Specialty Coffee Drinks: Lattes, Cortados, and More Explained.

Introduction

Coffee culture isn’t just about black coffee it’s also about specialty drinks that combine espresso, milk, foam, and flavourings to create delicious variations. Understanding these drinks helps you order confidently at cafés or craft them at home.

This guide breaks down the most popular specialty coffee drinks, their ingredients, and tips for enjoying or making them yourself.

Popular Specialty Coffee Drinks

1. Latte

• Ingredients: 1 part espresso, 3 parts steamed milk, light milk foam
• Flavor Profile: Smooth, creamy, mild espresso taste
• Best For: Those who enjoy milk-forward drinks

2. Cappuccino

• Ingredients: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam
• Flavor Profile: Balanced, rich, with a frothy texture
• Best For: Morning coffee rituals

3. Cortado

• Ingredients: Equal parts espresso and steamed milk
• Flavor Profile: Strong espresso taste with creamy texture
• Best For: Quick, bold coffee with a small milk balance

4. Macchiato

• Ingredients: Espresso “stained” with a small amount of milk foam
• Flavor Profile: Strong, bold espresso flavor
• Best For: Espresso lovers who want just a hint of milk

5. Flat White

• Ingredients: Espresso with steamed milk, thin layer of microfoam
• Flavor Profile: Creamy texture, rich espresso forward
• Best For: Those who enjoy smooth, velvety drinks

6. Mocha

• Ingredients: Espresso, chocolate syrup, steamed milk, whipped cream optional
• Flavor Profile: Sweet, chocolatey, and indulgent
• Best For: Dessert-style coffee lovers

Step 1: Choosing the Right Drink

• Prefer mild & creamy? Go for a latte or flat white
• Want strong espresso flavor? Choose cortado or macchiato
• Craving sweet and indulgent? Try a mocha

Step 2: Brewing at Home

Tips for Home Baristas

• Use freshly ground espresso beans for the best flavor
• Froth milk using a steam wand, frother, or manual frothing tool
• Adjust coffee-to-milk ratios to match personal taste

Step 3: Enhancing Your Drink

• Add flavor syrups: vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut
• Experiment with plant-based milk: oat, almond, or soy
• Top with cinnamon, cocoa powder, or nutmeg for extra aroma

Conclusion

Specialty coffee drinks offer endless ways to enjoy espresso beyond the standard cup. By understanding ingredients, ratios, and flavor profiles, you can explore, customize, and savor coffee like a true enthusiast.

☕ Discover your favorite specialty drink, and elevate your coffee experience.

Author.

Brendon McAliece is a multi-lingual expat who brings over three decades of flight simulator/PC building experience as well as over two decades of real-world jet fighter experience as a weapons/egress technician. He holds a sport pilot certificate giving him real-world flying experience.

His travels have taken him from Europe to the Middle East, Asia and his home of Australia. He has a passion for travel, languages, Flight simulation as well as Guitaring and Coffee.

You can read more in his blogs below.

Learn more @

DreamingGuitar.com – DreamingCoffee.com – LetsFlyVFR.com

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