Coffee Drinks Explained

Need some clarification regarding what exactly all the different coffee drinks you see advertised at coffee shops actually are? If you’re not clear on the details between a macchiato and cortado, keep reading!

What’s an Espresso?

Like a concentrated coffee shot (and the drink of choice throughout Europe), an espresso is “seven grams of specifically roasted coffee, extracted by an espresso machine for approximately 24 seconds,” says Tal Inbar, owner of NYC’s Macchiato Espresso Bar. Want to drink it the insider way? Don’t order it to go. Italians drink their espresso while standing at the café.

What’s a Macchiato?

A macchiato is “the same as espresso but ‘stained’ with a little bit of foam—the word macchiato comes from the Italian word that means to stain,” says Inbar.

What’s a Cortado?

“Cortado means cut (it comes from the Spanish wordcortar). It’s an espresso ‘cut’ with approximately the same amount of steamed milk.” If you find an espresso or macchiato a little too strong, you’ll love this option.

What’s a Cappuccino?

Three equal parts: a third espresso, a third milk, a third froth. “If frothed correctly (and if the texture is correct), this is not supposed to be so distinct and broken apart but rather a smooth, silky texture blending each of the elements,” Inbar says.

What’s a Dry Cappuccino?

Don’t like too much milk in your coffee? Try ordering your cappuccino ‘dry.’ “This is usually very little warm milk and more foam or froth,” says Inbar.

What’s a Red Eye?

If a regular coffee is no longer perking you up the same way, try a red eye for an extra jolt: “It’s drip coffee with a shot of espresso.”