coffee.

An illustrated guide to coffee drinks

What's in
your coffee?

A latte, a cappuccino, a macchiato. Most begin with the same ingredients. The difference is how they come together.

Compare the drinks

Inside a latte

  • Milk foam
  • Steamed milk
  • Espresso
More steamed milk. A thin layer of foam.

The basics

How coffee is brewed

Pressure, gravity, or time. Each method gives you a different starting point.

Under pressure

Espresso

Hot water is pushed through finely ground coffee under pressure. The result is a small, concentrated drink.

Through a filter

Drip coffee

Water passes through ground coffee and a filter. Gravity carries the brewed coffee into the pot below.

Slowly steeped

Cold brew

Coffee steeps in cool water over an extended period, then the grounds are filtered out.

Compare the cups

Espresso drinks

Start with espresso. Change the milk, water, or foam.

Latte

More milk, a little foam

Mostly steamed milk, with espresso underneath and a thin layer of foam.

Espresso · Steamed milk · A little foam

Origin and preparation

Caffè latte means “milk coffee” in Italian. Pour steamed milk into espresso, then finish with a thin layer of foam.

Cappuccino

A thicker layer of foam

The same ingredients as a latte, with a more noticeable layer of foam.

Espresso · Steamed milk · Milk foam

Origin and preparation

Closely associated with Italian coffee culture. Prepare espresso, steam and aerate the milk, then pour it over the coffee with a generous layer of foam.

Americano

Espresso and hot water

Espresso diluted with hot water. No milk is needed.

Espresso · Hot water

Origin and preparation

Part of the espresso-based café tradition. Combine espresso and hot water to the strength you prefer.

Macchiato

Just a small mark of milk

Espresso with a small amount of foamed milk on top.

Espresso · A little foamed milk

Origin and preparation

Macchiato means “marked” or “stained” in Italian. Prepare espresso and add a small amount of foamed milk.

The diagrams show general differences, not exact recipes. Proportions vary.

Served over ice

The colder side of coffee

Iced coffee and cold brew are made differently. Here is the distinction.

Iced coffee

Coffee brewed hot, cooled, and served over ice. Add milk or sweetener if you like.

Cold brew

Brewed with cool water rather than hot water. Strain the grounds, then serve cold.

Frappé

In the Greek-style drink, instant coffee and water are shaken into foam, then served with ice.

Around the world

Three coffee traditions

Different ingredients, tools, and ways of serving.

Vietnam

Vietnamese
iced coffee

Coffee drips through a phin filter, is mixed with sweetened condensed milk, and is served over ice.

Turkey

Turkish coffee

Very finely ground coffee is heated with water in a small pot. It is served unfiltered, allowing the grounds to settle.

Italy

Affogato

A scoop of gelato with hot espresso poured over it. Its name means “drowned.”