Coffee Shop Ordering CHEAT SHEET
A Guide to Getting Exactly the Drink You Want (and Making Your Barista’s Day Easier)
Ordering at a coffee shop can feel confusing. There are endless names, secret menu hacks floating around the internet, and drinks that sound similar but aren’t the same at all. As someone who has worked behind the counter, I can tell you that most mix-ups happen not because customers ask for the wrong thing, but because they don’t know how to explain what they actually want.
This cheat sheet is here to help you order with confidence and clarity—so you get the exact drink you’re craving, faster, and without frustration on either side of the counter.
The Golden Rule of Ordering
Always order in this order:
Size → Drink → Customizations
For example:
Instead of “Can I get a latte, medium, with oat milk and vanilla?”
Say: “Grande vanilla latte with oat milk.”
Simple, clear, and your barista already has your cup in hand by the time you’re done.
Espresso Drinks
These are the foundation of most coffee shop menus. Knowing the difference helps you order without surprises.
Espresso A small, concentrated shot of coffee. Usually 1 oz, served straight.
Americano Espresso with hot water. Tastes similar to drip coffee but with a different body.
Latte Espresso, lots of steamed milk, a small layer of foam. Creamy and smooth.
Cappuccino Espresso with equal parts steamed milk and foam. Much lighter and foamier than a latte.
Flat White Espresso with microfoam milk. Similar to a latte but smaller, with stronger coffee flavor and velvety texture.
Macchiato (traditional) Espresso topped with just a spoonful of foam. Very strong.
Macchiato (chain-style) Often refers to a latte with flavored syrup and caramel drizzle. Always clarify if you’re at a café that uses traditional definitions.
Mocha Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup or ganache. Like hot chocolate with a coffee kick.
Specialty Coffee Drinks
Cortado Equal parts espresso and steamed milk, served in a small glass. Balanced and smooth.
Café au Lait Brewed coffee with steamed milk (not espresso-based).
Cold Brew Coffee steeped in cold water for 12–24 hours. Smooth, less acidic, and naturally stronger.
Iced Latte Espresso over ice with cold milk. Can be flavored with syrups.
Shaken Espresso Espresso shaken with ice and sweetener, then topped with milk. Creates a frothy, refreshing drink.
Chai Drinks
Chai is spiced black tea, often made from a concentrate or brewed fresh in-house.
Chai Latte Chai tea with steamed milk. Spiced, creamy, and cozy.
Iced Chai Latte Chai with cold milk over ice.
Dirty Chai Chai latte with a shot (or two) of espresso added. Great if you want caffeine and spice in one cup.
Matcha Drinks
Matcha is finely ground green tea powder, whisked into liquid.
Matcha Latte Matcha whisked with milk (hot or iced). Earthy, slightly sweet, and creamy.
Iced Matcha Latte Same as above, served over ice.
Dirty Matcha Matcha latte with a shot of espresso. Strong and bold—great if you love both tea and coffee.
Barista Note: You can clarify how sweet you want your matcha. Some cafés pre-sweeten their matcha powder, while others use unsweetened.
Customizations to Know
These are the things that can make or break your drink. Say them early and clearly.
Decaf or Half-Caf Espresso without caffeine, or mixed half and half.
Number of Shots “Double shot latte” vs. “triple shot.” Default sizes already come with standard shots, but you can always add.
Milk Choice Whole, skim, half-and-half, oat, almond, soy, coconut. Each foams and tastes differently.
Sweetness Level Instead of saying “less pumps,” try “half sweet.” It’s easier for baristas and less confusing across different cafés.
Temperature “Extra hot” means 170–180°F. “Kids temp” means cooler so you can drink it right away.
Foam Preference “No foam,” “light foam,” or “extra foam” helps with lattes, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate.
How to Avoid Mix-Ups
If you saw it online, explain what’s in it. Don’t just ask for a “secret menu” drink by name.
Be specific about iced vs hot. Saying “latte” without clarifying defaults to hot.
Don’t wait until the last second to add “decaf” or “extra shot.” Mention it right away.
If you’re unsure, ask! Baristas would rather explain than guess.
Ordering coffee shouldn’t feel stressful. Once you know the basics, you can walk into any café and get exactly what you want, without confusion or long explanations. Baristas appreciate clear, confident orders—and you’ll appreciate getting the perfect drink in your hand faster.
