What to Order at a Cafe: 10 Best Coffee Orders for First-Timers

Are you planning your next outing to a local coffee shop? Trying out cafes is a hobby for many. From ambiance to what’s on the menu, each space offers a unique experience. But what if you make the much-anticipated trip out to a coffee shop and immediately feel overwhelmed at the menu options? It’s especially hard for first-timers or beginner coffee drinkers who don’t know what the difference is between a latte and a cappuccino. 

Not to worry—we’re here to give you the inside scoop on the best coffee orders you can try when visiting a new coffee shop. Whether you prefer a milky espresso-based drink or want to try an elevated black coffee, this guide gives you the rundown on cafe orders. Keep reading to find out the difference between popular coffee orders and which one you should try!

10 Coffee Orders to Try Next Time You're at a Coffee Shop

From beginner-friendly orders to drinks for coffee experts, here’s a list of the top 10 best coffee orders to try: 

1. Espresso

Best For: The ultra-bold who crave the fully embodied taste of the beans

Espresso is a highly concentrated shot of finely ground and tightly packed beans brewed under hot, pressurized water. Espresso comes in a double shot, equaling about 2 ounces. There are three layers to a proper shot of espresso: the heart, the body, and the crema. 

At the bottom sits the heart, which should be dark brown. The heart carries the bitterness of the shot, which balances out the sweet notes of the crema. Above the heart is the body, which should be a caramel brown color. At the top of an espresso shot sits the crema, a thin layer of golden-brown foam that embodies the flavors and notes of the coffee. 

Espresso shots, when pulled correctly, should have a balanced flavor profile. While espresso may taste slightly bitter or acidic, it shouldn’t lean too heavily in either direction. Excessive bitterness typically indicates over-extraction (pulled too long), while pronounced sourness suggests under-extraction (pulled too quickly).

If you order an espresso shot, ask the barista what beans they use for their espresso. Oftentimes, coffee shops use beans from several different regions around the world, and each origin contributes to the espresso’s body and overall flavor profile.

2. Latte

Best For: The ones who want something creamy and classic

The latte is a classic for a reason. Lattes typically feature a double shot of espresso with 8 oz of milk, steamed or not, depending on whether you prefer a hot or iced drink. Lattes are excellent coffee drinks for beginners, as they’re creamy and show off the espresso’s flavor without being too strong. 

Most coffee shops provide alternative milks, including oat, almond, soy, macadamia, and more, so you don’t have to skip out on a latte if you’re dairy-free. You can even ask the baristas about the origin of their espresso beans, so you know the flavor notes to look out for when taking your first sip. 

3. Flavored Lattes (Vanilla, Caramel, Lavender, etc.)

Best For: Coffee lovers who desire a touch of sweetness

If you want the creamy consistency of a latte, but also want to indulge your sweet tooth a bit, go for a flavored latte. The milk and syrup in a flavored latte balance out the stronger notes of espresso, creating a velvety drink that’s an excellent choice for beginner coffee connoisseurs. 

This cafe order can also introduce you to new flavors that you didn’t know could pair well with coffee, such as lavender or raspberry. Many coffee shops even offer housemade syrups that perfectly complement hot or iced lattes. Some cafes’ housemade syrups include options you can’t get anywhere else, allowing you a truly unique tasting experience. For instance, at Inicio Coffee Company, we make a Sugar & Spice syrup, a spiced blend of cinnamon and brown sugar. Order it online for a unique drink crafted with a housemade syrup. 

4. Cappuccino

Best For: Latte drinkers wanting to branch out and try something with a stronger kick

Cappuccinos include a double shot of espresso with 6 ounces of your choice of milk. They have the same consistency as a latte, creamy and velvety, but contain a bolder hint of the espresso’s flavor notes. If you want a milky, espresso-based drink that embodies the coffee bean’s taste, a cappuccino is an excellent cafe order to try. 

5. Americano

Best For: Fans of espresso who desire a less intense version of a double shot

Americanos originated in Italy, often referred to as the “American coffee.” It’s made by pouring water over a double shot of espresso. They can be hot or iced, and you can add milk or syrup of your choice, if desired.

Americanos are a bold coffee order to try if you want to taste an espresso shot without being overpowered by its flavor. You’ll be able to taste the unique flavor profile of the espresso with a slight dilution. If you’re a fan of black coffee, you’ll probably enjoy an americano. 

6. Cortado

Best For: Coffee connoisseurs looking for a creamy espresso drink with minimal milk

Cortados have recently become a popular cafe order, especially for coffee lovers who want a silky smooth espresso-based drink without the excess milk. Featuring equal parts espresso and milk, often 2 oz of espresso with 2 oz of milk, a cortado is a strong, balanced cup of coffee that offers a smooth sip. 

