26+ Coffee Drinks (+Recipes)


Coffee is a beloved drink enjoyed by millions around the world. From simple black coffee to fancy lattes, there are many ways to enjoy this popular beverage.

This article will explore 25 different coffee drinks you can try at home or order at your local cafe.

You’ll discover a mix of classic and unique coffee drinks, along with recipes to make them yourself. Some are quick and easy, while others need more time and special tools.

Whether you’re a coffee expert or just starting out, you’ll find new drinks to try and fun ways to change up your daily coffee routine.

1. Espresso Martini

The espresso martini is a popular coffee cocktail. It combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso. This drink offers a perfect mix of caffeine and alcohol.

To make an espresso martini, you’ll need a cocktail shaker. Fill it with ice, then add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, and 1 oz fresh espresso.

Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.

For a classic look, garnish with three coffee beans on top. You can also try variations by adding different flavors. Some options include vanilla syrup, chocolate liqueur, or even rum instead of vodka.

2. Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkin Spice Latte is a fall favorite that you can easily make at home. You’ll need espresso or strong coffee, milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.

Mix the espresso with pumpkin puree and maple syrup. Stir until the pumpkin dissolves completely.

Steam or froth your milk with pumpkin pie spice.

Pour the milk over the espresso mixture. For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.

You can use any type of milk, including non-dairy options like soy or oat milk.

This cozy drink captures the essence of autumn in a cup. You can adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste.

3. Iced Mocha

An iced mocha is a cool, refreshing drink that combines coffee, chocolate, and milk over ice. You can make this tasty treat at home in just a few minutes.

Start by brewing strong coffee or espresso and letting it cool. Mix the coffee with chocolate syrup or melted chocolate chips.

Pour the mixture over ice in a tall glass. Add cold milk and stir well.

For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

You can customize your iced mocha by using different types of milk or chocolate. Try almond milk for a nutty flavor or dark chocolate for a richer taste.

4. Turmeric Coffee

Turmeric coffee is a unique and flavorful drink that combines the rich taste of coffee with the health benefits of turmeric. To make it, you’ll need brewed coffee, milk, ground turmeric, and optional spices like ginger and cinnamon.

Start by brewing your coffee as usual. While it’s brewing, warm some milk in a small saucepan. Add turmeric and any other spices you like, stirring well to combine.

Pour your coffee into a mug, then slowly add the spiced milk mixture. Stir gently to blend everything together.

You can adjust the amount of turmeric to suit your taste preferences.

This golden-hued beverage offers a warm, slightly earthy flavor with a hint of spice. It’s a great way to add variety to your morning routine or enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up.

5. Coconut Milk Latte

A coconut milk latte is a tasty twist on the classic coffee drink. It swaps dairy milk for creamy coconut milk.

To make one at home, brew a strong cup of coffee or pull a shot of espresso. Heat coconut milk in a pan or microwave. Froth it by shaking in a jar or using a frother.

Pour the coffee into a mug, then add the warm frothed coconut milk.

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

This drink works well hot or iced. For a cold version, use chilled coffee and coconut milk over ice. It’s a refreshing treat on warm days.

6. Affogato

Affogato is a simple yet elegant Italian dessert drink. You can easily make it at home with just two ingredients: ice cream and espresso.

To prepare an affogato, scoop vanilla gelato or ice cream into a glass. Pour a shot of hot espresso over the top. The heat from the coffee will start to melt the ice cream, creating a delicious blend of flavors.

Serve your affogato right away to enjoy the contrast between the cold ice cream and hot coffee. You can customize it by using different ice cream flavors or adding a splash of liqueur for extra indulgence.

7. Flat White

A flat white is a popular espresso-based coffee drink. It’s made with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk. The milk is poured over the espresso, creating a smooth, velvety texture.

The key difference between a flat white and other drinks is the milk-to-foam ratio. It has less foam than a cappuccino but more than a latte. This gives it a creamy consistency without being too heavy.

To make a flat white at home, you’ll need an espresso machine and milk frother.

Start by pulling a double shot of espresso into a small cup. Steam your milk until it’s smooth and silky. Pour the milk over the espresso, aiming for a thin layer of microfoam on top.

8. Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee is a warm, comforting drink that combines coffee, whiskey, sugar, and cream. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or as an after-dinner treat.

