It can be hard to roll out of bed in the morning without the promise of a steaming mug of bliss.
Coffee drinkers come in all shapes and sizes. Some drink it for the morning routine. Some people desperately need the caffeine to drag themselves to class. Others drink coffee for the deep social comfort that can only be achieved with a cardboard cup in one hand and an iPhone in the other.
You might be surprised to learn, however, that there are equally as many kinds of coffee drinks. I’m not talking about the secret menu at Dutch Bros., or the multitude of Frappuccino recipes that Starbucks has devised.
Think instead about the menu at that trendy coffee shop: What are all those Italian words you’ve never seen before. Ristretto? Lungo? What’s the difference between a caffé latte and a flat white? How can you post a gloriously artsy Instagram if you don’t even know what to order?
Fear no more: Your coffee IQ is about to increase. Here’s what you need to know about the most popular espresso drinks:
Espresso
Espresso is the base of most coffee shop beverages. It has a strong flavor and rich texture, plus a concentrated caffeine level that is not for the faint of heart. The name “espresso” comes from the made-to-order nature of the drink: Each shot is drawn fresh upon customer request. The terms “ristretto” and “lungo” refer to “short” and “long” shots. Both have the same coffee content, but different amounts of liquid.
Caffè Latte
In its purest form, a latte is one part espresso, two parts steamed milk and topped with a layer of foam. Lattes are popular for mild flavor and endless potential for modification. Try your latte with vanilla, chocolate, caramel or even pumpkin spice.
Americano
Do you like the flavor of espresso, but want more than a single shot to sip on during your morning commute? An Americano combines one part espresso with two parts hot water. This drink combines the lighter texture of traditional coffee with the aroma and complex taste of espresso, making a perfect compromise.
Cappuccino
Another classic. This drink features the holy trinity of coffee culture in perfect proportion: one part espresso, one part steamed milk and one part foam. If you opt for a “dry cappuccino,” you’ll get a drink with a slightly larger ratio of foam to steamed milk.
Flat White
With its recent addition to the Starbucks menu, the flat white has risen to the forefront of coffee-related questions: What is it? This Australian drink is very similar to a latte: It features a 1-to-2 ratio of espresso to milk. The difference lies in the thin layer of “microfoam” on top,  intended to create a velvety texture.
Caffè Machiatto
Contrary to popular belief, an espresso machiatto is not a shot of espresso drenched in caramel sauce and 2 percent milk. Though its highly sugary (and addictive) little sister has its perks, a true machiatto is simply a shot of espresso “touched,” or “stained” with a little bit of foam.
Caffè Breve
If you’re a fan of lattes, give a caffè breve a try. This indulgent variation combines one part espresso and one part steamed half-and-half, plus a little bit of foam on the top. A breve may not be the best addition to a daily routine health-wise, but when you’re looking to treat yourself to something rich and creamy it definitely hits the spot.