30 Different Types of Coffee Drinks and Their Origins

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types of coffee drinks

Different types of coffee encompass a diverse range of hot and cold coffee drinks, made from roasted coffee beans grown in approximately 60 countries. Nearly three-quarters of Americans (74%) consume coffee daily according to a 2016 National Institutes of Health study by Erikka Loftfield. Preparation methods vary, including bean-to-cup machines, ground coffee, pads, pods, and instant coffee. So what is the most popular coffee type? The most widespread type of coffee globally is espresso, originating from Italy. Countless other types of coffee exist worldwide, each with its unique origin story, ingredients, flavor profile, variations, caffeine content, and potential health benefits.

According to the 2022 NACS State of the Industry Report, the most popular coffee drinks in the US among Baby Boomers and Gen X are traditional black coffee and americanos made from specialty coffee. Millennials, on the other hand, tend to prefer sweeter options such as lattes (both hot and iced), cappuccinos, mochas, and macchiatos. Cold coffee drinks, particularly cold brews and iced coffees, are experiencing a surge in popularity among Gen Z, with increases in consumption of 27% and 11% respectively.

This table summarizes common coffee drinks, their origins, ratio, ingredients, and serving sizes.

Name Origin Ratio of Ingredients Approx. Size (ml/oz)
Espresso Italy Single shot 30 mL / 1 oz
Ristretto Italy Short shot 15 mL / 0.5 oz
Lungo Italy Long shot 52 mL / 1.75 oz
Doppio Italy Double shot 60 mL / 2 oz
Macchiato Italy 2:1 Espresso, Foamed Milk 90 mL / 3 oz
Cortado Spain 1:1 Espresso, Steamed milk 60 mL / 2 oz
Cappuccino Italy 1:1:1 Espresso, Steamed milk, Foamed milk 90 mL / 3 oz
Latte Italy 1:2:1 Espresso, Steamed milk, Foamed milk 120 mL / 4 oz
Flat White Australia 2:1 Espresso, Steamed milk 90 mL / 3 oz
Mocha Yemen 1:2:1:1 Espresso, Chocolate syrup, Steamed milk, Foamed milk 240 mL / 8 oz
Affogato Italy 1:2 Espresso, Vanilla ice cream/Gelato 120 mL / 4 oz
Americano USA 1:4 Espresso, Hot water 150 mL / 5 oz
Black Coffee Global 1:17 Ground coffee beans, Hot water 240 mL / 8 oz
Cafe Au Lait France 1:1 Strong drip coffee, Steamed milk 240 mL / 8 oz
Cafe con Leche Spain 1:1 Espresso, Scalded milk 60 mL / 2 oz
Vienna Coffee Austria 2:1 Espresso, Whipped cream 120 mL / 4 oz
Bicerin Coffee Italy 2:2:2 Espresso, Hot chocolate, Fresh Cream 180 mL / 6 oz
Cafe Bombon Spain 1:1 Espresso, Condensed milk 60 mL / 2 oz
Irish Coffee Ireland 3:1:1 Coffee, Irish whiskey, Whipped cream 240 mL / 8 oz
Dirty Chai Australia 1:1:1/2 Espresso, Brewed chai tea, Steamed milk 360 mL / 12 oz
Dalgona Coffee South Korea 1:1:1 Instant coffee, Sugar, Hot water 90 mL / 3 oz
Instant Coffee Global 1:8 Dehydrated instant coffee, Hot watter 240 mL / 8 oz
Cold Brew Japan 1:8 Coarse-ground beans, Cold water 360 mL / 12 oz
Nitro Cold Brew USA 1:8 Coarse-ground beans, Cold water, Nitrogen gas 360 mL / 12 oz
Iced Coffee Algeria 1:1 Brewed coffee, Cold water, Ice cubes 240 mL / 8 oz
Vietnamese Coffee Vietnam 1:1 Dark roast Robusta beans, Condensed milk 60 mL / 2 oz
Greek Coffee Greece 1:12 Finely ground coffee, Hot water 60 mL / 2 oz
Turkish Coffee Turkey 1:10 Finely ground coffee, Hot water 120 mL / 4 oz
Mushroom Coffee Finland 1:8 Ground coffee, Functional mushrooms 240 mL / 8 oz
Galeo Coffee Portugal 1:3 Espresso, Foamed milk 240 mL / 8 oz

