Top 10 Most Popular Coffee Drinks Around the World (2025 Edition)
Introduction
Coffee is much more than a beverage—it’s a global culture, a daily ritual, and for many, a true passion. Across continents and countries, coffee is enjoyed in a variety of unique styles, each reflecting local traditions and tastes. As we enter 2025, coffee culture continues to evolve, blending classic favorites with new trends and innovative brewing methods.
Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or an avid enthusiast, knowing about the world’s most popular coffee drinks can enrich your daily cup and inspire you to try something new. In this article, we explore the top 10 most popular coffee drinks around the world in 2025, their origins, key characteristics, and why they remain favorite.
1. Espresso (Italy)
Espresso is the heart of Italian coffee culture and arguably the foundation of modern coffee drinks worldwide.
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What It Is: A concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure.
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Flavor Profile: Intense, bold, and rich with a signature crema on top.
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Serving Size: Typically served as a single (30 ml) or double shot.
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Why It’s Popular: Espresso is quick to prepare and offers a pure, strong coffee experience. It's also the base for many other popular coffee drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos.
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Fun Fact: The word ‘espresso’ means “expressed” or “pressed out,” referring to the brewing method.
2. Cappuccino (Italy)
A true Italian classic, the cappuccino is loved worldwide for its creamy texture and balanced flavors.
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What It Is: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
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Flavor Profile: Smooth, with a harmonious blend of robust coffee and velvety milk, often topped with cocoa or cinnamon.
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Serving Size: Usually served in a small cup (150-180 ml).
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Why It’s Popular: Its rich, creamy texture makes it a perfect morning drink and a coffeehouse staple.
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2025 Trend: Many cafés are experimenting with oat or almond milk cappuccinos catering to plant-based diets.
3. Latte (Worldwide)
The latte is the perfect choice for those who enjoy a milder coffee taste with a creamy mouthfeel.
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What It Is: One or two shots of espresso with a large amount of steamed milk and a light layer of foam.
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Flavor Profile: Mild, creamy, and smooth, allowing the milk to soften the espresso’s intensity.
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Serving Size: Usually served in a large cup or glass (240 ml or more).
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Why It’s Popular: Versatile and customizable, lattes can be flavored with syrups like vanilla or caramel and decorated with latte art.
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2025 Insight: Plant-based milk lattes continue to rise in popularity as more people seek dairy alternatives.
4. Flat White (Australia/New Zealand)
Originating in Australia and New Zealand, the flat white offers a coffee experience similar to a latte but with a stronger espresso punch.
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What It Is: Espresso with steamed milk but with little to no foam.
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Flavor Profile: Creamy and velvety with a more robust coffee flavor than a latte.
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Serving Size: Served in a smaller cup (150-160 ml).
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Why It’s Popular: Its smooth texture and stronger espresso flavor appeal to those who want creamy coffee without excess foam.
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2025 Note: Increasingly popular globally, the flat white has become a common menu item worldwide.
5. Turkish Coffee (Turkey/Middle East)
Turkish coffee is steeped in tradition and cultural significance, offering a unique coffee experience.
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What It Is: Finely ground coffee simmered with water and sugar (optional) in a special pot called a cezve.
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Flavor Profile: Strong, thick, and often sweetened with a hint of cardamom or spices.
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Serving Size: Served in small cups without filtering the coffee grounds.
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Why It’s Popular: It’s a ritualistic coffee, often accompanied by social gatherings and fortune-telling based on coffee grounds.
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Cultural Insight: Turkish coffee is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
6. Café au Lait (France)
The café au lait is a French favorite known for its simplicity and smoothness.
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What It Is: Strong brewed coffee mixed with an equal amount of steamed milk.
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Flavor Profile: Mild, smooth, and creamy without much foam.
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Serving Size: Typically served in a large cup or bowl.
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Why It’s Popular: It’s a comforting breakfast staple in France and pairs beautifully with pastries.
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2025 Trend: More cafés are serving it with oat or almond milk for lactose-intolerant customers.
7. Cold Brew (USA and Worldwide)
Cold brew coffee has surged in popularity thanks to its smooth, low-acid flavor and convenience.
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What It Is: Coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, then strained.
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Flavor Profile: Smooth, naturally sweet, and less bitter than hot-brewed coffee.
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Serving Size: Served cold, often over ice or mixed with milk or flavorings.
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Why It’s Popular: It’s refreshing, gentle on the stomach, and packed with caffeine.
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2025 Insight: Ready-to-drink cold brew coffees dominate convenience stores and cafés.
8. Café Cubano (Cuba)
Also known as Cuban espresso, Café Cubano is a sweet, strong coffee that embodies Cuban culture.
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What It Is: Espresso shot sweetened with demerara sugar that is whipped to create a creamy foam.
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Flavor Profile: Intense, bold, and sweet.
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Serving Size: Served in a small espresso cup.
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Why It’s Popular: It provides a powerful caffeine boost combined with a signature sweetness.
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Cultural Note: It’s often enjoyed socially, with friends or family.
9. Irish Coffee (Ireland)
A classic cocktail and coffee hybrid, Irish coffee combines warmth and spirit in one drink.
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What It Is: Hot coffee mixed with Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with thick cream.
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Flavor Profile: Rich, sweet, boozy, and creamy.
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Serving Size: Served hot in a glass mug.
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Why It’s Popular: Perfect for cozy evenings or celebrations, it’s both comforting and indulgent.
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2025 Trend: Variations with flavored whiskeys and cream alternatives are gaining traction.
10. Dalgona Coffee (South Korea)
This whipped coffee trend exploded globally in 2020 and remains a hit in 2025.
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What It Is: Equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water whipped until frothy, then served over milk.
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Flavor Profile: Sweet, creamy, and visually appealing.
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Serving Size: Served cold or hot in a glass.
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Why It’s Popular: Easy to make at home and perfect for social media sharing.
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2025 Insight: Variants using matcha or cocoa powders have become trendy.
Honorable Mentions
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Macchiato: Espresso “stained” with a small amount of milk foam.
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Affogato: Espresso poured over vanilla ice cream, a perfect dessert coffee.
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Viennese Coffee: Coffee topped with whipped cream, popular in Austria and neighboring countries.
Why Explore Global Coffee Drinks?
Exploring coffee varieties from around the world allows you to discover new flavors, brewing techniques, and cultural traditions. In 2025, as coffee culture grows more global and inclusive, trying these drinks can enhance your appreciation for this beloved beverage.
Many of these drinks also offer options for dietary preferences and health considerations, making coffee accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Conclusion
Coffee’s global appeal lies in its incredible diversity—from the sharp espresso shots of Italy to the creamy cold brews loved worldwide. Whether you prefer your coffee hot or cold, strong or mild, sweet or bitter, there’s a perfect coffee drink out there for you.
As we move through 2025, embracing these popular coffee drinks can make your daily coffee ritual more exciting and culturally enriching.
Enjoyed this global coffee tour?
Share your favorite coffee drink in the comments below or tell us about unique coffee styles from your region!
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