Coffee Drinks Compared: The Ultimate Guide to 10 Popular Options
There’s espresso. Then there’s flat white, latte, cortado, ristretto, long black... and before you know it, you're staring at a board full of words that all sound vaguely familiar but mean very different things.
This guide compares the 10 most popular coffee drinks, not with over-complicated brewing guides, but in plain English. You'll learn what sets each drink apart and where it sits on the spectrum from strong and short to sweet and silky.
To dive deeper, each section links to a full comparison between two similar drinks. That’s where you’ll find the details that actually help you choose the right one.
Short and Strong
If you like your coffee quick, bold, and no-nonsense, these are the drinks you’re deciding between.
Espresso vs Ristretto – One is the classic shot, the other’s even shorter and sweeter.
Read the comparison here.Macchiato vs Cortado – Both add milk to espresso, but the difference in balance is huge.
Read the comparison here.
Creamy but Coffee-Forward
You want the taste of espresso, but with a touch of silky milk — not drowned, not weak.
Flat White vs Cortado – Both are strong and smooth, but the milk texture and size matter.
Read the comparison here.Flat White vs Latte – Same ingredients, totally different feel in the cup.
Read the comparison here.Cappuccino vs Flat White – A classic foamy cup versus a modern creamy one.
Read the comparison here.
Milkier and Mellow
Prefer sipping something longer and softer? These are your options.
Latte vs Cappuccino – Both milky, but one’s smooth while the other’s foamy.
Read the comparison here.Mocha vs Latte – One is a treat, the other’s your everyday go-to.
Read the comparison here.Macchiato vs Mocha – Tiny espresso vs chocolate dessert in a mug.
Read the comparison here.
Black Coffee Options
If milk isn’t your thing but you still want more than a shot, these two are for you.
Americano vs Long Black – Same ingredients, totally different taste depending on the pour.
Read the comparison here.
What’s in the Cup? Espresso, Milk, and Water Ratios Compared
Ever wonder why a flat white tastes stronger than a latte, even though both contain milk and espresso? It’s not just the milk, it’s the ratio. How much milk, how much water, and whether it’s foam or steamed milk all make a difference.
This table gives you a simple way to compare the makeup of each drink. You’ll see how the balance shifts from bold and short to long and sweet, without needing to memorise every café menu.
| Drink | Espresso : Milk : Water | Taste Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 1 : 0 : 0 | Pure, concentrated shot |
| Ristretto | 1 : 0 : 0.5 | Sweeter, denser shot |
| Macchiato | 1 : 0.2 : 0 | Sharp espresso with slight softness |
| Cortado | 1 : 1 : 0 | Balanced espresso‑milk blend |
| Flat White | 1 : 2 : 0 | Smooth, creamy, coffee‑forward |
| Latte | 1 : 3–4 : 0 | Mild, creamy, milk‑heavy |
| Cappuccino | 1 : 1 : ~1 (foam) | Frothy, balanced, bold |
| Americano | 1 : 0 : 2–4 | Smooth black coffee |
| Long Black | 1 : 0 : 2–3 | Créma-rich black coffee |
| Mocha | 1 : 3–4 : +chocolate | Sweet, chocolatey treat |
Coffee menus don’t need to be confusing. Whether you’re after something punchy, silky, foamy or chocolatey, there’s a drink here that fits your taste. Hopefully now, next time you’re staring up at the options, you’ll know exactly what to order — and why it’s the right one for you.