Regarding caffeine content, different coffee drinks contain varying amounts, ranging from 40 milligrams in Greek coffee to over 300 milligrams in Black Eye coffee. These levels depend on factors such as the type of beans (Arabica and Robusta), origin, brewing temperature, and coffee-to-water ratio, as confirmed by a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

At Powerbean Coffee, we specialize in organic and fair trade single-origin coffees sourced from over 12 regions, including Eastern Africa, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. Our coffee beans consistently achieve a specialty grade score of 83-84 points by the Specialty Coffee Association, making them the perfect choice to discover your favorite among the delicious range of coffee drinks explained below.

coffee drinks explained

1. Espresso

Espresso is a highly concentrated Italian type of coffee made from finely ground medium roast beans. It's known for its rich flavor and quick preparation, dominating coffee cultures worldwide. A single shot of espresso, approximately 30 mL, contains about 63 milligrams of caffeine, though this amount can vary significantly, with some shots containing up to 322 mg, as a 2012 University of Glasgow study discovered. University of Porto research indicates espresso boosts attention, memory, and executive function, while a University of Cologne study suggests three shots a day enhance long-term memory.

2. Ristretto

Ristretto is a highly concentrated espresso originating in cities like Milan and Turin since the early 1900s, using half the water for the same coffee grounds, typically 15 ml per 7-9g. It's known for its bold, intense flavor, which is smoother and less bitter than regular espresso. The term "ristretto" means "restricted" in Italian, indicating its concentrated nature. A single ristretto shot contains about 30-40 mg of caffeine, less than regular espresso due to shorter extraction, making it less acidic and suitable for those with sensitive stomachs. Brewing ristretto requires a quality espresso machine capable of precise control or a specific ristretto function.

3. Lungo

Coffee lungo is a type of Italian coffee that's less intense than espresso, served in a larger cup (100 ml to 250 ml). It is made by extracting espresso under lower pressure or diluting it with hot water and is often enjoyed with milk or cream. Originating from 20th-century Italy, "lungo" translates to 'long,' indicating its more diluted strength yet preserving the classic espresso flavor. The caffeine content in a lungo is 10-20% higher than in espresso shots (70 to 90 mg per serving), attributed to its longer extraction time.

4. Doppio

A doppio is a double espresso shot made from medium to dark roast, approximately 60 milliliters, requiring about 14-18 grams of coffee grounds. Popular since the 1950s, it contains roughly 125mg of caffeine and can be enjoyed alone or used in various espresso-based drinks like a Black Eye or Espresso macchiato.

5. Macchiato

A macchiato is an Italian type of coffee drink with one 30 ml shot of espresso and a small amount of foam on top; "macchiato" means "stained" in Italian, showing how it's made. This drink is famous for its strong flavor and a bit of creaminess, containing about 40-80 mg of caffeine. Making a macchiato requires an espresso machine, medium roast coffee beans, and a bit of milk foam, taking just 1-2 minutes, perfect for those who love a quick, strong coffee.

6. Cortado

A Cortado is an espresso drink from Spain, mixing equal parts espresso and steamed milk for a smooth taste. It's been popular since the 1960s and can be found worldwide, with a variation called Gibraltar, which doubles the espresso and milk. Making a Cortado involves an espresso maker, freshly ground fine coffee grounds, and a steam wand, aiming for about 63-125 mg of caffeine per serving.

7. Cappuccino

A cappuccino is a traditional Italian coffee made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, dating back to the early 20th century. It's known for its mix of richness and lightness and has become popular worldwide, especially since the 1980s. A 16-ounce cappuccino has about 173 mg of caffeine, which means roughly 10.81 mg per fluid ounce. However, according to the Brazilian Caffeine Content Table (BraCaffT), a cappuccino has about 32 mg per 100 mL.

8. Latte

A latte, or 'caffè latte' in Italian, means 'milk coffee' and combines 1/3 espresso with 2/3 steamed milk and a bit of foam on top. It's popular worldwide, especially in the US since the 1980s, for its smooth taste. Unlike a chai latte, which is tea-based and has less caffeine, a coffee latte is richer in caffeine; a 16 oz coffee latte has about 173 mg of caffeine, more than a chai latte's 95 mg. An Oregon State University study in 2013 showed that drinking a 12-oz café latte daily doesn't change cholesterol much but can raise blood sugar levels by nearly 12%.

