Top 19 'Menu-Mastering' Cafe Drinks to taste for beginners ready to order with confidence. - Goh Ling Yong
Walking into a bustling cafe for the first time can feel like stepping into another world. The hiss of the espresso machine, the rich aroma of roasted beans, and a menu board filled with Italian words can be both exciting and incredibly intimidating. What's the difference between a latte and a cappuccino? Is a macchiato just a tiny coffee? And what on earth is a flat white?
If you've ever felt a wave of menu anxiety, you're not alone. We've all been there, defaulting to the "usual" or pointing at a picture because we're not quite sure what to ask for. But the world of cafe drinks is a vast, delicious landscape just waiting to be explored. Ordering with confidence isn't about knowing everything; it's about knowing what you like and having a few key terms under your belt.
This guide is your personal translator and trusty companion for your next cafe adventure. We're going to break down 19 of the most popular and essential cafe drinks, from foundational espresso shots to creamy, non-coffee delights. By the end of this list, you'll be ready to walk up to any counter, understand the menu, and order something you'll truly love. Let's master that menu together!
1. Espresso
The Foundation of Almost Everything
Think of espresso as the heart and soul of the coffee world. It’s not a type of bean, but rather a brewing method where a small amount of near-boiling water is forced under high pressure through finely-ground coffee beans. The result is a small, concentrated shot of coffee with a rich, syrupy body and a layer of reddish-brown foam on top called crema. The crema holds much of the coffee's aroma and flavor, so you want to see a nice, thick layer.
An espresso shot is intense, complex, and meant to be sipped and savored (often quickly, while standing at the bar in Italy). It’s the purest expression of the coffee bean's character. If you want to truly taste the nuances of a cafe's chosen roast, ordering a single or double shot of espresso is the way to go. It’s a bold choice for a beginner, but an essential one to understand.
Pro-Tip: Don't be afraid to ask the barista about the "espresso of the day." They can tell you about its flavor profile—whether it's nutty, chocolatey, or fruity—which can help you decide if you want to try it straight or in a milk-based drink.
2. Americano
The Familiar Friend
If a shot of espresso feels a bit too intense, an Americano is your perfect entry point into the world of black coffee. The story goes that American soldiers in Italy during WWII found the local espresso too strong, so they would add hot water to dilute it, creating a drink closer in strength to the drip coffee they were used to back home. An Americano is simply a shot (or two) of espresso with hot water added.
This drink gives you the rich, nuanced flavor of espresso but in a larger, more sippable format. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a quality coffee bean without the heaviness of milk or sugar. It’s clean, straightforward, and a staple in cafes worldwide for a reason.
How to Order: You can get it hot or iced. An Iced Americano is incredibly refreshing on a warm day—just espresso, cold water, and ice.
3. Long Black
The Americano's Crafty Cousin
At first glance, a Long Black looks identical to an Americano. The ingredients are the same: espresso and hot water. However, the magic is in the method. To make a Long Black, the barista pours hot water into the cup first, and then carefully pours the espresso shots on top.
Why does this matter? By adding the espresso last, the beautiful, aromatic crema is preserved on the surface of the drink, rather than being broken up by the rush of hot water. This results in a slightly more aromatic and flavorful first sip. It’s a subtle difference, but one that coffee purists appreciate. If you enjoy the taste of an Americano, try a Long Black next time to see if you can spot the difference.
4. Latte
The Creamy Crowd-Pleaser
The Caffè Latte is arguably the most popular espresso drink in the world, and for good reason. It’s a comforting and approachable mix of a shot of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a very thin layer of milk foam. The high ratio of milk to coffee makes the espresso's flavor smoother and less intense, resulting in a creamy, mellow, and satisfying drink.
Lattes are a perfect canvas for flavors. This is where you can add vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup to create a sweeter treat. They are also the drink of choice for "latte art," where baristas pour the steamed milk in such a way as to create beautiful designs like hearts and ferns on the surface.
Good to Know: An Iced Latte is just as popular. It’s made with espresso, cold milk (not steamed), and ice. It’s a simple, refreshing, and endlessly customizable classic.
5. Cappuccino
The Foam-Lover's Dream
A cappuccino is often confused with a latte, but they are distinctly different experiences. A traditional cappuccino is a balanced drink of thirds: one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third airy, voluminous milk foam on top. This creates a luxurious, layered drink. The first sip is light and foamy, followed by the richer, creamier coffee underneath.
Because of the lower milk-to-espresso ratio compared to a latte, the coffee flavor in a cappuccino is more pronounced. It’s for those who love the texture of foam and want a slightly stronger coffee kick than a latte provides. In many traditional cafes, you might get a light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top.