To make Irish Coffee, brew a strong cup of hot coffee. Add a teaspoon of brown sugar and stir until dissolved.

Pour in a shot of Irish whiskey and mix well.

Top the drink with lightly whipped cream. Float it gently on the surface by pouring it over the back of a spoon. Don’t stir the cream in – let it sit on top.

You can garnish your Irish Coffee with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon for extra flavor. Enjoy it while it’s hot!

9. Honey Almond Latte

You can make a tasty honey almond latte at home. Start by brewing strong coffee or espresso.

Heat almond milk in a small pan with honey, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg.

Pour the hot coffee into a mug with a bit of honey. Stir to dissolve. Add the warm almond milk mixture and blend for 15 seconds to create froth.

For an iced version, fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour in cold brew coffee, chilled almond milk, and honey syrup. Stir gently to mix the flavors.

Top your latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth and aroma. Enjoy this sweet, nutty twist on a classic latte.

10. Cold Brew Tonic

Cold brew tonic is a refreshing twist on your usual coffee drink. It combines the smooth taste of cold brew with the fizzy kick of tonic water.

To make this drink, you’ll need cold brew concentrate and chilled tonic water.

Fill a glass with ice and pour in your cold brew. Top it off with tonic water and give it a quick stir.

For extra flavor, add a slice of orange or lemon as a garnish. This citrusy touch complements the coffee and tonic combination nicely.

You can adjust the ratio of coffee to tonic based on your taste preferences. Experiment to find your perfect balance of coffee flavor and fizzy goodness.

11. Dalgona Coffee

Dalgona coffee is a whipped coffee drink that gained popularity in 2020. You can make it with just four ingredients: instant coffee, sugar, hot water, and milk.

To prepare, mix equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in a bowl. Whip the mixture until it becomes creamy and forms stiff peaks. This process usually takes about a minute with an electric mixer.

Pour cold milk into a glass and add ice if desired. Spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk.

You can sprinkle some cocoa powder or coffee grounds on top for decoration.

For a hot version, simply warm the milk before adding the coffee foam. Dalgona coffee offers a fun twist on your usual coffee routine.

12. Matcha Latte

Matcha lattes blend the earthy flavor of green tea with creamy milk. To make one, you’ll need matcha powder and your choice of milk.

Start by sifting 1-2 teaspoons of matcha into a cup. Add a small amount of hot water and whisk until smooth. This prevents clumping.

Heat your milk and pour it over the matcha mixture. For a cold version, use ice and cold milk instead. Stir well to combine.

You can sweeten your matcha latte with honey or syrup if desired. Experiment with different milk types like oat or almond for variety.

13. Vietnamese Egg Coffee

Vietnamese egg coffee is a unique and indulgent drink that combines strong coffee with a creamy egg topping. To make it, you’ll need dark roast coffee, egg yolks, condensed milk, and vanilla extract.

Brew a strong cup of coffee using a Vietnamese phin filter or your preferred method. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with condensed milk and vanilla until creamy.

Pour the hot coffee into a cup and gently add the egg mixture on top. The result is a rich, dessert-like beverage with a bold coffee flavor and a sweet, custard-like layer.

This drink originated in Hanoi during a milk shortage and has become a popular treat in Vietnam and beyond.

14. Café Bombón

Café bombón is a sweet Spanish coffee drink that combines espresso and sweetened condensed milk. This tasty beverage originated in Valencia, Spain.

To make café bombón, you’ll need equal parts espresso and sweetened condensed milk.

Pour the condensed milk into a clear glass first. Then, carefully add the espresso on top.

The result is a visually striking layered drink. The dark espresso floats above the creamy white condensed milk.

Before drinking, stir the two layers together to blend the flavors.

Café bombón is popular throughout Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. You can enjoy it hot or over ice for a refreshing twist. Some cafes add cocoa powder or cinnamon as a garnish.

15. Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is a unique and strong brew made with very finely ground coffee beans. You prepare it in a special pot called a cezve or ibrik.

To make Turkish coffee, mix the fine grounds with water and sugar in the pot. Heat it slowly until it foams up, then pour into small cups.

The coffee is unfiltered, so expect some grounds at the bottom of your cup. Let them settle before sipping. Turkish coffee has a rich, intense flavor and thick texture.

