What Is the Coffee Cup Score and Why It Matters
From bustling cafés in Italy to cozy kitchens in Brazil, coffee is a global favorite — but how it’s prepared and enjoyed varies wildly from country to country. While the word “coffee” may seem universal, there are dozens of popular types, each with its own style, recipe, and story.
In this article, we’ll explore the most popular coffee types around the world, breaking down what makes each one special — so you can decide which style suits your taste.
Espresso is the foundation of most modern coffee drinks. It’s made by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water through finely ground coffee at high pressure.
Perfect for those who love strong, concentrated coffee. Often enjoyed on its own or as a base for other drinks like cappuccino or latte.
An Americano is simply espresso diluted with hot water. It’s similar in strength to drip coffee but retains the espresso’s richness.
A cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. It’s served in a small cup and often dusted with cocoa or cinnamon.
Great for mornings or as a mid-day treat.
The latte (short for caffè latte) contains more steamed milk than cappuccino, resulting in a milder and creamier drink.
Popular with people who prefer less intense coffee or want to add syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut).
Similar to a latte, but with less milk and more microfoam, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor and a velvety texture.
Loved by those who want something between a cappuccino and a latte.
“Macchiato” means “stained” in Italian. This drink is an espresso with a small amount of milk or foam added on top.
Great if you like espresso but want just a touch of creaminess.
A mocha is a delicious blend of coffee and chocolate, usually made with:
Perfect for those who love coffee with a dessert-like twist.
Cold brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12–24 hours. The result is a smooth, less acidic coffee served cold.
Ideal for hot days or iced coffee lovers.
Not to be confused with cold brew, iced coffee is regular brewed coffee (usually drip or espresso) poured over ice.
A quick and refreshing option for summer.
Turkish coffee is made by boiling very finely ground coffee with sugar and water in a small pot called a cezve. It’s served unfiltered in a small cup.
A strong cultural ritual, not just a drink.
Made with dark roast coffee and sweetened condensed milk, often brewed using a phin filter.
Rich, bold, and sweet — perfect for adventurous palates.
Similar to a latte but typically made with regular brewed coffee instead of espresso.
Ideal for people who want a mild, milky coffee without the espresso punch.
Strong espresso sweetened with sugar while brewing, resulting in a rich, syrupy shot.
Not exactly a drink — an espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream.
| Name | Base | Milk | Served | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Espresso | No | Hot | Bold flavor lovers |
| Americano | Espresso | No | Hot | Milder coffee with espresso base |
| Cappuccino | Espresso | Foam + Milk | Hot | Balanced texture and taste |
| Latte | Espresso | Steamed milk | Hot | Smooth, creamy coffee |
| Flat White | Espresso | Microfoam | Hot | Strong but smooth coffee |
| Macchiato | Espresso | A little milk | Hot | Espresso with a soft touch |
| Mocha | Espresso | Milk + Chocolate | Hot | Coffee and chocolate combo lovers |
| Cold Brew | Steeped | Optional | Cold | Smooth and less acidic |
| Iced Coffee | Brewed | Optional | Cold | Quick and refreshing |
| Turkish Coffee | Boiled | No | Hot | Cultural and intense experience |
| Vietnamese Coffee | Brewed | Condensed Milk | Hot/Cold | Sweet and bold |
| Café au Lait | Brewed | Steamed milk | Hot | Light and smooth |
| Café Cubano | Espresso | Sugar | Hot | Sweet, strong espresso |
| Affogato | Espresso | Ice cream | Hot + Cold | Dessert and coffee in one |
With so many styles to explore, there’s truly a coffee for every mood, culture, and occasion. Trying new types of coffee is not just about taste — it’s about discovering the stories, rituals, and creativity behind each cup.
So whether you’re sipping a strong espresso, a chilled cold brew, or a frothy cappuccino, enjoy the global journey in your mug.
Gabriel Rodrigues é especialista em finanças pessoais e escritor, com ampla experiência em economia, planejamento financeiro e gestão de recursos. Apaixonado por ajudar as pessoas a alcançarem sua saúde financeira, ele explora temas variados, desde investimentos até estratégias de poupança. Quando não está escrevendo, você pode encontrá-lo estudando novas tendências financeiras e oferecendo consultoria para quem busca melhorar sua relação com o dinheiro.