Wet vs. Dry: You can even customize it! A "wet" cappuccino has a bit more steamed milk and less foam (making it closer to a latte), while a "dry" cappuccino has very little steamed milk and a big, cloud-like cap of foam.
6. Flat White
The Velvety Powerhouse
Hailing from Australia or New Zealand (the debate rages on!), the Flat White has become a global sensation. It’s made with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk, but the key is the milk’s texture. The milk is steamed to create a "microfoam"—a velvety, liquid texture with no visible bubbles. This creamy milk is then poured over the espresso, integrating perfectly to create a drink with a strong, rich coffee flavor and a smooth, "flat" surface.
A Flat White typically has less milk and foam than a latte, so the espresso is the star of the show. It’s the perfect drink for someone who finds a cappuccino too foamy and a latte too milky. It delivers a robust coffee flavor in a silky, elegant package.
7. Macchiato
The Espresso with a "Stain"
Don't confuse this with the caramel-drizzled giant you might see at chain coffee shops! A traditional Caffe Macchiato is a beautiful, simple drink. The word macchiato means "stained" or "marked" in Italian, and that’s exactly what this is: a shot of espresso "stained" with a small dollop of steamed milk foam.
This is a drink for the espresso lover. The tiny bit of milk foam doesn't significantly dilute the coffee; it just cuts the initial intensity of the espresso and adds a hint of creamy texture. It’s a powerful, coffee-forward drink served in a small demitasse cup. It’s the perfect middle ground between a straight espresso and a cappuccino.
8. Cortado
The Perfectly Balanced Cut
Originating in Spain, the Cortado is another small but mighty drink that celebrates balance. The name comes from the Spanish word cortar, meaning "to cut." The drink consists of equal parts espresso and lightly steamed milk. The milk "cuts" the acidity and intensity of the espresso, but not enough to mask its flavor.
Unlike a macchiato, it uses steamed milk instead of just foam, and unlike a cappuccino, it has very little foam. The result is a smooth, strong, and wonderfully balanced small drink. It’s served in a small glass and is perfect for a quick afternoon pick-me-up when you want something stronger than a latte but smoother than an espresso.
9. Mocha
The Coffee and Chocolate Love Story
What happens when you combine coffee and chocolate? Pure magic. A Mocha (or Mocaccino) is essentially a latte with chocolate added. It’s typically made with a shot of espresso, chocolate syrup or cocoa powder, steamed milk, and often topped with whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle.
It's the perfect "gateway" coffee for beginners or for anyone with a sweet tooth. The rich chocolate complements the bitterness of the espresso beautifully, creating a decadent and comforting drink that feels like a dessert in a mug. It’s a reliable and delicious choice that you’ll find in almost any cafe.
10. Caramel Macchiato (Cafe Style)
The Sweet & Famous One
Let’s be clear: this is not a traditional Macchiato. Popularized by chains like Starbucks, the modern Caramel Macchiato is more like an upside-down vanilla latte with a caramel twist. It's built in layers: vanilla syrup goes in the cup first, followed by steamed milk. The espresso shots are then poured gently over the top, and the drink is finished with a cross-hatch of caramel drizzle.
This layered construction means your first sips are strong and coffee-forward, and it gets sweeter and milkier as you drink. It’s an undeniably delicious and wildly popular sweet treat. Just remember its name is a bit of a misnomer if you ever find yourself in a traditional Italian cafe!
11. Iced Latte
The Refreshing Classic
Simple, classic, and perfect for a hot day. An Iced Latte is exactly what it sounds like: a shot or two of espresso poured over ice and topped with cold milk. There's no steaming involved, making it a quick and easy drink to prepare.
The beauty of the Iced Latte is its versatility. You can customize it with any flavor syrup you like, from vanilla to lavender. You can also swap out the dairy milk for alternatives like oat, almond, or soy milk. Oat milk, in particular, makes for an exceptionally creamy and delicious iced latte. It's a blank canvas for your perfect cold coffee creation.
12. Affogato
The Dessert in Disguise
Is it a dessert or is it a drink? The answer is: who cares, it’s delicious! The Affogato is the simplest and most elegant coffee dessert you'll ever have. The name means "drowned" in Italian, and it involves pouring a fresh, hot shot of espresso over a scoop of cold vanilla gelato or ice cream.
The contrast between the hot, bitter espresso and the cold, sweet ice cream is simply divine. The espresso melts the ice cream into a creamy, coffee-flavored pool that is utterly irresistible. It’s usually served in a small bowl or glass and eaten with a spoon. If you see this on a menu, you owe it to yourself to try it.
