Types of Coffee Beverages
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Once again, Christopher Alexander offers food for thought… or drink, to be precise. What coffee’ish beverage do you sip, if anything?
- Latte - Steamed Milk and Coffee, usually 1:1 ratio
- Cappuccino - Espresso, Steamed Milk and Foamed Milk at a typical ratio of 1:1:1
- Macchiato - Espresso ‘marked’ with a tablespoon or so of milk foam on top commonly
- Ristretto Espresso - ‘restrained’ espresso - only pouring 2/3 or 1/2 of the espresso shot - and tossing the bitter remnants
- Lungo - the opposite of ‘ristretto’ - this is a longer shot or double the water brewed through a single dosing of grounds, produces a milder (but more bitter espresso some may find)
- Americano - very hot water topped with a shot of espresso (in that order) - to produce a coffee similar to American Coffee. Adding the shot on top of the hot water, preserves more of the Cafe Crema.
- Espresso Doppio - double shot of espresso, vs Espresso Solo - single shot. There are other varieties of these too - Doppio Con Panna (With Whipped Whipping Cream) etc.
- Corretto - literally “corrected” espresso - add a shot of Brandy, Whiskey, Grappa - or other spirits.
- Romano - regular Solo Espresso served with a slice of lemon peel on the side.
- Mocha - chot of espresso with melted chocolate, or as american coffee shops do it, chocolate sauce from a bottle. You could make a pot of hot chocolate with milk, and add 1/2 Hot Chocolate, and 1/2 Espresso.
- Freddo - great on hot summer days, this is chilled espresso.
He left out the Pirillo, which is a cup of coffee with real cream in it. Yes, it’s true - that’s called a Pirillo. Half-and-Half doesn’t count.


52 Comments
Gabriele
January 25th, 2008
at 6:17am
That would be “Macchiato”, “Espresso Doppio”, and “Corretto”.
Speedmaster
January 25th, 2008
at 6:40am
Good to see this list pulled together, I didn’t know half of them. ;-)
phantomdata
January 25th, 2008
at 12:16pm
I definitely likes me the Americano. It’s just a tad better than straight coffee, but it doesn’t quite register on the “my wallet hurts”ometer.
KY_Wildcat
January 25th, 2008
at 1:44pm
Thought I would add another one… frappuccinos. Frappuccinos are usually ice + milk or creme + coffee or other flavorings. You can usually get them in any flavor that you can get a cappuccino. If you like cold or iced coffee… give it a try! If you don’t…. still try it. It’s good!
Blood08
January 25th, 2008
at 1:49pm
I am really a big coffee fan but when I do stop at my local Starbucks I usually grab a mocha latte, I guess I might like the other ones mentioned but well I was introduced with a latte and loved it.
So I guess I can add the ingredients for a mocha latte:
1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cups strong brewed coffee or espresso
1/4 cup chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup whiskey (optional)
Of course you can’t get the whiskey at Starbucks but you can if you make at home (Which wont happen for me because thats just to much work).
David AKA Arcane
January 25th, 2008
at 1:52pm
Thank you for clearing up the 9billion different types of coffee, I don’t personally drink it but… You are in Seattle so drink up!
Ed O'Brien...La Center, WA
January 25th, 2008
at 3:22pm
Well Chris…….
After reading your raves about Peet’s coffee I tried some (only recently did they FINALLY open up two of their stores in the Vancouver area)….
And I must say……..beats the heck out of the other major chain. HANDS DOWN!!
Sooooooooooo much more flavor, robust, full bodied……need I go on??
Ed
hichez
January 25th, 2008
at 3:34pm
I think some people drink coffee for the expirence not the taste. to bitter.
TeddGCM
January 25th, 2008
at 4:02pm
Coffee is something I never really developed a taste for. I only drink it when i REALLY need a kick in the butt to wake up and nothing else is available. Though I do enjoy the chocolate drinks that the local coffee shop sells. I am a chocoholic and those are good. I bit expensive though
Leo Wan
January 25th, 2008
at 4:13pm
I love the peppermint mocha at starbucks!!
love the cream stuff!!!
Blake
January 25th, 2008
at 4:49pm
Great info! So many different kinds of coffee at Starbucks I don’t know what to get now I do.
kelvin01
January 25th, 2008
at 4:50pm
When i worked loads i drank a decent amount of coffee even tho I’m a tea man myself I think thats because I am Irish but who knows :D So does anyone recommend a coffee? I have tried americano with lots of suger or was it splenda? hmmm anyway a suggestions?
Phreakeo
January 25th, 2008
at 5:00pm
Wow!
This is a great alternative to Starbucks’ Expensive coffee!
Now I can actually know what i’m drinking!
usr995
January 25th, 2008
at 5:08pm
I prefer decaf tea. Much less caffiene in it.
VvCompHelpvV
January 25th, 2008
at 5:14pm
Espresso Doppio - double shot of espresso, vs Espresso Solo - single shot. There are other varieties of these too - Doppio Con Panna (With Whipped Whipping Cream) etc.
MMMM!!!! SOUNDS GOOD!!!