9. Flat White

A Flat White, first made in Australia in the 1980s, is served in a small 150-160 ml ceramic cup with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk. A homemade serving contains around 130 mg of caffeine, while a Starbucks Grande offers 225 to 250 mg. To make one, you need an espresso machine with a steam wand for the milk.

10. Mocha

A Mocha combines espresso, chocolate powder, and steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream. Originating from Yemen's port city of Al Mokha in the 15th century, Mocha gained global popularity, especially in the US and Europe, with variations like peppermint mocha emerging since the early 2000s. Mocha does contain caffeine, ranging from 60-80 milligrams in an 8-ounce serving with a single shot of espresso to about 130-150 mg with a double shot in a 12 fl oz cup.

11. Affogato

The Affogato, also known as "affogato al caffè," is an Italian coffee dessert that started in the 1950s. It's made with a 30 ml shot of hot espresso brewed from medium roast coffee beans, mixed with 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream or gelato (50-70 grams), and sometimes a shot of liqueur. The name "affogato" means "drowned," which perfectly describes how the ice cream gets covered in espresso. A single espresso shot in an affogato has 60-70mg of caffeine, while a double shot has 120-140mg.

12. Americano

An Americano is a type of black coffee made using a 1:2 ratio, diluting a 30 ml shot of espresso with 60 ml of hot water. Its origin dates back to World War II when American soldiers added water to their espresso to mimic drip coffee. One cup of Americano contains 94 to 150 milligrams of caffeine, varying by espresso shots, types of beans, and drink size. Elevate your Americano experience with our Bali Blue Moon. This organic, medium-dark roast offers delicate notes of baker's chocolate, orange, and juniper for a balanced and satisfying cup. Ready in just 4 minutes.

13. Black Coffee

Black coffee, also called café noir, is a simple drink made by pouring hot water over ground coffee beans, without milk or cream. It's popular globally for its easy brewing process. An 8-ounce cup usually has 170-220mg of caffeine. According to research by T Chou in 1992, drinking black coffee boosts alertness and thinking because caffeine blocks adenosine receptors. But, a 2020 study by Harry A Smith at the University of Bath found that having 2-3 cups of black coffee (about 300 mg caffeine) after poor sleep can raise glucose and insulin levels, affecting metabolism.

14. Cafe Au Lait

Café au lait is a French coffee drink made with equal parts of strong ground coffee and steamed milk, offering a smooth taste. It's been popular in European cafes since the 1900s and means "coffee with milk." A standard 150 mL cup of Café au lait has about 40-80 mg of caffeine and is brewed using a French press or drip coffee maker, not an espresso machine. You can add flavors like vanilla or cinnamon to make it sweeter.

15. Cafe con Leche

Café con leche, translating to "coffee with milk" in Spanish, is a beloved beverage originating from Spain, blending strong coffee, usually 30 ml shot of espresso, with scalded milk in nearly equal proportions, though variations like café con leche en vaso contain more milk. This coffee drink typically contains 63-126 mg of caffeine per serving, depending on the size and espresso concentration.

16. Vienna Coffee

Vienna Coffee is a traditional cream-based beverage from the Austrian capital that combines a double shot of espresso (60ml) with a generous topping of whipped cream, distinctively rich and smooth, with approximately 130 mg of caffeine per serving.

17. Bicerin Coffee

Bicerin coffee is a luxurious Italian beverage from Turin, made by layering espresso, chocolate, and cream in a glass. Originating in the 18th century at Café Al Bicerin, it traditionally combines a double shot of espresso (about 12 ounces) with high-quality chocolate and topped with whipped cream, boasting a caffeine content similar to that of a standard espresso but with a unique, rich flavor profile.

18. Cafe Bombon

Cafe Bombon, originating from Spain, is a sweet coffee drink made by mixing equal parts of espresso and condensed milk, resulting in a rich and creamy texture. This delightful beverage, often served in a small glass to showcase its beautiful layers, contains about 63 mg of caffeine from the espresso shot.

19. Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee is a hot drink made with coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream. It was first made at Foynes Airbase in Ireland in the 1940s and each serving has about 95 mg of caffeine. Making Irish Coffee takes 5 minutes using medium to dark roast coffee beans, a heat-resistant glass, a spoon, and a whisk, and you don't need a coffee machine. A study in 2011 called "Alcohol and Caffeine: The Perfect Storm," published in the Journal of Caffeine and Adenosine Research, discovered that caffeine, by blocking adenosine receptors, might lessen the sedative and uncoordinated effects of alcohol, possibly making you feel less intoxicated than you really are.

