Whether you’re popping into a cosy local café or grabbing your usual from a bustling high street chain, the British coffee scene offers a wide variety of drinks to suit every taste. From silky smooth flat whites to bold espressos, here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of coffee drinks you’ll find in UK coffee shops.
1. Espresso
The foundation of most coffee drinks. An espresso is a small, strong shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans. Expect a rich, concentrated flavour with a velvety crema on top.
Size: 25–30ml
Best for: Coffee purists, strong coffee lovers
2. Americano
An Americano is simply espresso topped with hot water, giving it a similar strength to drip coffee but with a smoother flavour.
Size: Typically 8oz–12oz
Customise it: Add milk or sugar if you prefer
3. Macchiato
Meaning “stained” or “spotted” in Italian, a macchiato is an espresso “stained” with a small amount of foamed milk. It delivers the intensity of espresso with a slight creamy touch.
Size: Small (single or double shot)
Variation: Caramel Macchiato (often found in chains) includes milk and sweet syrup—quite different from the traditional version.
4. Iced Coffee
Refreshing and chilled, iced coffee is growing in popularity in the UK. It can be brewed in different ways:
- Iced Americano – Espresso poured over ice and topped with water
- Iced Latte – Espresso, milk, and ice
- Cold Brew – Steeped coffee served cold; smooth and less acidic
5. Flat White
A modern favourite that originated in Australia/New Zealand and has become a British staple. It features a double shot of espresso with steamed milk, topped with a thin layer of microfoam.
- Size: 5–6oz
- Texture: Creamy but not frothy; stronger than a latte
6. Latte
The go-to for many casual coffee drinkers. A latte is made with a shot of espresso and topped with steamed milk and a light layer of foam.
- Size: 10–12oz
- Flavourings: Often customised with syrups like vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel
7. Cappuccino
A cappuccino is a well-balanced drink consisting of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The foam gives it a lighter texture and sometimes comes with a dusting of cocoa powder on top.
- Size: Usually 6oz
- Perfect for: Those who like a frothy, balanced coffee
8. Mocha
Perfect for chocolate lovers. A mocha combines espresso, steamed milk, and hot chocolate or cocoa powder.
- Size: 8–12oz
- Topping: Often finished with whipped cream or a sprinkle of chocolate
9. Cortado
A cortado is a Spanish-inspired drink made with equal parts espresso and warm milk, cutting the acidity of the espresso without overwhelming it.
- Size: Small (4–5oz)
- Smooth and balanced
10. Ristretto
A ristretto is a shorter, more concentrated version of an espresso, using the same amount of coffee but half the water. It’s rich and intense with less bitterness.
- Size: ~15–20ml
- For: A quick, flavour-packed experience
11. Alternative Milk Coffees
Most UK cafés now offer dairy-free options:
- Oat milk (creamy and popular)
- Almond milk
- Soy milk
- Coconut milk (for a tropical twist)
These can be used in lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites and more. Just ask for your favourite base drink with a plant-based milk substitute.
Which Coffee Drink Is Right for You?
| Drink | Strength | Milk | Froth | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | High | No | No | Small |
| Americano | Medium | Optional | No | Medium/Large |
| Macchiato | High | Light | Light | Small |
| Flat White | High | Yes | Thin | Small |
| Latte | Mild | Yes | Light | Large |
| Cappuccino | Medium | Yes | Thick | Medium |
| Mocha | Mild | Yes | Light | Large |
| Cortado | Medium | Yes | No | Small |
| Ristretto | Very High | No | No | Very Small |
| Iced Coffee | Varies | Optional | No | Medium/Large |
Final Thoughts
British coffee culture is rich and diverse, offering something for everyone—from the punchy espresso to the smooth flat white. Whether you’re exploring new drinks or perfecting your order, understanding these coffee types helps you enjoy every cup that little bit more.