I usually get the “Caramel Frappachino (spell correction? lol) with extra caramel
Grant
January 25th, 2008
at 5:22pm
I’m more of a tea fan, just boring old tea. But damn thats a lot of different types of coffee, i must try a few sometime, although I don’t like coffee haha..
Any suggestions to what is the weakest one, coffee is to strong or the smell will put me off…
Martin
January 25th, 2008
at 5:45pm
I think the german coffee from edusho is the best.
Wiiusermk
January 25th, 2008
at 5:49pm
Yeah I never knew have of these except the ones at Starbucks. :D Most of these are uncommon for big places are never used. It would be nice if more coffee joints around the world would have these types of coffee. All of these are making me want to try them out. I have heard about Peet’s Coffee and never found one for Charlotte area I must say that it really interest me that Coffee has became a part of me. I personally like Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino the cold coffee is my favorite but the coldness and the coffee just goes together and makes a nice drink even the Canned ones at some vending places or Stores.
Matt K.
Phreakeo
January 25th, 2008
at 6:01pm
Wow! Now I know whats actually inside of the coffee I drink!
summd16
January 25th, 2008
at 6:07pm
My favorite type of coffe is just black folgers. It takes delicious to me.
TheCellist42
January 25th, 2008
at 6:17pm
I Usually Drink A Cappuccino, French Vanila, If Available.
I’ve Heard Wonders About Pee’ts Coffee, But I Havent Tried Some, Because There Are No Peet’s Stores In My Area, The Closest One Is 300 Miles Away. Also I Think It Would Be a Good Idea For A Peet’s Blogger’s Blend. Next Time I’m In Chicago, I’ll Stop At Peet’s and Get Some Coffee, (Or 12 Lbs.) Thanks
Sam
johnr100
January 25th, 2008
at 6:20pm
didn’t know that ther was some many differnt types of coffe all i knew was regular and iced coffe
Siamese27
January 25th, 2008
at 6:26pm
hi people,
i do not drink coffee. i do not like it at all. However, there was one cup of coffee I’ve had that was actually good. it was a mocha from the nordstrom coffe cafe. my mom ordered it and i tried it…and didn’t hate it!!! so that’s my recommendation for coffee drinks. bye people.
Siamese27
UltimateFreeloader
January 25th, 2008
at 6:44pm
I really like Cappuccinos and Mochas but you cant get me anywhere close to regular coffee. Ick!
Ritmaster
January 25th, 2008
at 6:51pm
Very Nice List My Self I Love Coffee Its Awesome I Can’t Live With Out It I Need My Morning Coffee Like You Chris I’ve Seen Your Morning Coffee And I Know How Much You Love It.
My Picks Are:
Latte - Steamed Milk and Coffee, usually 1:1 ratio
Cappuccino - Espresso, Steamed Milk and Foamed Milk at a typical ratio of 1:1:1
Macchiato - Espresso ‘marked’ with a tablespoon or so of milk foam on top commonly.
I Hate Tea But I Love Coffee.
Thanks For A Great Blog Chris
And Thanks For Reading My Comment
Bye
Ritmaster
code
January 25th, 2008
at 6:54pm
I like coffee, these are great tips for the people who don’t obsess over coffee everyday.
Mvpdude
January 25th, 2008
at 7:00pm
Ahhh, all of it sounds so good!!
my favorite is the Carmel frapachino with extra carmel
LinuxHQ
January 25th, 2008
at 7:06pm
Lattes are AWESOME.
Everyone should try one.
Wilson|Umich
January 25th, 2008
at 7:07pm
I don’t like Starbucks
but prefer cappuccino because it’s got balance in their mix
I usually put too much milk in my coffee when I rarely drink em…
hot chocolate ftw
René
January 25th, 2008
at 7:21pm
I found this recipe on the net a while ago, and I have been drinking it ever since!
NGREDIENTS:
* 3 oz white chocolate, chopped
* 2 cups half n half
* 2 cups hot coffee
* Whipped cream
PREPARATION:
Heat the milk and chocolate together in a saucepan until melted and smooth. Stir in coffee and serve with whipped cream on top.
dGnome33
January 25th, 2008
at 7:22pm
Well, Im pretty shallow as far as coffe goes. As long as it has a high level of caffeine, then I am good to go.
Having said that, dont ever get coffee from mcdonalds, it tastes of river mud, and the caffeine is not sufficient.
BlueJonah
January 25th, 2008
at 8:05pm
I drink Mocha Chocalte cappuchino. It’s the foldgers instant kind. No real coffee shops around here so please dont scream to long about how its not “real” coffee. Anyway, I use organic milk instead of water and follow the directions on the back. Its good!
Brady Friedrich
January 25th, 2008
at 8:12pm
I LOVE COFFEE!! Starbucks, Seattle’s Best, Cutters Point Etc. Etc. I LOVE COFFEE!!
Chuck
January 25th, 2008
at 8:12pm
I really like cappachino’s I guess they taste great flavor crisp taste and such
Gumami
January 25th, 2008
at 8:22pm
I used to work at a local coffee shop a few years ago. So I’m familiar with most of these. Some shops make lattes with a 2:1 ratio of steamed milk and expresso (no foam of course). Another popular seller in my coffee shop for the non-coffee folks was a steamer… which is just steamed milk with a show of flavoring.
