Welcome to the Beginner’s Guide to Coffee! In this episode, we’ll be exploring the world of espresso-based drinks. While we won’t be providing exact recipes for the 15 different drinks we’ll cover, we’ll give you a brief history and an idea of what to expect when ordering or making these beverages.
Let’s start with espresso, a small, strong coffee brewed under pressure and topped with a red-brown foam called crema. The Italian National Espresso Institute has a precise definition for Italian espresso, but there are various ways to make espresso today. It’s important to note that a single espresso refers to seven grams of coffee, while a double espresso is brewed with more coffee in a double basket.
When it comes to espresso-based drinks, there’s often confusion surrounding the difference between a single and a double espresso. Modern coffee shops typically serve a double espresso as standard, while traditional coffee shops stick to a single espresso. In Italy, a coffee order is simply referred to as “un caffe.”
Now, let’s explore some variations of espresso-based drinks.

Ristretto
Have you ever heard of a ristretto? This variation of espresso is known for its restricted flow, resulting in a more intense and textured flavor. To achieve a ristretto, you can either cut the shot short or grind the coffee finer to slow down the flow. The ratio for a ristretto is generally one-to-one or one-to-one-and-a-half.
Lungo
If you prefer a longer coffee, you’ll enjoy the lungo. This espresso-based drink has a higher ratio of water to coffee, resulting in a milder flavor compared to a traditional espresso. The lungo is not simply a case of pushing more water through the same coffee puck; it involves grinding the coffee coarser and allowing more liquid to flow. The ratio for a lungo can range from one-to-three to one-to-six.
Espresso con Panna
Espresso con panna is an espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream or double cream. This variation is more commonly seen outside of Italy and is often served with darker roasts to balance out bitterness.
Macchiato
The macchiato, which means “marked” or “stained” in Italian, has a fascinating history. Traditionally, it referred to a small amount of milk added to an espresso. Baristas would distinguish between plain espresso and macchiatos by adding a dot of foam on top. However, modern macchiatos have evolved and now often include a one-to-one ratio of espresso and steamed milk with a thin layer of foam. Beware of the caramel macchiato, often similar to a latte with caramel drizzle, as it can cause confusion in coffee shops.
Espresso Romano
Espresso Romano is a simple yet intriguing drink. It consists of a shot of espresso served with a twist or slice of lemon. While it’s advisable to use a lemon twist with lighter roasts, a lemon slice can complement darker roasts by adding a touch of acidity.
Cortado
The cortado is a Spanish or Portuguese drink that combines equal parts of espresso and steamed milk. It originated as a smaller-sized latte and has since evolved, with variations across different coffee shops. The modern cortado can range from a one-to-one ratio to a one-to-three ratio of coffee to milk.
Piccolo Latte
Originally not from Italy, the Piccolo Latte is a smaller version of a latte. It typically consists of a single shot of espresso with a ratio of one-to-two to one-to-four coffee to milk. There may be some overlap between the cortado and the Piccolo Latte in specialty coffee shops.
Americano
The Americano is said to have been born from American soldiers stationed in Italy after World War II who wanted their espresso to resemble American-style filtered coffee. To achieve this, hot water is used to dilute the espresso. The ratio for an Americano can vary from one-to-three to one-to-five.
Long Black
Similar to an Americano, the Long Black originated in Australia and New Zealand. It involves pouring a double ristretto on top of hot water, resulting in a stronger and slightly more textured drink compared to an Americano.
Cappuccino
The cappuccino has a fascinating history that predates espresso. It originally comes from Vienna and was called a “kapuziner.” The modern cappuccino is characterized by its relatively strong coffee flavor and a thick layer of micro-foamed milk on top. Many coffee shops adhere to the “rule of thirds,” which specifies equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, although this rule isn’t universally followed.
Caffe Latte
The caffe latte, despite its Italian name, is a drink that evolved outside of Italy. It is often associated with the French cafe au lait and is defined by its relatively weak coffee flavor and higher ratio of milk to coffee. The caffe latte can vary in ratio from one-to-four to one-to-six, and it’s a popular choice for those who enjoy a sweeter, milkier taste.
Flat White
The flat white is a drink that has sparked some contention between Australia and New Zealand. It is believed to have emerged as a response to the overly frothy cappuccinos of the 1990s. A flat white is typically a small, strong latte with a double shot of espresso and a thin layer of foam on top. While its origins are disputed, it has become a popular choice in specialty coffee shops, especially those influenced by the Antipodean coffee culture.
Other Espresso-Based Drinks
There are a few more drinks worth mentioning, such as the Red Eye, which is filtered coffee with a shot of espresso, and the Breve Latte, which replaces milk with half and half. Another intriguing beverage is the Gibraltar, named after the glass it’s served in. Originating in San Francisco, the Gibraltar is a small, strong latte with a little foam on top.
So there you have it, a comprehensive overview of espresso-based drinks! Each one offers a unique flavor and experience, so feel free to explore and find your favorite. And if you ever want to learn more about coffee and expand your knowledge, visit the Marmalade Cafe for all things coffee-related. Happy caffeinating!