Ever walked into a café, glanced at the menu, and suddenly felt like you needed a translator? Between flat whites, cold brews, cortados, and matcha lattes, it can get confusing fast. If you’re new to the café scene or just want to sound like you know what you’re doing, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
This beginner’s guide will walk you through the common items on a café menu, what they mean, and how to order like a pro without breaking a sweat.
Espresso
Let’s start with the foundation of almost every coffee drink on the menu—espresso. This is a small but powerful shot of concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. It’s strong, bold, and served in small portions.
You can drink it straight if you’re feeling brave or use it as the base for most milk-based drinks.
Common espresso-based drinks include:
| Drink | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Espresso | Single or double shot, no milk |
| Americano | Espresso + hot water |
| Macchiato | Espresso + a dash of foamed milk |
| Cortado | Equal parts espresso and steamed milk |
| Cappuccino | Espresso + steamed milk + foam |
| Latte | Espresso + more steamed milk, light foam |
| Flat White | Similar to a latte, but less frothy |
Brewed
If espresso’s not your thing, there’s a whole world of brewed coffee waiting for you. These options are generally milder and come in larger cups.
You’ll often see:
- Drip coffee: Your basic brewed coffee, served black unless you ask otherwise.
- Pour-over: Hand-poured water over coffee grounds, clean and flavorful.
- French press: Bold and rich, brewed by steeping grounds in hot water.
- Cold brew: Coffee brewed slowly in cold water for 12–24 hours—smooth and strong.
If you like more mellow flavors or want something to sip over time, brewed coffee is your lane.
Noncoffee
Not a coffee drinker? No problem. Most cafés now offer a wide variety of noncoffee options that still feel like a treat.
Popular options include:
- Matcha latte: Ground green tea powder with milk, earthy and energizing
- Chai latte: Spiced black tea with milk, sweet and warming
- Hot chocolate: Rich and creamy, perfect for non-caffeine lovers
- Herbal teas: From mint to hibiscus, a calming, caffeine-free option
- Golden milk: A turmeric-based drink with spices and milk, cozy and anti-inflammatory
These drinks are great if you’re sensitive to caffeine or just in the mood for something different.
Milk
Here’s where your choices can multiply quickly. Most cafés offer several milk options beyond the classic dairy:
- Whole milk: Creamy and traditional
- Skim milk: Lighter and lower in fat
- Oat milk: Creamy and slightly sweet, very popular
- Almond milk: Nutty and light
- Soy milk: Neutral and high in protein
- Coconut milk: Sweet and tropical flavor
You can ask for your drink with any of these, and baristas are usually happy to make recommendations.
Sizes
Café sizes can be tricky. Some places use small, medium, and large. Others might get fancy with Italian-style names like:
- Short (8 oz)
- Tall (12 oz)
- Grande (16 oz)
- Venti (20 oz)
Just ask what the sizes mean if you’re unsure. And yes, a smaller cup doesn’t mean you’re getting less caffeine—it depends on the drink.
Iced
Most hot drinks can be served cold. Just say “iced” before the name. For example:
- Iced latte
- Iced chai
- Iced matcha
- Iced Americano
These are perfect for warm days or if you prefer your drinks chilled and refreshing.
Sweeteners
Cafés usually offer a range of sweeteners at the bar or by request:
- Raw sugar
- White sugar
- Honey
- Stevia
- Agave syrup
- Flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, hazelnut
You can customize how sweet you want your drink. Just say “half sweet” or “extra syrup” when ordering.
Tips
Feeling confident yet? Here are a few tips to make your café experience smooth:
- Ask questions. Baristas are usually more than happy to explain a drink.
- Try small sizes until you find your favorite.
- Don’t be afraid to customize your order.
- Want it decaf? Just say so—almost any drink can be made without caffeine.
- Watch how others order if you’re nervous.
Café menus don’t have to be intimidating. Once you know the basics, you’ll start to spot patterns and figure out your favorites. Think of it like building a playlist—find the base you like, tweak it, and make it your own.
FAQs
What is a flat white?
An espresso drink with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
What’s the difference between latte and cappuccino?
Lattes have more milk, cappuccinos have more foam.
Can I order drinks without caffeine?
Yes, many drinks can be made decaf or with no caffeine at all.
What’s the best milk for lattes?
Oat milk and whole milk are the creamiest for lattes.
Is cold brew stronger than iced coffee?
Yes, cold brew is smoother but usually has more caffeine.
