Everything You Ever Wanted to Know—Without the Coffee Snobbery
Walk into any coffee shop and the menu can feel like a foreign language. Espresso, doppio, lungo, ristretto… wait, aren’t they all just tiny, strong coffees?
Well—yes and no.
If you've ever been confused by espresso-based drink names, you're not alone. In this guide, we’re breaking down the classics, from bold shots to silky pours, and helping you find your perfect cup.
Let’s dive in. No latte art experience required. 👇
☕ What Is Espresso, Anyway?
Espresso isn’t a type of bean—it’s a brewing method. Hot water is forced through finely ground coffee under high pressure, producing a small, concentrated shot with a rich crema on top.
One shot = about 30ml (1 oz)
It’s the foundation for many of your favorite drinks.
🔹 1. Espresso (Single or Doppio)
- Taste: Intense, bold, slightly bitter
- Size: 1 oz (single) / 2 oz (double/doppio)
This is the classic. Served straight in a demitasse cup, espresso is strong, quick, and pure. If you love the raw flavor of coffee, this is your go-to.
🔹 2. Ristretto (aka the “short shot”)
- Taste: More concentrated, richer, less bitter
- Size: 0.75 oz
A ristretto uses the same amount of coffee as espresso but less water. The result? A syrupy, intense shot with a smooth finish. Great for those who love depth but not too much bitterness.
🔹 3. Lungo (aka the “long shot”)
- Taste: Milder, slightly more bitter
- Size: 1.5–2 oz
“Lungo” means “long” in Italian. It uses more water, extracting more from the coffee grounds. This results in a longer, lighter espresso with subtle bitter notes.
🔹 4. Americano
- Espresso + Hot Water
- Taste: Similar to drip coffee, but richer
- Size: 8–12 oz
Legend has it U.S. soldiers in Italy added water to espresso to recreate American-style coffee. Hence, “Americano.” It’s still strong but smoother and easier to sip.
🔹 5. Latte
- Espresso + Steamed Milk + Foam (just a little)
- Taste: Creamy, mellow
- Size: 12–16 oz
Lattes are milk-forward and ideal for people who enjoy coffee with a soft, comforting feel. Add a flavor shot (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut) and it’s a classic café favorite.
🔹 6. Cappuccino
- Espresso + Equal parts milk & foam
- Taste: Balanced, airy, rich
- Size: 6–8 oz
Smaller and stronger than a latte, a cappuccino has a more intense espresso taste and a luxuriously foamy top. Pro tip: sip without stirring to enjoy the texture layers.
🔹 7. Macchiato
- Espresso “marked” with foam or milk
- Taste: Bold, with just a hint of softness
- Size: 1–3 oz
“Macchiato” means “stained” or “marked” in Italian. A traditional macchiato is mostly espresso with a tiny bit of milk foam on top—not to be confused with those sugary versions at chain cafés.
🔹 8. Flat White
- Espresso + Steamed milk (microfoam)
- Taste: Smooth, creamy, less frothy than a latte
- Size: 5–6 oz
Born in Australia or New Zealand (depending who you ask), the flat white is all about texture. It’s stronger than a latte, milkier than a cappuccino, and incredibly velvety.
☕ Bonus: Which Should You Order?
| If you like... | Try this... |
|---|---|
| Strong & quick | Espresso or Ristretto |
| Less bitter but bold | Lungo or Flat White |
| Smooth & milky | Latte or Cappuccino |
| Big cup, slow sipping | Americano |
| Just a little coffee flavor | Macchiato |
💬 Final Sip
Knowing your espresso drinks doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you're a fan of rich ristretto or a latte lover, each drink has its own personality—and now, so do you.
Next time you walk into a café, order with confidence. And if you’re making espresso at home (hello, CHULUX espresso machine lovers!), now’s the perfect time to experiment.
📌 Pro Tip for Home Baristas:
With a semi-automatic or capsule espresso machine, try adjusting the water volume to explore the full range from ristretto to lungo at the touch of a button.
Image source: https://www.woon-magazine.nl/
