What Is a Small Coffee Called? (Solved & Explained!)

A small coffee is typically known as an Espresso as it comes in smaller cups (called demitasse cups) than regular coffee. Espresso is concentrated coffee that originally was conceptualized in Italy, but has become prominent all over the world.

There are many different types of recipes for espresso coffee that depend on the type of coffee bean used, the brew time, and what other ingredients are added to it. Espressos drastically change flavor based on their preparations, but typically are full-bodied with a layer of foam on top, mouth-full feel, and rich texture.

This article will go into the top 16 types of small coffees, typically known as espresso, and their recipes.

What is a Short Black Espresso?

A short black espresso is what could be considered the classic espresso drink. Almost every variation of the espresso is based on this one recipe. This drink consists of a 30 ml shot of espresso in a demitasse cup, with golden crema foam on top.

What is Doppio or Double Espresso?

Double espresso (or Doppio) consists of two shots of espresso totaling 60 ml, with twice the amount of kick as a single espresso coffee. These are served in demitasse cups that are pre-warmed, and this drink is sometimes also called the ‘standard double’.

What is Macchiato?

The macchiato espresso recipe is typically one shot of espresso topped with foamed milk. The neat feature of this drink is that it comes in three layers, which can be seen if your coffee is served in a clear glass cup.

The bottom layer of the Macchiato is made up of the original espresso, while the middle layer is a mix of foamed milk and espresso, tinted in a golden brown hue. The top layer consists of steamed foam, which balances the bitter taste.

What is Ristretto Coffee?

Ristretto espresso is similar to a classic espresso, except with half of the amount of water. This makes the coffee much stronger and more concentrated, and the largest difference is in the extraction time, as the coffee is extracted much less than a regular espresso, changing the composition.

What is an Americano?

Americano is also known as a Long Black, which is similar to traditional espresso, except they have added extra hot water to top it off or filtered coffee. It consists of boiled water of about 200 ml in a small cup, along with one shot of espresso of about 75 ml. You can also add more espresso if you would like the coffee to be stronger.

What is a Caffe Latte?

This espresso-based drink is made with steamed milk in a one-to-five or one-to-three ratio with a small amount of milk foam at the top. It consists of one shot of espresso at 75 ml, along with steamed milk, and then a thin layer of micro-foam.

What is a Cappuccino?

An espresso with a cappuccino twist is similar to a cafe latte, except it is made with hot milk and steamed foam milk. The largest difference is that a cappuccino is served in a cup instead of a tumbler, along with extra foam and a sprinkling of chocolate for decoration.

What is a Flat White?

This espresso style is similar to a latte or cappuccino except that it does not come with any foam, micro-foam, or chocolate, only textured milk.

What is a Piccolo Latte?

The piccolo latte is even smaller than what espressos are typically sized and pointedly smaller than a caffe latte. It has one or two shots of espresso and steamed milk, consisting of a small layer of micro milk foam on the top.

What is a Moca?

A mocha is similar to a latte, except that hot syrup with chocolate flavoring is added. It consists of one shot of poured espresso, then a spoonful of chocolate syrup, stirred, then steamed milk of about 150 ml, two or three inches of microfoam, and a sprinkling of chocolate.

What is an Affogato?

An affogato is a summer-themed espresso coffee suited best for hot days out on the patio, or after dinner as a suitable dessert. It consists of one or two large scoops of ice cream, along with a single or double shot of espresso drizzled over it.

What is Irish Coffee?

Irish coffee is a type of espresso made with whisky, sugar, and heavy cream. It consists of preheated coffee glasses, small in size, by pouring hot water in them and then pouring out the water. Then, one or two sugar cubes are placed in and hot espresso is poured over the top, along with 150 ml of whiskey and whipped cream.

What is Turkish Coffee?

Turkish coffee is also sometimes known as Greek coffee and is a traditional coffee made in a copper pot with fine ground coffee, where it is immersed with water and is allowed to attain the maximum amount of foam to form.

This coffee consists of one cup of water along with two teaspoons of coffee grounds. While the drink boils and froth, most of it is poured into cups, while one-third remains behind to be re-boiled, and then is also added to the cups.

The tricky factor about this coffee is that you have to wait for the foam to almost boil over the pot before taking it off heat. To sweeten the coffee, be sure to add sugar while the coffee is being boiled, not after, as this will allow the sugar to mix more effectively with the coffee.

What is Vienna Coffee?

This type of tiny espresso is made with whipped cream, hot milk, and chocolate. It consists of two shots of espresso in a coffee cup, topped with whipped cream, and a sprinkling of chocolate powder.

What is a Frappe?

A frappe is a special kind of coffee made up of coffee powder, ice, and sugar, and served cold. The steps to make it are simple, consisting of two teaspoons of instant coffee with sugar and a small amount of foam, which is then poured into a cold glass and topped with ice.

What is a Breve?

A breve espresso is similar to the traditional style of espresso, except with half milk and cream. It consists of one shot of espresso and is topped with another half of steamed milk and cream, giving this coffee extra smoothness.