Keja
January 25th, 2008
at 8:42pm
Chris, we all know you love Starbucks haha. Here in Canada there are Tim Horton’s around every corner.
But I’ll try Peets someday. =D
frank harvey
January 25th, 2008
at 8:47pm
I really dont drink coffee all that much but when i do I enjoy one of those flavored coffees like vanilla but not very many other flavors because I like to stick to the basics. Its either the vanilla flavored or none at all because I love vanilla and I cant stand plain black coffee it has to have cream and lots of sugar for my taste buds.
emc2serv
January 25th, 2008
at 8:51pm
My preference when it comes to espresso is a doppio mostly straight up but sometimes with a hint of real cream and a little sugar. Most of the time I usually drink coffee made with a press which is the way I understand you yourself make coffe.
PistolWhip
January 25th, 2008
at 9:18pm
How come Chris is so against Starbucks?
Great post BTW :)
turnip281
January 25th, 2008
at 9:22pm
I like my coffee, but I also like cold caffeine beverages. Here in Canada, we have a huge restaurant chain called Tim Hortons (named after the hockey player), and they make the best iced Cappuccino. I would recommend this drink to anyone, especially on a hot day. Top with whipped cream…….or else. :)
Ahmed
January 25th, 2008
at 9:33pm
I don’t like cafine because I can not sleep at all when I drink coffee
Ryan
January 25th, 2008
at 9:37pm
this is great!!!
travitherabbii
January 25th, 2008
at 11:19pm
Cool Nice blog I really don’t like anything but plane old coffee.
ianimate3d
January 25th, 2008
at 11:39pm
Thanks to the numerous recommendations from Chris, I finally bit the bullet and ordered some peets coffee and a french press from their website. (do not have any local peets in MI) I have finally found the coffee nirvana I have been searching for!! (THANKS CHRIS!) By far the best coffee I have ever had. I am now working my way through the sampler I purchased and will determine one or two favorites that I will plan to purchase online regularly. It appears I have became a peetnik with the very first sip of their coffee, and will probably be a peets drinker for life.
Rick
January 26th, 2008
at 2:17pm
That bit about the so called “Pirillo” is a total crock - somehow it doesn’t surprise me to see you try to add your name to something you had absolutely nothing to do with and try to claim it as “yours”.
How do you think people used to drink their coffee 40 years ago - yep with real dairy cream in it (long before you were even thought of).
And you know what they called it ——-coffee with cream - duh!
Kenbo111
January 26th, 2008
at 5:40pm
I can’t stand the flavor of coffee. I can’t find a kind I can drink. it all tastes like dirty water or something to me.
Carl
January 27th, 2008
at 12:43am
I prefer plain black coffee to all of those. If I happen to get something along those lines, I’ll go with an Americano or a Mocha.
thup
January 27th, 2008
at 1:38am
awesome
Coffee Mugging - Daily Top Blog Posts on Coffee - Powered by SocialRank
January 27th, 2008
at 5:42am
4.Types of Coffee Beverageschris.pirillo.com45 commentsSocialRank He left out the Pirillo, which is a cup of coffee with real cream in it. Yes, it’s true - that’s called a Pirillo. Half-and-Half doesn’t count. Related Content:. Coffee! Coffee Is Better Than a Woman; Kona
News from everywhere » News Feed Alerts
January 27th, 2008
at 7:49pm
as I do from time to time. Deeper richer flavours are just at that point - but some people find it offensive. Personally, I’m not much of a milk fan. If I put anything in my coffee, it’s heavy cream (the REAL deal). Related Content: Espresso!Types of Coffee BeveragesDans Chocolates Coupons Milk Carton Venting Plasma
Jason
January 28th, 2008
at 6:36am
Just stick to a plain class of low fat milk. It’s so good.
Dave
January 28th, 2008
at 3:08pm
Chris should try an Alla Breve.
It’s basically a normal latte but cream/ half and half is used instead of milk.
Personally I get fresh roasted beans, usually an Ethipoian Yergacheffe, and grind at home with a burr grinder. Technivorm brewer and take it to work!
IMO, Peets and Starbucks both over roast their beans. Not all beans should get that oily burned treatment.
Derek K. Miller - Penmachine words music comment - Vancouver, Canada
January 30th, 2008
at 8:09pm
Types of coffee beverages
turnip281
February 15th, 2008
at 10:06pm
I would recommend this drink to anyone, especially on a hot day. like my coffee, but I also like cold caffeine beverages. Here in Canada, we have a huge restaurant chain called Tim Hortons (named after the hockey player), and they make the best iced Cappuccino. I would recommend this drink to anyone, especially on a hot day.
Ryan
May 20th, 2008
at 4:53am
YUM . I love coffee. Can’t ive without it. Espresso’s my facourite
Here is another interesting piece of news. I just heard that Gevalia coffee company has a promotion now and is giving away 3 boxes of their coffee along with a coffee mug for just $3. Sounds like an interesting offer. Read about it at the site below.
http://finecoffees.wordpress.com/