Mastering Coffee Terminology: Impress Your Favorite Baristas

Hey coffee enthusiasts! If you’ve found your go-to coffee shop or that special bikini barista who knows your name, it’s time to step up your coffee-ordering game. Knowing the right espresso lingo not only ensures you get exactly what you want but also shows that you’re serious about your coffee. Here’s a rundown of essential coffee terms that will make ordering a breeze.

Pro Tip: It’s **”Espresso,” Not “Expresso”

Whatever you do, don’t say “expresso.” It’s a dead giveaway that you’re new to the coffee scene. The correct term is espresso, and now you’re one step closer to caffeine credibility.

Key Coffee Terms You Need to Know

Americano
Short for “Caffè Americano,” this drink combines a shot of espresso with hot water, creating a coffee similar in strength to regular drip but with a smoother, made-to-order flavor.

Barista
An expert in crafting espresso drinks, this Italian term refers to the skilled individuals behind the espresso machine.

Breve
A rich espresso drink made with steamed half-and-half instead of milk.

Black Eye
Drip coffee amped up with two shots of espresso.

Café au Lait
A French-inspired blend of equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk (or sometimes a 2:1 ratio of coffee to milk).

Caffè Breve
Espresso topped with steamed half-and-half, for a decadent, velvety experience.

Caffè Latte (or Latte)
Espresso with steamed milk and a layer of frothy milk on top. Often enhanced with flavors like vanilla or hazelnut.

Caffè Macchiato (or Macchiato)
Espresso “marked” with a dollop of foamed milk.

Caffè Mocha (or Mocha)
A chocolatey latte made with chocolate syrup or steamed chocolate milk, often finished with whipped cream and cocoa.

Cappuccino
A classic drink with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk. It’s creamier than a macchiato and often dusted with cinnamon or cocoa.

Chai Latte
A blend of black tea, warming spices, and steamed milk for a cozy, non-coffee alternative.

Con Panna
Espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

Crema
The golden-brown layer of foam that forms atop a well-pulled espresso shot.

Decaf
Short for “decaffeinated,” this coffee option has most of the caffeine removed, but not all.

Doppio
Italian for “double,” this is a double shot of espresso.

Double
A drink with two shots of espresso.

Double Double
Espresso made with double cream and double sugar.

Dry Cappuccino
Espresso with only frothed milk, leaving out the steamed milk for a lighter texture.

Espresso
The heart of it all. Espresso is made by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans. Its rich, bold flavor serves as the base for many other drinks.

Flat White
A latte minus the foam—just smooth steamed milk poured over espresso.

Half-Caf
A drink made with equal parts regular and decaffeinated coffee.

Harmless
Another way to say decaf.

Grande
A 16 oz. cup size in the coffee world.

Latte
See “Caffè Latte.” A versatile favorite among coffee lovers.

Macchiato
See “Caffè Macchiato.” A small but flavorful espresso drink.

Mochaccino
A cappuccino with a touch of chocolate—like a mocha with more foam.

Quad
Espresso made with four shots for a powerful caffeine kick.

Red Eye
Drip coffee with one shot of espresso for an extra boost.

Short
An 8 oz. cup size.

Shot
A single serving of brewed espresso.

Single
One shot of espresso, typically 1–1.5 ounces.

Skinny
A lighter option made with non-fat milk.

Skinny Harmless
A non-fat, decaf option.

Solo
Italian for “single,” referring to one shot of espresso.

Tall
A 12 oz. cup size.

Triple
Espresso made with three shots.

Unleaded
Another term for decaf coffee.

Venti
A 20 oz. cup size.

With this cheat sheet in hand, you’re ready to order like a pro. Whether you’re a latte lover or a cappuccino connoisseur, speaking the right language will ensure your coffee experience is always on point. Cheers to your next espresso adventure!