Coffee menus can feel a little confusing at first. Many drinks sound different but are built from the same simple ingredients — coffee, milk, foam, and sometimes water.

Understanding a few common drinks makes it much easier to enjoy coffee at home or order confidently when you’re out.

Below is a simple guide to several popular coffee styles and what makes each one unique.

Latte

A latte is one of the most common coffee drinks. It combines espresso with steamed milk and a small amount of foam.

Because it contains more milk than other drinks, the flavor is smooth and mild.

Spanish Latte

A Spanish latte is similar to a regular latte but includes sweetened condensed milk, which adds sweetness and a richer texture.

It’s a good choice for people who prefer a sweeter coffee.

Cappuccino

A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.

The thicker foam layer gives the drink a stronger coffee flavor than a latte.

Americano

An Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso.

This creates a drink that tastes similar to regular brewed coffee but often has a slightly richer flavor.

Dalgona Coffee

Dalgona coffee became popular online and is made by whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it forms a fluffy foam.

The whipped coffee is spooned over milk for a layered drink.

Cold Brew

Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for many hours.

The result is a smoother, less acidic coffee that is often served over ice.

Popular Coffee Drinks Explained Chart