20. Dirty Chai

Dirty chai is a type of espresso coffee drink originating in Australia in the early 2000s, credited to a Melbourne barista who mixed one shot of espresso with a traditional chai latte. A dirty chai latte typically contains an espresso shot boasting at least 135 milligrams of caffeine. To prepare it, brew one espresso shot (30ml), steep a tea bag in boiling water for 5 minutes, add honey, pour in the espresso, and top with steamed milk; garnish with cinnamon and star anise if desired.

21. Dalgona Coffee

Dalgona coffee is an instant iced coffee originating from Macau, popularized in South Korea during the early 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. It gained fame after South Korean actor Jung Il-woo compared its taste to dalgona toffee on a TV show in January 2020. To make Dalgona coffee, vigorously whip equal parts of 1 oz (28 grams) of instant coffee powder, sugar, and hot water. Then, spoon the mixture over iced milk to create a visually appealing drink. The amount of caffeine in Dalgona coffee is, on average, 169.8 mg per 2 tablespoons serving, although it can vary widely based on the brand of instant coffee. Despite its name suggesting a connection to dalgona candy, this iced instant coffee itself does not contain dalgona.

22. Instant Coffee

Instant coffee is a dehydrated form of coffee made from brewed beans, allowing for quick preparation. Originating in 1890 by David Strang, it's popular for convenience. Each cup contains around 30 to 90 mg of caffeine, with an average of 28.3 mg per teaspoon (0.9 grams) of powder. Typically made from Robusta beans, it transforms from whole beans to soluble powder. In 2023, a study by Yudong Wei at Xi'an Jiaotong University found that instant coffee might make your telomeres shorter, which could mean you age faster. Meanwhile, in 2021, researchers from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens discovered that having just one cup of instant coffee a day could be good for your heart by making your arteries less stiff.

23. Cold Brew

Cold brew is a type of cold coffee drink originating in Japan in the 1600s, made by steeping coarse-ground Arabica or Robusta beans for 12-24 hours. It gained popularity in the mid-2010s in the United States and Canada for its smooth, low-acid taste, with each 16-ounce (473 mL) serving containing 150-200 mg of caffeine. The SkyQuest report predicts cold brew coffee will see an average annual growth rate of 22.7%, attributed to its smoother taste, lower acidity, and unique flavors. Medium-roasted Arabica coffee, brewed at 8°C for about a day, is typically preferred for cold brew, as highlighted in a 2021 Foods Journal pilot study.

24. Nitro Cold Brew

Nitro cold brew is a fancy, smooth, and creamy coffee drink made by infusing cold brew with nitrogen gas, created around 2012 by Portland-based food scientist Nate Armbrust. This innovative beverage offers a distinctive velvety texture and cascading effect. It is popular for its rich taste and creamy mouthfeel without the need for added milk or sugar, and a typical serving contains about 200-280 milligrams of caffeine, providing a substantial energy boost. To prepare nitro cold brew at home, start by making cold brew coffee, then infuse it with nitrogen using a special dispenser or nitrogen charger, and serve immediately to enjoy its unique characteristics.

25. Iced Coffee

Iced Coffee is a chilled coffee drink served over ice that originated in 19th-century Algeria with the "Mazagran." Since the 1990s, this iced coffee drink has gained global popularity, especially in the US, Italy, and Thailand. An 8-ounce serving of iced coffee contains approximately 95 milligrams of caffeine, while a 12-ounce serving packs about 142.5 milligrams. To prepare this beverage, you'll need a coffee maker such as a French press, Chemex, or Pour Over, along with ice cubes and a tall glass. For a perfectly balanced flavor, opt for our medium roast single-origin Mexican coffee sourced from smallholder producers in the Jaltenango region.

26. Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnamese coffee, originating in Vietnam in the 19th century, blends dark roast Robusta beans with condensed milk for a unique taste. It's gaining popularity in the US, found in Vietnamese restaurants and cafes. Vietnamese coffee's high caffeine content comes from Robusta beans, containing about 2.2% caffeine by weight. Preparation requires a 'phin' (Vietnamese coffee filter) and dark roast coffee beans, available at Asian supermarkets or online. Other variations include iced coffee, egg coffee, and iced coffee with chocolate.

