Navigating a Coffee drinks Menu 

Ever found yourself in a café, bombarded by a menu long enough to rival a magazine page? So many varieties, so many options. Espresso this, macchiato that, and something called a Raf? Beyond the regular lattes and americanos there are so many more drinks that you will not find in every cafe. Some Less popular than others. But what they lack in popularity, they compensate in character and flavour. From the simplicity of an espresso, to the very inventive twist of a bumble coffee, creativity knows no boundaries. Sometimes, It can feel like you’re expected to understand a whole new language just to order something new.

This blog is intended to make it simpler. A list of some of the less common but a must try coffees on the menus in alphabetical order ( with visual illustrations ). From those you might have heard of and maybe tried, to those with names that sound made up. You will get a better understanding of what each drink is, what to expect interms of taste, and how it is made. So next time you get a hold of that fancy coffee menu, or just feel like showing off infront of your boujie friends you know exactly what to order. without having to go at it blindly.
While the classic Espresso, Americano, Latte, Cappuccino, and Flat White are well known favorites, There is always room for more coffee. Here is a much more diverse list of coffee based drinks to pick from and explore if you are yet to.

Coffee catalogue : From A to Z

• Affogato – Espresso poured over vanilla ice cream.
  Taste: Hot and cold, bitter and sweet. Literally dessert in a cup.

• Bicerin – Italian layered drink: espresso, hot chocolate, and cream.
  Taste: Rich, indulgent, dessert like.

• Bumble Coffee – Espresso poured over orange juice (sometimes with honey or syrup).
  Taste: Citrus-bright and bittersweet; refreshing and unconventional.

• Café Bombón – Equal parts espresso and sweetened condensed milk (Spain).
  Taste: Very sweet, thick, and rich.

• Café Raf – Russian drink made with espresso, cream, and vanilla sugar, all steamed together.
  Taste: Silky, creamy, subtly sweet and almost custard like.

• Caffè Corretto – Espresso with a shot of liquor (usually grappa, sambuca, or brandy).
  Taste: Bitter meets boozy; a punchy finish.

• Cold Brew – Coffee steeped cold for 12+ hours or more.
  Taste: Smooth, low acid, slightly sweet.

• Cortado – Equal parts espresso and steamed milk (small glass).
  Taste: Balanced and less milky than a latte.

• Dalgona Coffee – Whipped instant coffee, sugar, and hot water over milk (viral Korean trend).
  Taste: Frothy, sweet, and visually fun.

• Dirty Chai Latte – Chai tea with a shot (or two) of espresso.
  Taste: Spicy, sweet, and caffeinated.

• Frappé – Greek iced coffee made with instant coffee, sugar, and water, shaken to foam.
  Taste: Frothy, slightly bitter, very refreshing.

• Freddo Espresso – Chilled, shaken espresso served over ice (Greece).
  Taste: Cool, foamy, and punchy.

• Irish Coffee – Hot coffee with Irish whiskey and cream.
  Taste: Warm, boozy, and slightly sweet.

• Lungo – Long pulled espresso shot.
  Taste: Less intense, more bitter than espresso.

• Macchiato (Traditional) – Espresso “marked” with milk foam.
  Taste: Mostly espresso with a hint of milk.

• Mazagran – Iced coffee with lemon (sometimes sparkling water or rum).
  Taste: Bright and very refreshing.

• Mocha ( Chocolate ) – Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup or cocoa.
  Taste: Sweet, chocolatey, dessert like.

• Ristretto – Shorter, more concentrated espresso shot.
  Taste: Sweet, rich, and less bitter than espresso.

• Shakerato – Italian iced espresso, shaken with ice and sugar.
  Taste: Frothy, cold, and slightly sweet.

• Spanish Latte – Espresso with a mix of regular and sweetened condensed milk.
  Taste: Rich, sweet, and creamy.

We all have different tastes and prefferences. Some prefer dark and bold, others always go for the much sweeter option over spicy or sour any day . The beauty of coffee, much like most things in life is that it does not ask for uniformity. It invites individuality.
Now that you know what’s behind the names, you’re better equipped to choose what actually suits your mood, your taste buds, or your curiosity. This guide is here whenever you need it. Keep exploring. One cup at a time. Enjoy! & as always, Stay Caffeinated!