I know am not alone when I say that I love coffee. It interested me so much, I decided to get a job as a barista to learn how to make these delicious drinks I was discovering. Before I got a job working in a coffee shop, I had little to no idea what the difference between any of these fancy espresso drinks was and I admit, I was confused about it! Working as a barista, you hear new and different names for espresso drinks every time you put your apron on and start a shift. There has become some discrepancy in the coffee world because not everyone advertises the same name for the same drinks.
So, hopefully by reading this article, you can make sure that you are ordering exactly what you need to get you through your morning!
1. Espresso
Ah, espresso. The key ingredient to just about every drink on the menu at a café. A single shot of espresso is typically one ounce. On their own, espresso shots taste bitter but quickly become an acquired taste. Ordering a single or double shot is a quick way to get caffeine.
2. Americano
Americanos are a shot of espresso with double the amount of hot water poured into the cup. This is the perfect drink to order if you like the taste of espresso but your drink to last longer.
3. Latte
There are so many ways to make a latte your own. It is the delicious combination of espresso, steamed milk, and if you choose to you can add some of the many combinations of flavors there are to try.
4. Cappuccino
Drinking a cappuccino is such a treat! The sweetness of the foam balances the strong taste of the espresso. The drink is a shot of espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk on top.
5. Macchiato
Macchiatos are for sure one of the most frequently confused drinks. While one cafe makes it this way, another one makes it a different way. Traditionally, a macchiato is an espresso shot with foamed milk scooped on. This drink is for foam lovers!
6. Cortado
A cortado is for those who enjoy the taste of just plain espresso but not enough to drink it on its own. This drink is simply a double espresso with a small amount of warm milk. The warm milk mixed with the espresso taste less bitter and makes for a creamier espresso taste.
7. Café Au Le
Café Au Le is a cup of brewed coffee with warm, steamed milk poured to the rim.
8. Chai Anxiety
You might know this drink by another name like Chai Bomb or Dirty Chai. This drink combines the spiciness of chai with the creamy taste of a latte.
9. Mocha
Mochas are such a classic when it comes to espresso drinks. It's not difficult to understand why coffee and chocolate are a delicious combo! This drink is a latte with chocolate mixed in and is often topped with whipped cream.
10. Cubano
Cubano is a term used for shots that are sweetened with sugar while they are being brewed. The barista will grind the espresso into the espresso head and sprinkle sugar on the top before putting it in the machine to be poured. The sweetness makes the shots easy to drink on their own!
11. Red/Black Eye
If your usual cup of coffee just isn't cutting it in the mornings anymore, try a red eye! This is a shot of espresso poured into a cup of drip coffee. A black eye is two shots, and beyond two shots...well, let's just call that crazy eye. 
12. Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is made by soaking coffee grounds in water for a long period of time, typically an entire 24 hours. Cold brew is more caffeinated but less acidic than iced coffee.
13. Frappuccino
Frappuccinos are a blended espresso drink. Typically, they include some sort of milk derived base, espresso, and ice! These drinks are very similar to milk shakes, but have the extra kick from espresso that some of us need!
Next time you’re in line at a new café, hopefully, you can go up to order with more confidence in what you know! I encourage you to stray from your regular drink and try something new on this list! You'll never know what might be your new favorite drink until you try!