27. Greek Coffee

Greek coffee is a traditional brew known for its strong flavor, foam on top (kaimaki), and grounds at the bottom, made by boiling very finely ground coffee beans without filtering. Originating during Greece's time in the Ottoman Empire, Greek coffee culture has evolved over centuries, with Greeks taking pride in this daily ritual. A cup of Greek coffee contains about 40 milligrams of caffeine, less than the 63 milligrams found in an espresso, offering a less intense but deeply flavorful experience. Popular variations include Espresso Freddo, Freddo Cappuccino, Frappé from Thessaloniki, and the traditional Greek Coffee.

28. Turkish Coffee

Turkish Coffee, dating back to the Ottoman Empire, is renowned for its strong aroma and rich flavor, prevalent in Turkey, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, with around 50 mg of caffeine per cup. Preparation involves simmering finely ground coffee beans in water with sugar and cardamom, then serving unfiltered in a small pot called a cezve or ibrik, taking about 5 minutes. In a study by Semra Bulbuloglu and Yasar Altun from Gaziosmanpasa University and Adiyaman University, sniffing Turkish coffee helped 13.3% of COVID-19 patients smell better, suggesting a possible treatment for loss of smell.

29. Mushroom Coffee

Mushroom coffee, blending organic coffee beans with functional mushrooms like lion's mane and reishi, offers a taste similar to traditional coffee but with added nutritional benefits. Originating in Finland during the 1940s as a wartime alternative, it combines ground mushrooms and coffee, providing a unique approach to coffee consumption. With only 50 milligrams of caffeine per cup, compared to the 95 milligrams in regular coffee, it offers a gentler energy boost while helping manage stress thanks to the adaptogenic properties of mushrooms. Varieties such as chaga, cordyceps, turkey tail, and king trumpet are popular choices, making mushroom coffee a versatile and health-conscious option.

30. Galeo Coffee

Galão is a popular hot beverage from Portugal, crafted by blending one part espresso with three parts foamed milk, akin to caffè latte or café au lait. With a caffeine content of approximately 140-160mg from a double shot of espresso, it offers a robust yet balanced flavor profile. For those monitoring their caffeine consumption, a galão made with decaffeinated coffee provides a delightful alternative, maintaining the traditional taste with less stimulation.

What Are the Different Types of Iced Coffee Drinks?

Iced coffee drinks refer to a variety of chilled coffee-based beverages, including iced Americano, black coffee, espresso, latte, frappe, and shakerato, all served over ice. Made by cooling brewed coffee or espresso and often diluted with water or milk, these beverages offer a refreshing option, especially popular during warmer months or in climates that favor cold drinks.

  • Iced Americano: An iced Americano consists of 1-2 shots of espresso, brewed from medium roast coffee beans, mixed with 60-120 ml of cold water over ice, providing a bold and refreshing coffee flavor, each shot containing around 68 mg of caffeine.
  • Iced Black Coffee: Iced black coffee is brewed hot using methods like drip, French press, or AeroPress, then quickly cooled by pouring over ice. With about 165 mg of caffeine in a typical 16-oz serving, it provides an energy boost without extra calories.
  • Iced Espresso: Iced espresso is a chilled drink made by pouring 1-2 espresso shots over ice, sometimes with milk added, and contains about 63 mg of caffeine per shot.
  • Mazagran Coffee: Mazagran is a cold, sweetened coffee drink originating in Algeria, is made with double the amount of coffee to lemon juice, often served over ice with a slice of lemon. In Portugal, it may include espresso, lemon, mint, and rum, while Austrian versions feature an ice cube and rum, typically consumed quickly.
  • Frappé: A frappé is a type of iced coffee drink from Greece, made with spray-dried instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk, first mixed in 1957 by Dimitris Vakondios. It has 50-100 milligrams of caffeine per serving and is known for its frothy texture, refreshing taste, and customization of sweetness and milk. To make, shake or blend instant coffee, sugar, and water until frothy, then pour over ice, optionally add milk, and serve with a straw for the foam.
  • Shakerato: Shakerato is a type of iced coffee created by shaking espresso, syrup, and salt over ice, which yields a foamy, chilled drink. A Shakerato containing two shots of espresso contains approximately 120mg of caffeine, providing a stimulating boost. To make a Shakerato, mix syrup, salt, espresso, and ice in a shaker, shake vigorously, strain into a chilled glass for a rich, creamy coffee drink, as suggested by Cole Torode, a 2019 World Barista Championship finalist.

