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Barista Terminology | Episode 11: Milk-Based Coffee Drinks
Welcome to Episode 11 of our Barista Terminology series on QahwaWorld.com — your guide to mastering the essentials of specialty coffee. In this episode, we explore the most popular milk-based coffee drinks found in cafés around the world. From cappuccinos to cortados, each drink has its own balance of espresso and milk, with unique textures and flavors every barista should know.
Milk transforms espresso into a wide variety of drinks — each with its own texture, flavor balance, and presentation. Understanding these drinks is essential for any barista, not only for technical preparation but also for communicating clearly with customers. In this episode, we explore 15 of the most common milk-based coffee drinks served in specialty cafés around the world.
- Espresso Macchiato
- Ingredients: Espresso + a small amount of textured milk
- Ratio: 1 shot of espresso with a dollop of milk foam
- Notes: Strong and bold with a hint of creaminess; “macchiato” means “stained” in Italian.
- Cappuccino
- Ingredients: Espresso + steamed milk + thick milk foam
- Ratio: 1:1:1 (equal parts espresso, milk, and foam)
- Notes: Balanced and airy with pronounced foam; traditionally served in a 150–180 ml cup.
- Flat White
- Ingredients: Espresso + steamed milk with microfoam
- Ratio: Double espresso + thin layer of velvety milk
- Notes: Originated in Australia/New Zealand; smooth texture, stronger coffee taste than a latte.
- Caffè Latte
- Ingredients: Espresso + steamed milk + a thin layer of foam
- Ratio: 1:3 or 1:4 espresso to milk
- Notes: Creamy and mild; ideal for larger servings and often used for latte art.
- Caffè Mocha
- Ingredients: Espresso + chocolate syrup or powder + steamed milk + whipped cream (optional)
- Ratio: 1:1:1 with chocolate
- Notes: Sweet and indulgent; often topped with chocolate drizzle.
- Cortado
- Ingredients: Espresso + equal amount of steamed milk
- Ratio: 1:1
- Notes: Spanish in origin; less milky than a latte but smoother than straight espresso.
- Piccolo Latte
- Ingredients: Ristretto + steamed milk in a small glass
- Ratio: ~1:2
- Notes: A miniature version of a latte; rich, concentrated, and smooth.
- Breve
- Ingredients: Espresso + steamed half-and-half (milk + cream)
- Ratio: Similar to a latte, but creamier
- Notes: American in origin; luxurious texture and richness.
- Spanish Latte
- Ingredients: Espresso + steamed milk + sweetened condensed milk
- Ratio: ~1:2 espresso to milk (plus sweetness)
- Notes: Sweet and strong; popular in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
- Dirty
- Ingredients: Cold milk topped with hot espresso
- Ratio: ~1:1 or to taste
- Notes: Visually layered; cold milk remains separate from the hot espresso briefly.
- Affogato
- Ingredients: Vanilla ice cream “drowned” in hot espresso
- Ratio: 1 scoop + 1 shot
- Notes: Dessert-style drink; creamy, hot, and cold at once.
- Vienna Coffee
- Ingredients: Espresso + whipped cream
- Ratio: 1 or 2 shots with a generous cream topping
- Notes: Served without milk foam; rich, sweet, and creamy.
- Iced Latte
- Ingredients: Espresso + cold milk + ice
- Ratio: Typically 1:3
- Notes: Refreshing milk-based coffee served cold; no foam.
- Iced Mocha
- Ingredients: Espresso + chocolate + cold milk + ice + whipped cream
- Ratio: Similar to hot mocha
- Notes: Sweet and indulgent; often garnished with chocolate syrup.
- Babyccino (Non-caffeinated)
- Ingredients: Steamed milk with foam, no coffee
- Ratio: Milk only
- Notes: Served for children; often topped with chocolate powder or sprinkles.
Related Stories:
Barista Terminology | Episode 10: Advanced Concepts
Barista Terminology | Episode 9: Sensory Evaluation
Barista Terminology | Episode 8: Customer Service Language in the Café
Barista Terminology | Episode 7: Water & Temperature Control
Barista Terminology | Episode 6: Grind & Extraction Variables
Barista Terminology | Episode 5: Milk Texturing & Latte Art
Barista Terminology | Episode 4: Brew Methods Explained
Barista Terminology | Episode 1: The Coffee Bean – From Seed to Roast
Barista Terminology | Episode 2: Barista Tools & Equipment
Barista Terminology | Episode 3: Espresso Basics
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