Coffee shop menus can feel like a language of their own. Once you know a handful of basic terms, though, almost every menu becomes easy to read — because most drinks are simply combinations of espresso, milk, water, ice and flavorings.
Recipes, cup sizes and names differ between chains and independent cafés, so use this guide as a general starting point and ask your barista if you are unsure.
Espresso: the building block
Espresso is a small, concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under pressure. Many popular coffee shop drinks start with one or more espresso shots.
- Single or double shot: one or two servings of espresso. Larger drinks often include more shots.
- Ristretto: a shorter, more concentrated shot made with less water.
- Decaf or half-caf: decaffeinated espresso, or a mix of regular and decaf.
Espresso drinks with milk
Latte
Espresso with a larger amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. It is mild, creamy and the base for many flavored drinks.
Cappuccino
Espresso with steamed milk and a thicker layer of foam, so it tastes stronger and feels lighter than a latte of the same size.
Flat white
Espresso with a thin layer of velvety microfoam. It usually has a stronger coffee flavor than a latte because there is proportionally less milk.
Macchiato
Traditionally, an espresso “marked” with a small amount of milk foam. Some chains use the name for a different, layered drink made with milk, vanilla and caramel, so check the description on the menu.
Mocha
A latte with chocolate sauce or syrup, often topped with whipped cream.
Drinks without milk
- Americano: espresso topped up with hot water, giving a drink similar in strength to brewed coffee.
- Drip or brewed coffee: coffee made by pouring hot water over ground coffee and letting it filter through.
- Pour-over: brewed coffee made by hand, one cup at a time.
Cold coffee drinks
- Iced coffee: coffee that is brewed and then cooled and served over ice.
- Cold brew: coffee steeped in cold water for many hours, which tends to taste smoother and less acidic.
- Iced latte: espresso and cold milk over ice.
- Blended drinks: coffee or cream bases blended with ice and flavorings, often finished with whipped cream.
Milk options and customizations
Most coffee shops offer several milk choices, such as whole, low-fat and skim dairy milk and plant-based options like oat, almond or soy. You can usually also ask for extra shots, fewer pumps of syrup, sugar-free syrups, extra foam or no foam. Some customizations may cost extra.
A note on cup sizes
Cup sizes are not standardized. Many chains use their own names for small, medium and large, and the actual volume differs from brand to brand. If size matters to you, check the official menu or ask how many ounces a cup holds.
The bottom line
Most coffee shop drinks are variations on a few basics: espresso, milk, foam, water, ice and flavor. Learn those, and you can order confidently almost anywhere — then fine-tune with milk, sweetness and size.