13. Hot Chocolate
The Ultimate Comfort Drink
Sometimes, you just don’t want coffee. On those days, a well-made Hot Chocolate is a hug in a mug. Forget the watery, powdered stuff from a packet. A great cafe hot chocolate is made with either high-quality melted chocolate or rich cocoa powder, blended into perfectly steamed, velvety milk.
It’s rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying. Many cafes offer variations, such as dark hot chocolate for a more intense flavor, white hot chocolate for a sweeter treat, or even spicy Mexican hot chocolate with a hint of cinnamon and chili. Topped with whipped cream or marshmallows, it’s a timeless classic for all ages.
14. Chai Latte
The Spiced & Aromatic Delight
If you're a fan of warming spices, a Chai Latte is for you. "Chai" is simply the Hindi word for "tea," but in the Western world, it refers to Masala Chai—a black tea infused with a blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper.
A Chai Latte is made by mixing a sweetened chai tea concentrate with steamed milk. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy. It contains some caffeine from the black tea, but typically less than a coffee-based latte, making it a great afternoon option. The aroma alone is enough to make you feel cozy and content.
15. Matcha Latte
The Earthy & Energizing Green Giant
Vibrant green and packed with antioxidants, the Matcha Latte has become a cafe superstar. Matcha is a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves. Instead of steeping the leaves, you're consuming the entire leaf, which gives it a powerful, earthy flavor and a bigger caffeine kick than regular green tea.
To make a Matcha Latte, the matcha powder is first whisked with a small amount of hot water to form a smooth paste, then combined with steamed milk. It has a unique flavor profile—it’s vegetal, slightly sweet, and has a pleasant, savory umami note. As someone who appreciates unique flavor profiles, like those Goh Ling Yong often explores in food, the Matcha Latte is a must-try for the adventurous palate.
16. London Fog
The Tea Latte's Elegant Answer
This is a drink that sounds as sophisticated as it tastes. A London Fog is a tea-based latte made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a touch of vanilla syrup. Earl Grey tea is a black tea blend flavored with oil of bergamot, which gives it a distinctive citrusy, floral aroma.
The combination of the floral Earl Grey, sweet vanilla, and creamy milk is wonderfully elegant and comforting. It’s a fantastic coffee-free alternative that still feels like a special, handcrafted cafe beverage. If you love a good cup of tea, this is the perfect way to elevate it.
17. Iced Tea
The Simple Thirst-Quencher
Never underestimate the power of a simple, refreshing Iced Tea. Far from the overly sweet bottled versions, a freshly brewed iced tea from a cafe can be a truly delightful drink. It’s typically made with black tea, but many cafes also offer green or herbal options like hibiscus or peppermint.
You can usually order it sweetened or unsweetened, allowing you to control the sugar content. Often served with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint, it’s the ultimate palate cleanser and thirst-quencher on a sweltering day. It’s a simple, no-fuss choice that always delivers.
18. Cold Brew
The Smooth & Potent Operator
Cold Brew is not the same as iced coffee. While iced coffee is regular hot coffee that has been cooled down and poured over ice, Cold Brew is a completely different brewing method. Coarsely ground coffee is steeped in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period—typically 12 to 24 hours.
This slow, low-temperature extraction process results in a coffee concentrate that is incredibly smooth, low in acidity, and naturally sweeter than hot-brewed coffee. It’s also very potent, often containing more caffeine than a regular coffee. It’s usually served over ice, either black or with a splash of milk or cream. My personal journey into coffee, much like some of the food explorations Goh Ling Yong documents, started with the surprising smoothness of a well-made cold brew.
19. Frappé / Blended Coffee
The Ultimate Coffee Milkshake
When you want a decadent, icy, dessert-like treat, a Frappé is the answer. The name and exact recipe can vary from cafe to cafe, but the core concept is the same: coffee, milk, ice, and sometimes sugar or flavor syrups are blended together until smooth and frothy.
It’s essentially a coffee milkshake. Common flavors include mocha, caramel, and vanilla, and they are almost always topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream. It's not a subtle drink—it's a fun, sweet, and indulgent treat designed to be enjoyed on a hot day or whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
Your Cafe Adventure Awaits
And there you have it—your comprehensive guide to mastering the cafe menu. That list of 19 drinks may seem long, but now you have the knowledge to understand the core differences between them. You can walk into any coffee shop, scan the menu, and know exactly what you're looking at.
The best part about coffee and cafe culture is the journey of discovery. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. If you always order a latte, try a flat white for a stronger coffee flavor. If you're a black coffee drinker, give a Cortado a try. The baristas are there to help, so never hesitate to ask for their recommendation.
Now you're equipped to order with confidence and find your new favorite drink. Go forth and explore the wonderful world of cafe creations!
What's the first drink you're going to try from this list, or what's your long-time favorite? Share your go-to cafe order in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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