creamy milk. It is mild enough for beginners but still carries the espresso base expected from a cafe drink.
Best for: Coffee beginners, guests who prefer a creamy drink, and anyone who wants a larger, smoother cup.
Cappuccino: The Best Choice for Foam Lovers
A cappuccino is made with espresso, steamed milk, and thick milk foam. The foam layer gives the drink its signature airy texture and separates it from a latte.
A traditional cappuccino is usually 5 to 6 oz and has a more pronounced espresso flavor than a latte because it uses less milk. The foam sits on top, softens the espresso as you sip, and creates a lighter mouthfeel.
Why Cappuccino Stands Out
A cappuccino stands out because of its balance. It has enough milk to soften the espresso, but not so much that the coffee flavor disappears. The thick foam gives each sip a classic coffeehouse texture.
Best for: People who enjoy visible foam, balanced espresso flavor, and a lighter milk-based drink.
Americano: The Best Pick for Black Coffee Drinkers
An Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso. It has the volume of a longer black coffee while keeping the flavor profile of espresso.
A standard Americano uses one or two shots of espresso topped with hot water. Unlike drip coffee, which brews slowly through a filter, an Americano starts with concentrated espresso and then opens the flavor with water.
Why Americano Works for Strong Coffee Lovers
An Americano works well for people who want a black coffee that feels smooth, bold, and less concentrated than straight espresso. It has no steamed milk or foam in its classic form, though milk or sugar may be added by preference.
Best for: Black coffee drinkers who want espresso flavor in a longer cup.
Macchiato: A Bold Coffee Drink with Minimal Milk
A traditional macchiato is espresso marked with a small amount of steamed milk or foam. The word “macchiato” means “stained” in Italian, which reflects how the milk lightly marks the espresso.
This drink is much smaller and stronger than a latte or cappuccino. The milk does not dominate the cup. It only softens the first sip and adds a slight creamy note.
Why Macchiato Suits Espresso Drinkers
A macchiato suits espresso drinkers who want strength with only a small touch of milk. It keeps the espresso flavor at the center while adding a lighter finish.
Best for: Experienced coffee drinkers who enjoy bold espresso with minimal milk.
Note: Tall, flavored macchiatos served at some chain cafes are different from the traditional espresso macchiato.
Flat White: A Silky Coffee Drink with Strong Espresso Flavor
A flat white is made with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk prepared as fine microfoam. The milk blends into the coffee instead of forming a thick foam layer on top.
A flat white is smaller and more espresso-forward than a latte. It delivers the smoothness of milk while maintaining the coffee’s flavor and clarity. It is a good choice for people who enjoy the texture of a latte but want a stronger coffee taste.
Why Flat White Is Worth Ordering
A flat white is worth ordering because it gives you a bold espresso flavor with a smooth, silky finish. The microfoam blends closely with the espresso, creating a polished texture without the thick foam cap of a cappuccino.
Best for: Coffee drinkers who want a stronger milk-based drink with a smooth texture and clear espresso flavor.
Iced Coffee Drinks: Refreshing Coffee Options to Try
Iced coffee drinks are ideal for warm weather, afternoon coffee breaks, or anyone who prefers a chilled cup. Popular options include iced latte, iced Americano, and cold brew.
An iced latte combines espresso, milk, and ice for a smooth, creamy drink. An iced Americano uses espresso, water, and ice for a cleaner black coffee taste. Cold brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, creating a smooth, low-acid coffee concentrate. According to USDA FoodData Central, whole milk used in cold brew or iced coffee drinks contains approximately 149 calories per cup, so the final calorie count of your drink depends on how much milk you add.
Best Iced Coffee Drinks for Your Taste
The best iced drink depends on whether you want something creamy, bold, or smooth.
- Choose an iced latte if you want a cold, creamy espresso drink.
- Choose an iced Americano if you want a refreshing black coffee.
- Choose cold brew if you want a smoother, lower-acid cold coffee.
Best for: Guests who enjoy cold drinks, smoother coffee, or a refreshing alternative to hot espresso drinks.
Coffee Refreshers: Light Cold Drinks for a Softer Coffee Experience
Coffee refreshers are lighter cold drinks that often combine fruit-forward flavors with a coffee or espresso base. They are made for people who want something chilled and flavorful without the heaviness of a full milk-based drink.
