38 Ways to Make a Coffee

Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages around the world, enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you’re a coffee novice, or a seasoned barista, there’s always something new to learn about this versatile drink. Here’s a guide to 38 different ways to make a coffee, from classic methods to innovative techniques.


  1. Espresso

A strong, concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. It’s the base for many other coffee drinks.

2. Americano

Dilute a shot of espresso with hot water for a smooth, rich coffee that is less intense than a straight espresso.

3. Latte

A creamy coffee made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk topped with a small amount of foam.

4. Cappuccino

Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, creating a balanced and frothy coffee drink.

5. Mocha

A chocolate-flavoured coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk and chocolate syrup, often topped with whipped cream.

6. Flat White

Similar to a latte but with a higher ratio of coffee to milk, resulting in a stronger flavour.

7. Cortado

Equal parts espresso and steamed milk, typically served in a small glass. 

8. Affogato

A dessert coffee made by pouring a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

9. Irish Coffee

A combination of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a layer of cream.

10. Macchiato

A shot of espresso “stained” with a small amount of steamed milk or foam

11. Turkish Coffee

Finely ground coffee beans simmered with water and sugar, often flavoured with cardamom, served unfiltered.

12. French Press

Coffee grounds steeped in hot water, then separated by pressing a metal or plastic plunger through a mesh sieve.

13. Pour-over

Hot water is poured over coffee grounds in a filter, allowing the coffee to drip into a carafe or mug below.

14. Cold Brew

Coarsely ground coffee beans steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a smooth low-acid coffee.

15. AeroPress

A fast and easy method that uses air pressure to push hot water through coffee grounds, producing a smooth, strong cup. 

16. Drip Coffee

Hot water drips through coffee grounds in a filter and into a pot or carafe, common in many households and offices.

17. Moka Pot

A stovetop espresso maker that brews coffee by passing boiling water pressurized by steam through ground coffee.

18. Siphon Coffee

A vacuum coffee maker brews coffee using two chambers where vapor pressure and vacuum produce coffee.

19. Vietnamese Coffee

Strong coffee made with a drip filter, often served with sweetened condensed milk over ice.

20. Instant Coffee

Dehydrated coffee crystals that dissolve in hot water, providing a quick and convenient caffeine fix.

21. Bulletproof Coffee

Coffee blended with butter and coconut oil or MCT oil, popular in ketogenic diets.

22. Nitro Coffee

Cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas, creating a creamy, stout-like texture.

23. Iced Coffee

Brewed coffee that's cooled and served over ice, often with milk or sweetener.

24. Frappuccino

A blended coffee drink is often topped with whipped cream and various syrups or flavourings.

25. Cafe Au Lait

Coffee with hot milk added, typically made with drip coffee instead of espresso.

26. Cubano

Espresso shot sweetened with sugar as it brews, resulting in a rich, caramelised flavour.

27. Espresso Con Panna

An espresso shot topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

28. Ristretto

A "short shot" of espresso made with the same amount of coffee but less water, resulting in a more concentrated flavour.

29. Red Eye

A cup of regular drip coffee with a shot of espresso added for an extra caffeine kick.

30. Black Eye

Two shots of espresso added to a cup of regular drip coffee.

31. Dalgona Coffee

Whipped coffee made by beating equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it becomes creamy, then adding it to cold or hot milk.

32. Café Bombón

Equal parts espresso and sweetened condensed milk, often layered for a beautiful presentation.

33. Kopi Tubruk

An Indonesian coffee made by boiling coarse coffee grounds and sugar together, resulting in a strong, unfiltered brew.

34. Mazagran

A cold coffee drink from Portugal made with espresso, lemon, sugar, and sometimes rum.

35. Frappe

A Greek iced coffee made by shaking instant coffee, water, and sugar until frothy, then adding ice and milk.

36. Breve

An American variation of the latte made with half-and-half instead of milk, creating a richer, creamier texture.

37. Vienna Coffee

Two shots of strong black coffee topped with whipped cream, sometimes dusted with chocolate or cinnamon.

38. Café de Olla

A traditional Mexican coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), often served in a clay pot.

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