Espresso is more than just a strong shot of coffee; it’s the heart of countless drinks enjoyed worldwide.
From creamy lattes to bold Americanos, espresso drinks offer various flavors and experiences.
Coffee lovers everywhere appreciate its rich, intense taste and the endless ways it can be customized.
This guide will take you through 21 of the best espresso drinks, including both timeless classics and creative twists you can make at home.
21 Best Espresso Drink Recipes: At A Glance
- Classic Espresso
- Americano
- Cappuccino
- Latte
- Flat White
- Cortado
- Macchiato
- Mocha
- Affogato
- Red Eye
- Black Eye
- Espresso Con Panna
- Iced Latte
- Lungo
- Dirty Chai Latte
- Caramel Macchiato
- Cuban Coffee
- Galão
- Frappuccino
- Spanish Latte
- Gingerbread Latte
What is Espresso?
Espresso originated in Italy in the early 20th century and quickly became a cornerstone of coffee culture.
Its rich, concentrated flavor comes from forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans at high pressure.
This method extracts the bold, robust taste espresso is known for, and it forms the base for many popular drinks.
Traditionally served in small, intense shots, espresso is the foundation of drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.
To make espresso, an espresso machine is used.
It heats water to about 200°F and pushes it through compacted coffee grounds using high pressure, usually around 9 bars.
The result is an espresso shot with a thick, golden layer of crema on top—a sign of a well-made espresso.
The Essential Espresso Tools
Espresso Machines vs. Manual Espresso Makers
When brewing espresso at home, you’ll need to choose between an automatic espresso machine or a manual option.
Espresso machines use pressure to extract espresso quickly and consistently, producing a rich shot with minimal effort.
These machines vary widely, from affordable entry-level models to more expensive, high-end ones with advanced features like integrated grinders and milk steamers.
On the other hand, manual espresso makers like the Aeropress or French press give you more control but require more hands-on work.
They’re more portable and less expensive but may not achieve the same level of consistency as an espresso machine.
Milk Frothing Tools
Frothing milk is essential for crafting espresso drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.
You can choose between different tools depending on your needs and budget.
An electric milk frother is an easy-to-use option that quickly creates creamy, velvety foam.
For those looking for a more affordable solution, handheld frothers or even a French press can be used to froth milk.
If you’re using an espresso machine with a steam wand, it’s even easier to create professional-quality foam by steaming the milk directly.
Recommended Espresso Tools for Home Brewing
If you’re just starting and want to make espresso at home without overspending, consider the De’Longhi Dedica or the Breville Bambino for their ease of use and affordability.
For those seeking a more premium experience with advanced features, the Rancilio Silvia or Breville Barista Pro are excellent choices.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, manual options like the Aeropress or the Flair Espresso Maker are budget-friendly and portable alternatives.
21 Best Espresso Drinks You Can Make at Home
1. Classic Espresso
Espresso is the foundation of countless coffee drinks.
Brewing a perfect shot of espresso requires finely ground coffee, an espresso machine, and precise timing.
The key to a good shot is applying high pressure (around 9 bars) to force hot water through the grounds, resulting in a strong, concentrated coffee with a rich crema on top.
A well-made espresso is bold and smooth, offering a balanced flavor of both bitterness and sweetness.
2. Americano
The Americano is a simple, yet flavorful espresso-based drink.
It’s made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water, giving it a milder, less intense flavor similar to drip coffee but with a richer body.
To prepare, brew a shot of espresso and add hot water in a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio, depending on how strong you prefer it.
This drink is perfect for those who enjoy the boldness of espresso but want a more subtle taste.
Check Out The Full Recipe
3. Cappuccino
The cappuccino is one of the most popular espresso drinks.
It’s made by combining equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, creating a balanced and creamy coffee experience.
To make a cappuccino, pull a shot of espresso, steam your milk until it reaches a smooth, velvety texture, and then layer the steamed milk and foam on top of the espresso.