So, what is the best type of coffee for iced coffee? That depends on your preferred brewing method. We really like single-origin coffees from high altitudes (above 6,000 feet), such as those from Colombia or Ethiopia, for iced Americanos. These offer the most complex, fruity, and even spicy flavors. However, if you're using beans from lower-altitude regions like Brazil or India, we'd recommend cold brew, as the longer brewing time is better suited to extract their full flavor potential.

What Are the Different Types of American Coffee Drinks?

American coffee drinks refer to a variety of coffee-based beverages that originated and became popularized in the USA, including Cowboy Coffee, Red Eye Coffee, Bulletproof Coffee, New Orleans Coffee, Frappuccino, and Pumpkin Spice Latte.

  • Cowboy coffee: Cowboy coffee is brewed using 3 handfuls of medium roast coffee grounds to 1 quart of water, boiling for about 4 minutes to achieve desired strength. It's known for its smooth flavor and health benefits, with the addition of cold water settling the grounds to the bottom, resulting in a clean cup of coffee.
  • Red Eye Coffee: Red Eye coffee is a potent blend of drip coffee and espresso, creating a flavorful brew with an extra kick. To make it, grind your coffee beans and prepare your drip coffee using a pour-over cone or a coffee machine. Then, brew your espresso shot and pour it directly into the drip coffee.
  • Bulletproof Coffee: Bulletproof coffee, also known as butter coffee or keto coffee, is an American drink made from dark roast specialty coffee beans. It's brewed with 50 to 70 milliliters of water per 7 grams of coffee and blended with unsalted butter and 1/3 to 2 tablespoons of medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, such as that derived from coconut oil, resulting in a total caloric content of 230 calories per serving.
  • New Orleans Coffee: New Orleans Coffee, originating from the city's rich culture, blends chicory root with dark roast coffee, a tradition dating back to the Civil War when chicory helped make coffee supplies last longer. To make New Orleans coffee, mixing one part chicory with two parts coffee and drinking it with hot milk gives it a creamy and rich taste.
  • Frappuccino: Frappuccino, a blended iced coffee drink by Starbucks, traces its origins to the Coffee Connection chain in 1994, later acquired by Starbucks. Available in various flavors, Frappuccinos are made from a coffee or crème base, ice, syrups, and whipped cream, with some offering decaf options or non-dairy alternatives, containing between 40-115 mg of caffeine per 13.7 fl. oz. depending on the flavor, with the regular coffee Frappuccino averaging at 95 mg of caffeine.
  • Pumpkin Spice Latte: The Pumpkin Spice Latte, a type of Starbucks coffee drink introduced in 2003, blends traditional fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove with espresso, steamed milk, and sugar. It contains 150 milligrams of caffeine per 16 fl oz (grande) serving and is often topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.

What Are the Different Types of Espresso Coffee Drinks?

Espresso coffee drinks are Italian-style coffee beverages that start with one or more shots of espresso, with additions ranging from water and cream to other flavors and ingredients. These variations include Lungo, Long Black, Espresso Romano, Espresso con Panna, Cuban Espresso, Marocchino, Black Eye, and Dead Eye, each offering a unique taste and experience.

  • Long Black: A Long Black, a type of black Italian coffee drink, involves pouring a single or double espresso shot over hot water, typically at a 1:1 to 1:2 ratio. Unlike an Americano, where hot water is added to espresso, a Long Black starts with hot water and then espresso. This method, popular since the 1950s in Australia and New Zealand, distinguishes it in specialty coffee shops. Long Black's caffeine content ranges from 94-150 mg, varying with the espresso shots and bean origin. To brew it at home, you need an espresso machine and freshly ground medium roast beans for optimal flavor.
  • Espresso Romano: The Espresso Romano, consisting of a 30 ml espresso shot combined with a lemon slice or lemon juice and a teaspoon of sugar, packs approximately 64 mg of caffeine per serving. This versatile beverage served hot, cold, or iced, features a twist of lemon zest and a dash of lemon juice, believed to have originated in Italy in the 19th century, with some attributing its creation to the city of Rome.
  • Espresso con Panna: Espresso con Panna, which translates to "espresso with cream" in Italian, is a rich coffee drink that combines a shot of espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Originating from Italy, this beverage offers a smooth blend of the intense flavor of espresso with the sweet, creamy texture of whipped cream, typically containing about 63 mg of caffeine per shot.
  • Cuban Espresso: Cuban espresso, also known as Café Cubano, is a beloved Cuban coffee renowned for its sweet crema, holds within its robust flavor profile approximately 65mg of caffeine per serving. Drinking Cuban espresso in moderation not only delivers a flavorful experience but also contributes to your daily antioxidant intake, with the polyphenols found in coffee offering a range of potential health advantages, as highlighted in a 2018 research study conducted by Kazuo Yamagata from Nihon University College of Bioresource Sciences.
  • Marocchino: Marocchino is a luxurious Italian espresso drink made by layering a shot of espresso with cocoa powder and milk froth, often served in a small glass coated with cocoa.
  • Black eye: A Black Eye is a robust coffee beverage that blends a standard cup of drip coffee with two 30 ml shots of espresso, providing a high caffeine content of 220 milligrams per serving, along with a bold flavor.
  • Dead Eye: Dead Eye is one of the strongest types of espresso-based coffee, intensifying the brew by adding three shots of espresso to a regular cup of drip coffee. With an average of 300 milligrams of caffeine per serving, it ranks as one of the most caffeinated coffee drinks available.

