Espresso is such a staple in cultures around the world that it’s no surprise there are so many variations of espresso-based drinks. No matter where you go, you’ll find a culture that has made espresso into something new.

One of the many benefits of the easy travel we enjoy in the 21st century is a wider menu of espresso drinks, as travelers tend to bring new recipes home with them. Read on for a list of eight classic types of espresso drinks, as well as some other espresso ideas and what you can use instead of espresso if caffeine is on your no-no list.

What Is Espresso?

Born in Italy in the early 20th century, espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under high pressure. The result is a bold, concentrated brew with a velvety crema on top. 

It's also the foundation of nearly every fancy coffee drink you love, and while it may look small, don’t underestimate its caffeine-packed punch. Think of it as coffee’s Lamborghini — it’s fast, powerful, and a little intense if you’re not ready for it.

8 Classic Espresso Drinks

Espresso is amazing on its own — just order a plain ristretto or doppio, and you’ll see what we mean. However, there are also plenty of delicious creations that transform shots of espresso into totally new (but equally delicious) drinks. Read on for a few of the classics.

1. Macchiato

"Macchiato" means "stained" in Italian, which makes sense because this drink is just a shot of espresso with a dollop of frothy milk. It’s for those who love espresso but want just a whisper of creaminess. 

Unlike its sugar-loaded, caramel-drizzled cousin you might find at certain coffee chains, the classic macchiato keeps things simple. It’s bold, smooth, and delivers that caffeine kick without the fluff, making it perfect for espresso purists who just want a tiny bit of softness.

2. Americano

During World War II, American soldiers in Italy found espresso too strong, so they added hot water to dilute it. Thus, the Americano was born! 

It’s still got all the rich espresso flavor but is smoother and more sippable. It’s essentially the lovechild of espresso and drip coffee — strong, but not too strong. Plus, you can tweak the water-to-espresso ratio to make it as bold or mellow as you like.

3. Cappuccino

Cappuccino is the ultimate balance of espresso, steamed milk, and frothy milk foam, known for its velvety texture and Instagram-worthy top. Traditionally served in smaller cups (around 6 oz.), this drink is all about proportions. 

Italians typically enjoy it in the morning, but hey, if you want one at 3 p.m., no one’s stopping you (except maybe an Italian barista shaking their head). If you prefer to cut the middle man and enjoy a cappuccino sans steamed milk, simply order (or make) a bone dry cappuccino.

4. Latte

If cappuccino is all about balance, the latte is all about smoothness. A latte (aka caffè latte) is mostly steamed milk with a single (or double) shot of espresso and a light layer of foam on top. It’s also a playground for customization. You can order yours with a splash of vanilla, caramel, almond — you name it. It’s one of the most popular coffee drinks, and it’s not hard to see why.

5. Flat White

Hailing from Australia (or New Zealand, depending on who you ask), the flat white is like a latte’s trendier cousin. It’s got the same ingredients — espresso and steamed milk — but the magic is in the texture. 

The milk is velvety smooth with tiny microfoam bubbles, blending seamlessly with the espresso rather than sitting on top. The result is a strong yet creamy sip with a bold coffee kick. If lattes are too milky but cappuccinos too foamy, the flat white is your Goldilocks moment.

6. Mocha

The mocha is what happens when espresso and hot chocolate fall in love. This dreamy drink blends espresso with steamed milk and rich chocolate syrup (or melted chocolate, if you're fancy). 

Topped with a cloud of whipped cream, it’s basically dessert in a cup — with a caffeine kick, of course. The balance of bitter espresso and sweet chocolate makes it the go-to for those who like their coffee indulgent or anyone who prefers the effects of espresso without the taste.

7. Cortado

A cortado is for those who like balance — equal parts espresso and steamed milk, with no excessive foam to get in the way. This Spanish-born drink cuts the espresso’s intensity while keeping its bold flavor front and center. 

Unlike a latte, which is heavy on milk, the cortado is all about harmony between the coffee and creaminess. It’s perfect for those who want their espresso without half a cup of foam in it. 

8. Breve

This indulgent espresso drink swaps out regular milk for half-and-half, making it extra rich and velvety. The added fat content gives the breve a silky texture and a naturally sweet taste, meaning you don’t even need extra sugar. It’s the coffee equivalent of treating yourself to the good towels. One sip, and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain milk.

What Else Can You Do With Espresso?

Most espresso drinks are made by combining espresso with milk. However, there’s so much more you can do with a shot or two of high-quality coffee. 

Here are a few espresso-based treats to expand your coffee horizons:

• Affogato: A scoop of vanilla gelato drowned in a hot shot of espresso. It’s dessert and caffeine in one.
• Espresso con Panna: A shot of espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream because why not?
• Caffè Composta: Espresso mixed with a splash of orange juice for a bold citrusy twist.
• Espresso Romano: An espresso shot served with a lemon twist to enhance its bright, zesty notes.
• Freddo Espresso: A chilled Greek-style espresso, shaken over ice for a smooth, frothy finish.
• Espresso Tonic: A bubbly, refreshing mix of espresso and tonic water. 
• Nitro Espresso: Cold espresso infused with nitrogen for a creamy, Guinness-like texture.

Do You Have To Use Espresso?

Espresso has a classic flavor that most people love, but some people choose to stay away from it. Everyone has their reasons — some people don’t like the taste, while others prefer to limit their caffeine intake. And, since espresso has 63 grams of caffeine per shot, it’s no wonder that it’s usually the first ingredient people swap out.

Decaf espresso is always an option, but most decaf coffee has a bitter, flat taste to it because of the extra processing the beans go through. So, if you still want a flavorful cuppa without extreme levels of caffeine, try some of our Mushroom Coffee+.

This blend is made with coffee extract, so you’ll still get that robust coffee flavor you love. However, it’s specially formulated to only contain 45 mg of caffeine per serving. It’s enough to wake you up but it shouldn’t leave you feeling jittery and anxious. 

Plus, our mushroom blends all contain a special mix of adaptogens and health-supporting ingredients to provide extra benefits you won’t find in an ordinary cup of joe. For instance, lion’s mane can encourage focus while chaga mushroom supports the immune system. Meanwhile, L-theanine encourages high-quality sleep and relaxation, while bovine collagen supports gut, skin, and hair health.

The Bottom Line

Espresso isn’t just a drink — it’s a whole world of possibilities. Whether you love it straight-up or transformed into a creamy, chocolatey, or citrus-infused creation, there’s an espresso drink for every mood. 

The beauty of espresso is its versatility — you can experiment and find your perfect cup. For more coffee recipes and functional formulas, visit the Everyday Dose blog today.

Sources:

The Long History of the Espresso Machine | Smithsonian

The History of: Americano Coffee | USC

Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more | Mayo Clinic

L-Theanine for Sleep | Sleep Foundation