Types of coffee and coffee drinks

Thirty to forty years ago, for most Americans, coffee was simple: a hot drink, perhaps with a splash of milk and a bit of sugar. Today, the options seem infinite—from dessert-like treats like the Affogato to refreshing iced beverages like the Frappuccino. Most of these drinks are crafted from either Arabica or Robusta beans.

For coffee shop owners, this variety is a golden opportunity. Customers are willing to pay a premium for these sophisticated drinks, leading to significantly higher profit margins. Understanding the nuances of different coffee beverages and the beans used to brew them is key to a thriving coffee business.

At Optipak, we are dedicated to entrepreneur success. We offer a full line of high-quality disposable tableware, including custom-printed plastic cups and coffee cup lids. Contact us today to get a quote for branded disposables for your coffee shop, restaurant, or bar.

Types of Coffee Beverages

Walking into a trendy coffee shop can be overwhelming. While some stick to the basics, most have adapted to modern demands, offering 10 or more varieties. Here is a guide to the most common coffee drinks found today.Shutterstock

The Classics

• Black Coffee (Café Noir): The simplest option—brewed coffee served hot without any additives. Because there is no milk or sugar to mask the flavor, using high-quality beans is essential.
• Espresso: The cornerstone of most coffee drinks. It is a highly concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground beans under high pressure. A standard shot is 1 oz (30 ml).
• Doppio: Quite literally a “double” espresso. It uses twice the amount of grounds and water, resulting in a stronger aroma and a more intense flavor.
• Americano: A popular choice for those who find espresso too intense. It is made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water (usually in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio).

Milk-Based Favorites

• Latte: Derived from the Italian word for milk, a latte consists of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a thin layer of foam. It is the perfect canvas for latte art.
• Cappuccino: A balanced mix of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and thick milk foam. It is often garnished with a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon.
• Flat White: Hailing from Australia and New Zealand, it is similar to a latte but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a smoother “micro-foam” texture.
• Macchiato: Meaning “stained” or “spotted,” this is an espresso “stained” with a small dollop of steamed milk or foam to soften the acidity.
• Cortado: A Spanish favorite (meaning “cut”) consisting of equal parts espresso and warm milk to reduce acidity without the bulk of a latte.
• Galão: A Portuguese style of coffee, similar to a latte but served in a tall glass with a foamy, “fluffy” head of milk.

Specialty & Dessert Drinks

• Mocha (Mochaccino): A chocolate-flavored variant of a latte, combining espresso with hot chocolate or chocolate syrup.
• Affogato: An Italian dessert where a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream is “drowned” in a shot of hot espresso.
• Red Eye: For those who need an extra caffeine kick, this is a cup of regular brewed coffee topped with a shot of espresso.
• Irish Coffee: A classic cocktail made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, topped with thick cold cream.

Cold & Refreshing

• Iced Coffee: Brewed coffee served over ice, often customized with milk and syrups.
• Iced Espresso: A concentrated shot of espresso poured over ice—a stronger alternative to traditional iced coffee.
• Cold Brew: Coffee grounds steeped in cold water for 12–24 hours, resulting in a smooth, low-acid beverage.
• Frappuccino: A blended ice drink consisting of coffee, milk, sugar, and various syrups, often topped with whipped cream.

Understanding Coffee Beans

There are four primary types of coffee beans on the global market: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Bean Type	Characteristics	Market Share
Arabica	Sweet, soft, and complex flavor. Lower caffeine. Grown at high altitudes.	~60%
Robusta	Bold, chocolatey, and bitter. Twice the caffeine of Arabica. Very hardy plant.	~30-40%
Liberica	Large, irregular beans. Woody, smoky, and floral aroma. Rare and expensive.	< 2%
Excelsa	A subspecies of Liberica. Tart, fruity, and dark-roasted profile.	< 1%

Boost Your Profits with Custom Branding

Coffee shops can be incredibly lucrative given the markup on specialty drinks. However, success depends on visibility. A solid marketing plan is crucial.

Optipak provides one of the most cost-effective marketing tools: custom-printed disposables. By printing your logo on your cups and lids, your customers become walking advertisements for your brand as they move through the city.

Ready to elevate your coffee shop’s brand? Contact us today for a personalized quote!