Although small in size, cortados are packed with espresso’s potent flavor, complemented by the smooth texture of your milk of choice. Whether the cafe offers espresso beans with hints of chocolate or fruity and citrusy flavors, you’re in for a sensory experience if you order a cortado. 

7. Pour Over

Best For: Black coffee drinkers who want to taste the brew’s flavor profile

Pour over coffee isn’t just drip coffee—it’s an experience from start to finish, and it creates an elevated cup of coffee that boasts immense flavor. Baristas hand-pour hot water over coffee grounds in a filter, extracting the flavor as it passes through the coffee grounds. It takes longer than a simple drip coffee machine, but it’s worth the time.

Pour over coffee is known for its incredible flavor due to its unique technique. Cafes have often put in the work to find the perfect ratio of beans to water for a fully embodied pour over. Not only that, but the paper filter used in the pour over process catches the coffee’s natural oils that negatively affect the taste of the cup, leading to a better-tasting, more flavorful cup of joe. When you sip a pour over coffee, you’re tasting the most authentic flavor of the beans. 

Specialty coffee shops often have multiple options for beans, allowing you to try different origins and notice how each tastes in a pour over. One day, you may want to try a nutty, chocolatey blend, and the next, a floral brew. 

8. Cold Brew

Best For: Iced coffee enthusiasts in search of a balanced drink

If you’re an iced coffee devotee, a cold brew is one of the best coffee orders you can try. While it may just look like drip coffee over ice, the process of making cold brew is quite different. 

When making cold brew, coarse coffee grounds are steeped in cold or room temperature water for several hours (anywhere from 8 to 24 hours). Instead of using heat to extract the flavor of the beans, cold brew utilizes time to ensure proper extraction. The cool water used during the cold brew-making process affects the grounds differently, creating a mellow cup of iced coffee. Low-acidity fruits and mild chocolate are common flavor notes in cold brews. 

Milk or syrup can be added to cold brews, making them highly customizable according to your preferences. If you’re in the mood for a chilled pick-me-up that still boasts the flavors of black coffee, go for a cold brew next time you’re in a cafe. 

9. Mocha

Best For: Chocolate fanatics who double as coffee drinkers

Mochas are a delicious blend of the bold consistency of espresso and the rich, velvety taste of chocolate. With a double shot of espresso, a serving of chocolate, and milk of your choice, mochas are an irresistible cafe order for chocolate lovers. Chocolate pairs exceptionally well with coffee. The chocolate's sweetness balances out the coffee’s strength, crafting a powerful match. 

Some coffee shops have variations of mochas, such as a white chocolate mocha or a peppermint mocha during the holidays. At Inicio Coffee, our Ohana Latte combines rich chocolate with the nutty notes of macadamia milk, offering a taste of the islands with every sip. If you’re in the San Fernando Valley, you can order one today at the touch of a button. 

10. Seasonal or Cafe-Specific Drinks

Best For: Cafe hoppers who want to try something truly unique

Treat yourself to something special with a seasonal latte or one of our house specialty drinks. If you enjoy constantly switching up your cafe order or being surprised with every sip, this is the perfect option for you. They’re also solid beginner coffee drinks, introducing you to the flavor of coffee without it overpowering your senses.

Seasonal drinks allow you to try something new every time the seasons shift. Fall brings delicious drinks like the pumpkin spice latte or a brown sugar shaken espresso. Spring and summer can feature floral sips, such as a lavender latte. Winter introduces gingerbread lattes, peppermint mochas, and maple pecan lattes.

Cafe-specific drinks are handcrafted by trained baristas, with some even created in response to customers’ requests. These drinks can range from sweeter lattes to embodied cold brews with a unique flair. At Inicio Coffee, we offer several house specialty drinks, including the Ohana Latte, Sugar & Spice Latte, Sweet Cinnamon Cold Brew, and Sugar Cookie Latte, among others. 

Next time you’re in a coffee shop, ask the barista for their recommended house specialty drink and surprise yourself with a new favorite cafe order. 

Visit a Local Coffee Shop to Put These Cafe Orders to the Test

So, what will you try first? A latte with a splash of sweetener? Or maybe you’re in the mood for a pour over with notes of citrus. Whatever you decide, have fun with it. Do some cafe hopping to try different drinks or housemade syrups at each spot, and take your taste buds on an adventure. 

If you find yourself in the San Fernando Valley, take a trip out to Inicio Coffee Company. We’ll help you find a cafe order that fits your preferences and wows your taste buds. Visit us to put one of these coffee orders to the test and see which one is your favorite on the list.