Coffee can feel simple at first, then you look at a coffee shop menu and see a dozen drinks with Italian names. If you're new to coffee, or just want to know what you're ordering, this guide breaks down the most common coffee types in plain English.
It All Starts With Espresso
Most coffee shop drinks are built on espresso, a small, concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground beans. The difference between most drinks comes down to what's added: more water, steamed milk, foam, or flavor.
Espresso
A straight shot (or double shot) of espresso. Bold, rich, and strong. Great if you want pure coffee flavor in a few sips.
Americano
Espresso topped with hot water. It tastes similar to brewed coffee, but with the deeper flavor of espresso. At Sirincci, our standard Americano comes with three shots, and you can ask for a fourth at no charge.
Latte
Espresso with lots of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. Lattes are creamy and mild, which makes them the easiest place to start if you're new to coffee. Add a flavor like caramel, vanilla, or hazelnut, and choose any milk you like.
Cappuccino
Espresso with steamed milk and a thicker layer of foam, so it's lighter and airier than a latte. Our regular cappuccino is a 16 oz. Want it smaller and stronger? Try a cortado.
Cortado
Equal-ish parts espresso and steamed milk in a small cup. Smooth, strong, and less milky than a latte.
Macchiato
A traditional macchiato is espresso "marked" with a little milk foam. A caramel macchiato, one of the most popular drinks on any menu, layers vanilla, milk, espresso, and caramel drizzle.
Brewed and Cold Coffee
Drip Coffee
The classic cup. Hot water drips through ground coffee in a filter. Smooth, balanced, and easy to customize with cream and sugar.
Pour-Over
Drip coffee made by hand, one cup at a time, for a cleaner and more flavorful cup.
Cold Brew
Coarse grounds steeped in cool water for many hours. Cold brew is smooth, mellow, and less bitter than hot coffee poured over ice. Top it with sweet cold foam for a treat. Learn more in our post on cold brew vs. iced coffee.
Sweet, Blended, and Coffee-Free
Frappé
A blended, icy coffee drink, usually finished with whipped cream. Think coffee milkshake.
Chai and Dirty Chai
A chai latte is spiced tea with steamed milk. Add a shot of espresso and it becomes a dirty chai.
Matcha
Powdered green tea whisked into milk, served hot, iced, or blended. Earthy, smooth, and caffeinated without coffee.
Tips for Ordering Your First Drink
- Start mild: a latte or caramel macchiato is a friendly first order
- Pick your milk: whole, 2%, half & half, or heavy cream, plus almond, oat, and coconut
- Add flavor slowly: one flavor is plenty to start
- Ask your barista: tell them what you usually like, and they'll point you in the right direction
Try Something New at Sirincci
Every drink above is on the Sirincci Coffee menu, along with house favorites like the Siroccubano: two shots of espresso frothed with raw sugar and a splash of half & half, topped with whipped cream and caramel.
Stop by our shops in Olde Towne Slidell, on Robert Blvd, or in Lacombe, and start your coffee journey with us.