This drink is all about balance—strong espresso, creamy milk, and airy foam.
4. Latte
A latte is a smooth and creamy coffee drink that has become a staple worldwide.
It’s made by combining one part espresso with three parts steamed milk and topped with a small layer of foam.
The latte is perfect for those who prefer a softer, more milk-forward drink with a hint of espresso.
You can also experiment with different flavors, such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut, to create popular variations like a vanilla latte or caramel latte.
5. Flat White
The flat white originated in Australia and New Zealand and is known for its silky texture.
It’s made with a shot of espresso and a smaller amount of steamed milk than a latte, giving it a stronger coffee flavor.
The key to a good flat white is the microfoam, which is finely textured steamed milk that blends seamlessly with the espresso.
This creates a creamy yet bold drink, making it a favorite among coffee purists who prefer a balance of milk and espresso without the fluffiness of a cappuccino.
6. Cortado
The cortado is a drink that balances the boldness of espresso with the smoothness of milk.
It’s made by combining equal parts espresso and steamed milk.
Unlike a cappuccino or latte, the milk in a cortado is steamed without much froth, creating a silky texture that complements the espresso without overpowering it.
This simple, straightforward drink is perfect for those who enjoy the strong flavor of espresso but want a touch of creaminess to soften the edges.
7. Macchiato
A macchiato, which means “stained” in Italian, is an espresso drink with just a small amount of milk foam on top.
This drink retains the full intensity of the espresso, with the foam adding a slight sweetness and texture.
The macchiato is perfect for espresso lovers who want a touch of creaminess without diluting the bold flavor of their coffee.
It’s a quick, easy drink that highlights the natural flavors of the espresso.
8. Mocha
For those who love both coffee and chocolate, the mocha is the ideal combination.
This drink blends a shot of espresso with steamed milk and chocolate syrup, resulting in a rich, sweet beverage.
Mocha can be served hot or iced, depending on your preference.
The chocolate adds a dessert-like quality to the espresso, making it a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth.
9. Affogato
An affogato is more of a dessert than a traditional espresso drink.
It’s made by pouring a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of ice cream, usually vanilla.
The heat from the espresso melts the ice cream slightly, creating a creamy, sweet coffee dessert.
The combination of bitter espresso and sweet ice cream is irresistible.
Affogato is often served as a dessert in Italian restaurants but can easily be made at home for a simple yet decadent treat.
10. Red Eye
For those who need an extra caffeine boost, the red eye is the perfect solution.
This drink combines a shot of espresso with a cup of drip coffee, resulting in a highly caffeinated, bold beverage.
The drip coffee provides a familiar base, while the espresso adds an extra kick of flavor and energy.
It’s a go-to drink for anyone who needs a serious wake-up call or a long-lasting energy boost.
11. Black Eye
The Black Eye is an even stronger version of the Red Eye, designed for those who need an extreme caffeine boost.
It combines two shots of espresso with a full cup of drip coffee, resulting in a potent and bold drink.
The double shot of espresso intensifies the flavor and caffeine content, making it perfect for anyone who wants a stronger jolt of energy.
This drink maintains the smooth body of brewed coffee while layering in the rich intensity of espresso, giving it a robust profile that stands out.
12. Espresso Con Panna
Espresso Con Panna, which means “espresso with cream” in Italian, is a simple yet indulgent drink.
It’s made by topping a shot of espresso with a dollop of whipped cream.
The richness of the cream balances the strong, bitter flavors of the espresso, creating a smooth, luxurious drink.
This is an ideal choice for espresso lovers who enjoy a touch of sweetness and creaminess without diluting the espresso with milk.
It’s often served as a dessert coffee, adding a layer of indulgence to the traditional espresso experience.
13. Iced Latte
The Iced Latte is a refreshing alternative to the traditional hot latte, making it a favorite during warmer months.
