Whether it’s to jump start your morning or give you a boost of energy to power through the afternoon, sipping on a specialty coffee drink that includes milk is the perfect way to stay energized while getting key nutrients that coffee alone cannot provide.
Do you get overwhelmed by coffee shop menus? Here’s a cheat sheet for all of the different specialty drinks. As you dash to the nearest café for your morning or afternoon fix, you can feel productive while also having fun trying them all.
Espresso
This small shot of caffeine is typically the base in specialty coffee drinks, although some prefer to drink it straight.
Cappuccino
This popular favorite is equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foamed milk. Variations include a “dry cappuccino” which has more foamed milk and a “wet cappuccino” which has more steamed milk.
Macchiato
This drink is simply a shot of espresso (or two) topped with a dollop of foamed milk.
Latte
Lattes are made up of mostly steamed milk, espresso and a little bit of foamed milk. A simpler version is a “flat latte” which has no foamed milk.
Mocha
This sweet treat made with espresso, steamed milk and chocolate syrup is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth along with an energy boost.
Café Au Lait
If you prefer brewed coffee over espresso, then this is the drink for you. It contains strong drip brewed or French pressed coffee with steamed milk.
Espresso Con Panna
A Con Panne is simply a shot of espresso topped with a generous heap of whipped cream.
Whipped Coffee
A newer coffee beverage trend, this drink is made of instant coffee, sugar and water that is mixed together until it reaches a whipped consistency and then placed atop a glass of iced milk – this one you can try at home.
Not a coffee person? Check out our easy recipes for homemade tea lattes or matcha lattes.
