16 Types of Coffee to Fuel Your Next Caffeine Fix

By: Elena Tralwyn  | 
coffee
Whether your morning fix is a shot of espresso or any number of other coffee drinks, you know there's more to a cup of joe than a simple pour. Oleg Breslavtsev / Getty Images

Coffee is more than just a morning ritual; it's a global phenomenon.

With so many types of coffee out there, it’s easy to find a brew that satisfies your taste buds, matches your mood and even complements the weather outside. Whether you’re into rich espresso or chilled cold brew, every style offers a unique experience.

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Here’s a flavorful rundown of the world’s most beloved coffee drinks.

1. Espresso

Espresso
Espresso. Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

The heart of many popular coffee drinks, espresso is a concentrated shot made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans. Known for its intense coffee flavor, it forms the base of drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos.

A double shot ups the ante on both flavor and caffeine content, making it a hit with espresso enthusiasts.

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2. Latte

Latte
Latte. Tom Werner / Getty Images

A latte is made by mixing hot espresso with steamed milk, topped with a bit of milk foam. This drink offers a creamy texture and smooth taste that appeals to a wide range of coffee drinkers.

Add flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel, and you've got a café favorite that never goes out of style.

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3. Cappuccino

Capuccino
Capuccino. New Africa / Shutterstock

Similar to a latte but with more foam, the cappuccino is all about balance. It typically includes equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foam.

The fluffy frothed milk adds a lightness to the drink that pairs perfectly with its robust base.

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4. Mocha

Mocha
Mocha. Tara Moore / Getty Images

Perfect for coffee lovers who also crave chocolate, a mocha blends espresso combined with chocolate syrup, steamed milk and often a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of cocoa powder seals the deal for dessert-like richness.

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5. Macchiato

Macchiato
Macchiato. SrdjanPav / Getty Images

An espresso-forward drink, the macchiato is a regular espresso shot "stained" with a touch of milk foam. There are variations like the caramel macchiato, which involve mixing espresso with sweet flavors and more milk for a layered drink.

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6. Black Coffee

Black coffee
Black coffee. Stefania Pelfini, La Waziya Phot / Getty Images

Black coffee is as straightforward as it gets: ground coffee brewed with water, no frills.

It’s ideal for purists who want to experience the flavor of different coffee bean types, especially arabica or robusta coffee — and great for anyone watching their sugar or cream intake too.

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7. Iced Coffee

Iced coffee
Iced coffee. Anna Mardo / Getty Images

Iced coffee is simply regular brewed coffee that’s chilled and served over ice. It’s a quick and refreshing way to drink coffee on hot days. Unlike cold brew, it’s brewed hot and then cooled, giving it a sharper flavor profile.

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8. Decaffeinated Coffee

Decaffeinated coffee
Decaffeinated coffee. Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

Decaffeinated coffee gives you the same coffee flavor without the buzz. Whether you're sensitive to caffeine or just want a cozy evening cup, decaf ensures you don’t have to sacrifice your love of the brew.

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9. Cold Brew

cold brew
Cold brew. hiroyuki nakai / Getty Images

A cold coffee drink made by steeping ground coffee in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, cold brew coffee is smoother and often perceived as less acidic than traditional brews, although its pH is similar and perceived acidity varies by roast and brew method.

It's often served over ice cubes and can be sweetened or blended with cold milk for a mellow treat. Some versions use nitrogen to create nitro coffee, which has a creamy head like beer.

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10. Instant Coffee

instant coffee
Instant coffee. Irina Marwan / Getty Images

Made from coffee brewed into a concentrate and then dried, instant coffee is beloved for its convenience. Just add hot water and stir — no fancy equipment required.

It’s especially popular in places where brewing coffee isn’t part of the daily culture.

11. Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee
Turkish coffee. Marina Cavusoglu / Getty Images

This ancient coffee beverage made by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water and sugar in a small pot called a cezve. The result is unfiltered and strong, with coffee grounds settling at the bottom. Served in small cups, it’s a staple across the Middle East and Balkans.

12. South Indian Filter Coffee

South Indian filter coffee
South Indian filter coffee. AshaSathees Photography / Getty Images

Made with a metal filter and often using arabica beans, this strong brew is mixed with hot milk and sugar for a creamy, flavorful treat. Popular in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, it’s the pride of South Indian households.

13. Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnamese coffee
Vietnamese coffee. Antonio Hugo Photo / Getty Images

Bold, sweet and deeply satisfying, Vietnamese coffee is typically made using a metal drip filter called a phin, which brews strong coffee directly into a cup. It’s often combined with sweetened condensed milk and served over ice for a refreshing twist known as cà phê sữa đá.

The result? A rich, slow-dripped drink with intense flavor and creamy sweetness.

14. Coffee Milk

Coffee milk
Coffee milk. urbazon / Getty Images

A lesser-known gem, coffee milk is made by combining cold milk with coffee syrup (a sweetened coffee concentrate). It’s especially popular in Rhode Island and has a nostalgic charm that keeps fans coming back.

15. Chai-coffee Hybrids

Chai tea latte
Chai tea latte. Cris Cantón / Getty Images

Yes, chai and coffee can co-exist! Drinks like dirty chai combine chai tea and espresso for a spicy, caffeinated experience. These hybrids are gaining popularity for their unique flavor and cultural fusion.

16. Alcoholic Coffee Drinks

Irish coffee
Irish coffee. ©Daniela White Images / Getty Images

These combine the kick of coffee with the warmth of spirits. Think Irish coffee (with whiskey and fresh cream) or coffee cocktails served in coffee houses and bars. They offer a rich, warming twist for adventurous sippers.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

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