Refreshers are especially popular when you want a cold beverage that feels bright, easy to drink, and less intense than a classic espresso drink.
When to Choose a Coffee Refresher
Choose a coffee refresher when you want a lighter drink with flavor, energy, and a softer coffee profile. It is a good option when you want something cold but do not want a creamy iced latte or a bold iced Americano.
Best for: Guests who want a cool, flavorful drink with a lighter coffee experience.
Most Popular Coffee Drinks You Should Try First
The best coffee drink to try first depends on your taste preference. Some drinks are stronger and more direct, while others are creamier, lighter, or more refreshing.
- Choose espresso if you want the strongest coffee flavor in the smallest serving.
- Choose a latte if you want something smooth, mild, and creamy.
- Choose a cappuccino if you want a balanced espresso flavor with thick foam.
- Choose an Americano if you want black coffee with espresso character.
- Choose a macchiato if you want espresso with only a small touch of milk.
- Choose a flat white if you want a stronger milk-based coffee with a silky texture.
- Choose cold brew if you want a smooth, chilled coffee with lower acidity.
- Choose a refresher if you want something cold, light, and flavorful.
Most Popular Coffee Drinks Compared by Taste and Strength
This quick comparison helps you choose the right drink based on ingredients, flavor, and ideal preference.
|
Coffee Drink |
Main Ingredients |
Taste |
Best For |
|
Espresso |
Concentrated coffee shot |
Strong, bold, full-bodied |
Strong coffee lovers |
|
Latte |
Espresso, steamed milk, light foam |
Smooth, creamy, mild |
Beginners and milk-coffee drinkers |
|
Cappuccino |
Espresso, steamed milk, thick foam |
Balanced, airy, creamy |
Foam lovers |
|
Americano |
Espresso and hot water |
Smooth, bold, black |
Black coffee drinkers |
|
Macchiato |
Espresso with a little milk or foam |
Strong with slight creaminess |
Espresso drinkers |
|
Flat White |
Double espresso and microfoam |
Bold, silky, smooth |
Strong milk-coffee lovers |
|
Iced Latte |
Espresso, milk, ice |
Cold, creamy, smooth |
Chilled milk-coffee drinkers |
|
Cold Brew |
Coffee steeped in cold water |
Smooth, low-acid, refreshing |
Cold coffee lovers |
|
Refresher |
Fruit flavors with coffee or espresso base |
Light, bright, chilled |
Refreshing coffee alternatives |
Note: If you prefer a mild, creamy drink, choose a latte. For thick foam and balanced espresso flavor, go with a cappuccino. If you enjoy black coffee, an Americano is a better fit. Choose a macchiato for a bold espresso with a small amount of milk, or try a flat white for a silky milk texture with a stronger espresso flavor.
Try These Popular Coffee Drinks at Raymah Cafe
Raymah Cafe in Memphis, TN, serves espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, Americanos, refreshers, iced coffee drinks, cold brew, and specialty drinks made with beans sourced globally from Yemen, Ethiopia, Colombia, and Costa Rica.
Whether you are trying espresso for the first time or looking for your next favorite cup, our baristas help you choose a drink based on your taste, strength preference, and milk texture.
Call +1 901-585-0952 or visit Raymah Cafe at 3895 Hacks Cross Rd, Memphis, TN 38125, United States. Browse our full coffee menu before you visit, and explore our story to learn what makes every cup at Raymah different.
FAQs
Which coffee drink has the most caffeine?
A double-shot espresso drink, such as a flat white or double-shot Americano, often has more caffeine than a single-shot latte or cappuccino. Caffeine levels depend on the number of espresso shots, the coffee beans, the roast level, and the extraction method.
What is the best coffee drink for beginners?
A latte is one of the best coffee drinks for beginners because it has more steamed milk and a softer espresso taste. A cappuccino is a good next step for people who want more foam and a slightly stronger coffee flavor.
What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?
A latte has more steamed milk and a thin foam layer, which makes it smoother and milder. A cappuccino has less milk and more foam, giving it a stronger espresso flavor and a lighter texture.