A basic look into all the kinds of choices without being overwhelmed to order.

Whenever I go to an establishment to get my daily dose of coffee in a non-addicted way (clearly), I immediately notice the menu filled with all kinds of options. I look at these foreign words for way too long and end up always just getting the most basic coffee so I can scurry away quicker. I have always felt that when it comes to caffeine, you need to be fully versed in its language to completely appreciate its essence. 

However, ordering coffee does not quite require that level of expertise. You only need to know the basics, and once you understand the fundamentals, the menu suddenly feels a lot less threatening. So maybe next time you and I can walk up to the counter without fear and embrace the caffeine culture for what it is.

When it comes to the classic latte, it is espresso combined with a lot of milk. Typically, it comes with two shots of espresso, and you can get it hot or iced. If it tastes too milky, you can always ask for an extra shot. The drink is simple, balanced and popular for a reason. When students order lattes, they are usually looking for something comforting that will give them a steady boost without overwhelming them. I feel like a latte tells the world you enjoy caffeine, but you also enjoy stability and predictable outcomes.

If you like the idea of a latte but want something lighter, the cappuccino is the way to go. It is like the latte, but contains less milk and more foam. This foam is achieved by aerating the milk for longer during the steaming process, which is what makes the process different from making a latte. In most cafés, it ranges from six to eight ounces, and it is meant to be served hot. Ordering an iced cappuccino will usually earn you a confused look from someone who is well-versed in the language of caffeine, because it does not fit the drink’s intended structure. It is also not meant to be ordered in a giant size, because the balance is easily thrown off. Cappuccino drinkers are often drawn to aesthetics and presentation. It suits students who want a stronger espresso presence while keeping a soft, airy texture on top.

For those who prefer an even smaller and more focused drink, the cortado is ideal. I am not going to lie, I did not even know what this was until now. A cortado has equal parts espresso and milk, usually two ounces of each. It is traditionally served hot and remains a minimal, balanced beverage. Students who order cortados are making a subtle but confident choice. This is not the drink for someone who wants a massive cup to sip on all morning. It is for the person who values concentration, clarity and clean flavour. A cortado signals intention. It is the beverage of the quiet student working alone at a small table with a stack of readings they are determined to finish.

Some students skip milk entirely, which could not be me. However, if that is you, then an espresso might be your drink. A shot of espresso is strong, bitter, concentrated coffee. Its intensity cannot be softened, and students drink espresso when they are in pure survival mode or when they genuinely enjoy strong flavours. Espresso drinkers tend to be straight to the point, pragmatic and occasionally dramatic about needing energy immediately.

If an espresso feels too sharp on its own, the Americano is a simple alternative. This is a mix of espresso and water, and it can be served hot or iced. People often add cream or milk, but the drink is built around water. Historically, it was created to accommodate American tourists in Italy who found espresso too strong. The Americano has become the drink for students who want the taste and volume of regular coffee with the caffeine strength of espresso. It reflects practicality and commitment without any unnecessary sweetness.

For those who want to avoid espresso entirely, drip coffee remains the most straightforward option. Ordering “a coffee” in a café simply refers to drip coffee, which is like the kind made at home. It is not pressed like espresso. Instead, hot water drips through coffee grounds to produce a lighter, more diluted drink. It is often chosen by people who want to avoid the complexities of espresso-based drinks or who feel nostalgic for the taste of classic brewed coffee. It is a simple beverage with a simple purpose, and sometimes that is all I want.

If caffeine is less of a priority (but still a need), chai might be your comfort drink. Chai is a black tea often mixed with spices such as pepper and cinnamon. You can order it plain or as a chai latte with milk. Chai is warm and soothing because it creates a moment of calm, even when deadlines loom. Students who choose chai often like the ritual of having something warm to sip on without the sharper bitterness of coffee. It fits the mood of quiet study sessions, long afternoons and gloomy walks to class.

Herbal tea is an option for those who want the café experience without caffeine at all. They rely on dried fruits or flowers rather than tea leaves, thus no caffeine. It is a gentle choice for people who want presence rather than productivity from their beverage.

Matcha offers another route for students who want caffeine without the intensity of coffee. It is finely ground green tea powder whisked into hot water, then combined with milk or extra water. Vibrant and almost neon green matcha is considered better. Some cafés use pre-sweetened matcha, which means it is already mixed with sugar. Matcha has become a cultural staple for people who like drinks that feel clean, earthy and visually pleasing. It offers energy without the spikes that coffee can bring and provides a slower, steadier lift for long study days.

So, what should you order? Well, that is entirely up to you and do not worry if you still feel unsure about what suits you.

The most important thing is that you do not need to feel intimidated by the coffee counter. Once you understand the basic differences, the menu stops looking confusing. From my experience, baristas are usually happy to answer questions about these drinks, and I always love hearing their perspective on the options because of how passionate they can get. Whether you want something strong, sweet, cozy, classic or trendy, there is a drink that fits who you are and what kind of day you are having.

However, it is still okay to just grab a classic basic coffee and move on with your day.