It’s made by pouring a shot of espresso over ice, then adding cold milk to create a smooth, creamy texture.
For a twist, some variations use cold brew espresso, which offers a less acidic and slightly sweeter flavor.
The Iced Latte is endlessly customizable, allowing you to add flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel to enhance the experience.
It’s a versatile drink that balances the boldness of espresso with the light, refreshing chill of iced milk.
14. Lungo
Lungo, meaning “long” in Italian, is an espresso that is brewed with more water, resulting in a longer extraction time.
This produces a larger, less concentrated shot of espresso, similar to an Americano but with a key difference—the water is pulled through the coffee grounds during extraction rather than being added afterward.
The longer extraction time gives the Lungo a more subtle, less intense flavor than a traditional espresso, making it a great choice for those who prefer a milder, extended coffee experience.
15. Dirty Chai Latte
A Dirty Chai Latte is a fusion of traditional masala chai and espresso, blending the spicy, aromatic flavors of chai tea with the bold kick of espresso.
This drink is made by adding a shot of espresso to a chai latte, which is typically brewed with a mix of black tea, spices, and steamed milk.
The espresso adds depth and a slight bitterness to balance the sweet and spiced flavors of the chai.
This drink is perfect for chai lovers who want an extra caffeine hit, offering a rich blend of spices and coffee in every sip.
16. Caramel Macchiato
The Caramel Macchiato is a sweet, layered espresso drink made with vanilla syrup, steamed milk, and a shot of espresso, topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
The drink is known for its visually appealing layers, where the espresso is poured over the milk, creating a separation between the rich coffee and the sweet flavors of vanilla and caramel.
This drink is a popular choice for those who love a dessert-like coffee experience with a balanced mix of sweetness and espresso.
The caramel drizzle on top adds an extra touch of indulgence, making it both flavorful and satisfying.
17. Cuban Coffee
Cuban Coffee, or “cafecito,” is a traditional espresso drink that is sweetened with sugar during the brewing process.
After pulling a shot of espresso, sugar is whisked into the coffee to create a thick, frothy crema.
This method of making Cuban coffee enhances the bold, strong flavors of espresso while balancing the bitterness with sweetness.
It’s typically served in small portions due to its intensity, and it’s often enjoyed as a social beverage in Cuba.
The thick crema on top makes it distinct from other espresso drinks, giving it a smooth and creamy texture.
18. Galão
The Galão is a Portuguese version of a latte, with a different ratio of milk to espresso.
This drink is made with one part espresso and three parts foamed milk, resulting in a lighter, creamier coffee.
It’s typically served in a tall glass and has a more diluted flavor compared to a traditional latte.
The Galão is perfect for those who prefer a milder coffee with more milk and less intensity from the espresso.
19. Frappuccino
Frappuccino is a frozen, blended coffee drink that was popularized by Starbucks.
It’s a sweetened version of a cappuccino, made with ice, milk, and espresso, and often topped with whipped cream and flavored syrups.
Frappuccinos come in various flavors, from classic coffee to caramel and mocha, making them a versatile option for those who enjoy iced, dessert-like beverages.
The combination of creamy milk and icy texture makes it a refreshing drink, especially during warmer months.
It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to add extra espresso shots or different syrups to suit your taste.
20. Spanish Latte
The Spanish Latte is a sweeter take on the traditional latte, made by combining espresso with condensed milk.
This gives the drink a rich, creamy sweetness that blends beautifully with the boldness of the espresso.
Condensed milk is thicker and sweeter than regular milk, making this drink more indulgent.
The Spanish Latte is often served iced, but it can also be enjoyed hot.
Its rich, sweet flavor makes it a favorite for those who love a dessert-like coffee that still packs the intensity of espresso.
21. Gingerbread Latte
A Gingerbread Latte is a seasonal favorite that combines the boldness of espresso with the warm spices of ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
This festive drink is typically sweetened with gingerbread syrup and topped with steamed milk and a dusting of cinnamon.