It’s often served with a glass of water and sweet treats on the side. Some people like to add cardamom for extra flavor.

16. Macchiato

A macchiato is a simple yet flavorful espresso-based drink. It consists of a shot of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk on top.

The word “macchiato” means “stained” or “spotted” in Italian. This refers to the small spot of milk that marks the espresso.

To make a macchiato at home, start by pulling a shot of espresso. Then steam a small amount of milk until it’s frothy. Spoon a dollop of the milk foam onto the espresso.

The result is a strong coffee drink with just a hint of creaminess. It’s perfect for those who want a bold espresso flavor with a touch of milk.

17. Ristretto

A ristretto is a concentrated espresso shot. It uses the same amount of coffee as regular espresso but less water.

You make a ristretto by pulling the shot for 15-20 seconds instead of 25-30 seconds. This shorter extraction time results in a sweeter, more intense flavor.

The ristretto yields about 0.5 to 0.75 ounces of liquid. It has a richer taste and thicker texture than standard espresso.

You can enjoy a ristretto on its own or use it as a base for other coffee drinks. It adds extra sweetness to milk-based beverages without needing sugar.

To make a ristretto at home, adjust your espresso machine settings or manually stop the extraction earlier than usual.

18. Cappuccino

A cappuccino is a classic Italian coffee drink. It’s made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.

To make one at home, start by brewing a shot of espresso. Use finely ground beans for the best flavor.

Steam your milk until it’s hot and foamy. If you don’t have a steamer, you can heat milk in the microwave and use a frother.

Pour the espresso into a cup, then add the steamed milk. Top it off with a layer of milk foam.

For extra flavor, sprinkle some cocoa powder or cinnamon on top. You can also add a splash of flavored syrup if you like.

With practice, you’ll be making cafe-quality cappuccinos in no time.

19. Nitro Cold Brew

Nitro cold brew is a smooth, creamy coffee drink infused with nitrogen gas. It’s served cold and has a rich, velvety texture.

To make nitro cold brew at home, start by preparing regular cold brew coffee. Mix coarsely ground coffee beans with cold water and let it steep for 12-24 hours in the fridge.

Once your cold brew is ready, pour it into a special nitro dispenser. Add a nitrogen cartridge to the dispenser and shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds.

Let the mixture sit for a minute to allow the nitrogen to fully mix with the coffee.

Pour the nitro cold brew into a tall glass and enjoy its creamy, cascading effect.

You can customize your nitro cold brew by adding flavored syrups or a splash of cream. It’s a refreshing and unique way to enjoy your coffee, especially on hot days.

20. Café au Lait

Café au Lait is a classic French coffee drink that combines equal parts hot coffee and steamed milk. You can make it at home with ease.

Start by brewing strong coffee using your preferred method. A French press or dark roast coffee works well.

Heat milk in a saucepan or steam it if you have an espresso machine.

Pour equal amounts of hot coffee and warm milk into a large cup or bowl.

For a New Orleans twist, add chicory to your coffee grounds before brewing. This gives the drink a unique, slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the creamy milk.

Enjoy your Café au Lait as is, or add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavor.

21. Caramel Macchiato

A caramel macchiato is a sweet and creamy coffee drink. It combines espresso, steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce.

To make one at home, start by drizzling caramel sauce inside your mug. Add vanilla syrup and steamed milk.

Pour espresso shots on top to create a “mark” on the milk foam.

For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream and more caramel drizzle.

You can adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of syrup and sauce.

This drink is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of coffee flavor and sweetness. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences.

22. Spanish Café con Leche

Café con Leche is a popular Spanish coffee drink that combines espresso and steamed milk. To make it at home, start by brewing strong espresso using an espresso machine or moka pot.

Heat whole milk in a small saucepan until it’s hot and steaming, but not boiling.

Pour the espresso into a large cup, then add the hot milk.

For a traditional touch, use shelf-stable UHT milk, which is common in Spain.

You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

To make it sweeter, mix sugar with a small amount of espresso until frothy, then add this to your drink.

Enjoy your Café con Leche right away for the best taste and texture.

23. Chai Latte

A chai latte is a warm, spiced drink that blends black tea with milk and aromatic spices. You can make this cozy beverage at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by brewing strong black tea with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. This creates a flavorful chai concentrate.