How Much Caffeine Is in Coffee?

The caffeine content in coffee varies widely, primarily due to differences in coffee bean type, brewing method, and serving size. On average, an 8 oz cup of brewed coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine, but this amount can range from 70 to 140 mg. For a 16-ounce specialty coffee, caffeine content is approximately 188 mg, though it can vary between 58 and 259 mg according to a study by Rachel R. McCusker at the University of Florida College of Medicine in 2003. The question of 'how much caffeine is in coffee' depends on multiple factors, including the coffee species, the geographic origin of the beans, the temperature of the water, the ratio of coffee grounds to water, and the volume of the coffee drink.

caffeine in coffee

What Are the Different Types of Coffee Beans?

The different types of coffee beans are Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Arabica and Robusta beans are distinct in their caffeine content, flavor profiles, and cultivation conditions. Arabica beans are known for their smoother, more aromatic flavor and typically have lower caffeine content, around 1.1-1.5% by weight. In contrast, Robusta beans have a stronger, more bitter taste with higher caffeine content, approximately 2.2-2.7% by weight, according to the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences.

Are All Types of Coffee Beans the Same?

No, not all types of coffee beans are the same. The two main types of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta, and how much they are roasted (light to dark) changes what they're like. A 2019 study in Nutrients by Pedram Shokouh found that these two types can affect health differently, depending on how dark they're roasted. Robusta beans, roasted darker, are stronger in taste and have more caffeine, which makes them better for certain kinds of espresso-based coffee drinks.

Are Espresso Beans and Coffee Beans the Same?

Yes, espresso beans and coffee beans come from the same plant. There's fundamentally no difference between them in terms of bean type. However, the term 'espresso beans' often refers to beans with a darker roast. This roast profile gives espresso its richer, more intense flavor, and also results in oilier beans that may exhibit a second crack. The main differences between espresso and coffee lie in the roast level and brewing method, not the beans themselves.

Are Cocoa Beans and Coffee Beans the Same?

No, cocoa beans and coffee beans are not the same. They come from different plants, with coffee beans being the seeds of red berries and cocoa beans being seeds from the cocoa pod. While both undergo similar processing, they differ significantly in taste, use, and nutritional composition, with cocoa beans having much more fat and coffee beans containing more carbohydrates.

What Are the Different Types of Coffee Brands?

Types of coffee brands can be categorized based on their production focus, such as commodity versus specialty coffee, and their product range, which includes single-origin versus blends. Different coffee brands also vary by price range, from budget-friendly to premium, and by certification, such as Fair Trade or Organic, as well as by their market approach, distinguishing between artisanal versus mainstream and local versus international distribution. These are some of the most popular coffee brands.

different types of coffee brands
  • Powerbean Coffee
  • Folgers
  • Death Wish Coffee
  • Dunkin
  • Lavazza
  • Starbucks
  • NESCAFÉ
  • Tim Hortons
  • Blue Bottle Coffee
  • Costa Coffee
  • Mount Hagen

What Are the Best Specialty Coffee Brands?

With over 3,000 coffee brands and roasters in the USA alone, Powerbean Coffee from Albuquerque, New Mexico, stands out as one of the best specialty coffee brands. We offer organic, single-origin, decaf, and espresso coffees in both ground and whole bean.

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