It’s a perfect blend of holiday flavors, offering a comforting and spicy twist on the classic latte.
The gingerbread spices give it a unique warmth and depth, making it a popular choice during the winter months.
Bonus Recipes & Variations
Vegan and Non-Dairy Options
Oat Milk Latte
Oat milk is a popular non-dairy alternative that froths beautifully, making it a great option for lattes.
To make an Oat Milk Latte, brew a shot of espresso and steam the oat milk until it’s warm and frothy.
Pour the steamed oat milk over the espresso and top with a little foam.
Oat milk has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that pairs well with coffee, making it a perfect base for vegan lattes.
Almond Milk Cappuccino
For a lighter, nutty twist, try an Almond Milk Cappuccino.
Start with a shot of espresso and steam your almond milk until it’s frothy.
Almond milk doesn’t froth as much as dairy milk, but it still provides a light, airy foam.
Pour the steamed almond milk over the espresso and top with the foam.
Almond milk’s subtle sweetness complements the strong flavor of the espresso, making for a delicious, plant-based cappuccino.
Keto-Friendly Recipes
Bulletproof Coffee
Bulletproof coffee is a popular keto-friendly drink designed to provide energy and keep you full without breaking ketosis.
To make Bulletproof Coffee, blend a shot of espresso or brewed coffee with a tablespoon of grass-fed butter and a tablespoon of MCT oil.
The fats from the butter and MCT oil add creaminess and provide a slow, sustained release of energy.
Coconut Oil Latte
A simpler keto variation is the Coconut Oil Latte.
Blend a shot of espresso with a tablespoon of coconut oil for a rich, creamy latte without the carbs.
The coconut oil adds a mild coconut flavor and a smooth texture.
This is a great option for keto followers who prefer plant-based fats and want a dairy-free alternative to Bulletproof Coffee.
Tips for Perfecting Your Espresso Drinks
Grinding Tips for Different Recipes
The grind size of your coffee beans plays a critical role in the quality of your espresso.
For espresso, a fine grind is ideal, as it allows water to pass through the grounds under pressure, extracting a rich, concentrated flavor.
If the grind is too coarse, the water flows too quickly, resulting in a weak and under-extracted shot.
On the other hand, if the grind is too fine, it can slow the extraction and make the espresso taste bitter and over-extracted.
When preparing drinks like Lungo or Americano, you can use a slightly coarser grind, as the brewing time is longer, and you want a smoother flavor.
Ideal Milk Temperature and Frothing Techniques
The perfect milk temperature for frothing is around 150–155°F (65–68°C).
At this temperature, the milk is warm enough to blend with the espresso without scalding or burning.
For frothing, start by filling your steam pitcher with cold milk (no more than halfway) and insert the steam wand just below the surface.
As you steam, position the wand to create a whirlpool effect, which helps break down the large bubbles and create a smooth, velvety microform.
For cappuccinos, aim for more foam, while lattes require a thinner layer of foam and more steamed milk.
How to Create Latte Art at Home
Creating latte art takes practice but can be done at home with the right technique.
Start by pulling a perfect shot of espresso with a good layer of crema.
Then, steam your milk to create microfoam, ensuring it has a smooth, glossy texture.
When pouring the milk, start from a higher point to allow the milk to mix with the espresso, then lower the pitcher closer to the cup and pour more slowly as the foam begins to appear.
To create basic designs like a heart or a rosette, tilt the cup slightly and control the speed and direction of your pour.
Conclusion
Espresso drinks offer endless possibilities, from classic favorites to creative variations.
Whether you enjoy a simple shot of espresso or a layered, sweet Caramel Macchiato, there’s something for every coffee lover.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different recipes, adjust milk ratios, or try non-dairy alternatives.
With a bit of practice, you can craft café-quality espresso drinks right at home and personalize each cup to your taste!