Next, heat and froth milk of your choice.

Pour the chai concentrate into a mug, then add the warm frothed milk on top.

For extra sweetness, stir in some honey or sugar.

You can also sprinkle cinnamon on top for a finishing touch.

To make an iced version, simply pour the chai concentrate over ice and add cold milk. For a dirty chai, add a shot of espresso to your latte.

24. Italian Affogato

Affogato is a simple yet elegant Italian coffee dessert. You make it by pouring a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of cold vanilla gelato or ice cream.

The name “affogato” means “drowned” in Italian, referring to the ice cream being “drowned” in coffee. This creates a delightful mix of hot and cold, bitter and sweet.

To make an affogato, start with 1-2 scoops of high-quality vanilla gelato in a glass.

Brew a shot of strong espresso and pour it over the gelato right before serving.

You can add variations like a splash of liqueur or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. Some prefer to use different gelato flavors, but vanilla is the classic choice.

Affogato is perfect for a quick dessert or as an after-dinner treat. It’s easy to make at home with just two main ingredients.

25. Mocha Frappé

A mocha frappé is a cool, creamy coffee drink perfect for hot days. It combines coffee, milk, chocolate, and ice for a refreshing treat.

To make one at home, blend cold brew coffee with milk, chocolate syrup, and ice. Add a shot of espresso for extra kick. Adjust the sweetness to your taste.

Top your frappé with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or another plant-based alternative.

This drink offers a nice caffeine boost, usually around 60-70 mg per serving. It’s a tasty way to get your coffee fix when you want something cold and indulgent.

The Art of Coffee Brewing

Coffee brewing is a skill that combines science and creativity. It starts with choosing quality beans and ends with your perfect cup. The right techniques can bring out the best flavors and aromas.

Understanding Coffee Beans

Coffee beans are the heart of your brew. They come in many types, roasts, and origins. Arabica beans are known for their smooth, complex taste. Robusta beans have a stronger, more bitter flavor.

Light roasts keep more of the bean’s original flavor. Dark roasts have a bolder, smoky taste. The roast level affects the caffeine content too. Lighter roasts often have more caffeine than darker ones.

Fresh beans make better coffee. Look for whole beans with a roast date. Grind them just before brewing for the best taste. Store your beans in an airtight container away from light and heat.

Common Brewing Methods

You have many ways to make coffee at home. Each method brings out different flavors in your beans.

Drip Coffee Makers: These are easy to use and make multiple cups. They work well for everyday coffee.

French Press: This method steeps coarse grounds in hot water. It makes a rich, full-bodied coffee.

Pour Over: You control the water flow over the grounds. This can make a clean, bright cup.

Espresso Machines: These use pressure to make strong, concentrated shots. They’re great for lattes and cappuccinos.

Cold Brew: This method uses cold water over many hours. It makes a smooth, less acidic coffee.

Try different methods to find your favorite. Each one can bring out unique qualities in your coffee beans.

Enhancing Coffee Flavor

Coffee flavor can be enhanced in many ways. You can balance bitter and sweet tastes or add spices and syrups to create unique flavor profiles.

Balancing Bitter and Sweet

To balance coffee’s bitterness, add a pinch of salt to your grounds before brewing. This helps mellow the taste without making it salty.

Sugar is a common sweetener, but try alternatives like honey or maple syrup for different flavors.

Milk can also balance bitterness. Whole milk adds richness, while almond or oat milk offer nutty notes. For a creamy texture without dairy, try coconut milk.

The roast level affects bitterness too. Light roasts are less bitter and more acidic. Dark roasts have a stronger, more bitter flavor. Choose your roast based on your taste preferences.

Using Spices and Syrups

Spices can transform your coffee. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to your grounds before brewing.

This infuses the coffee with warm, aromatic flavors.

For a quick flavor boost, sprinkle spices on top of your brewed coffee. Try cocoa powder for a mocha-like taste or pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired drink.

Syrups offer endless flavor options. Make a simple syrup by mixing equal parts sugar and water. Add vanilla extract, hazelnut, or caramel flavoring.

Try these combinations:

  • Vanilla syrup + cinnamon
  • Hazelnut syrup + cocoa powder
  • Caramel syrup + sea salt

Start with small amounts and adjust to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in your cup.

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