Every espresso drink starts the same way. Hot water, forced through finely ground coffee at high pressure, produces a small, concentrated shot. It takes about 25 seconds. What happens after that -- what you add, how much, at what temperature -- is what separates a cortado from a cappuccino from a flat white from a latte.
If you have ever stood in front of a coffee menu feeling unsure, this guide is for you. We are going to break down every major espresso drink, explain what makes each one different, and help you figure out which one is yours.
The Espresso Shot: Where Everything Begins
A single shot of espresso is roughly one ounce of liquid. A double shot, which most specialty coffee shops use as their standard, is about two ounces. The flavor should be complex -- sweet, bitter, and slightly acidic in balance, with a thin layer of crema (that golden foam) on top.
At Pier 69 Market, the espresso is pulled from La Colombe beans. La Colombe roasts in a way that emphasizes sweetness and body over the sharp acidity that some specialty roasters favor. This makes their espresso approachable even without milk.
The Drinks, From Strongest to Mildest
Espresso (Pure)
Just the shot. Two ounces of concentrated coffee. This is the drink for people who want to taste the bean itself, unfiltered and undiluted. If the coffee is good, an espresso is revelatory. If the coffee is bad, an espresso will tell you immediately.
Cortado
Equal parts espresso and steamed milk. Usually about four ounces total. The milk is there to soften the espresso, not to dominate it. You still taste the coffee first. The cortado is the locals' drink at Pier 69 Market -- quick, strong, no performance.
A cortado does not hide the coffee. It just gives it a partner. Equal parts espresso and milk, nothing more.
Flat White
An Australian invention that has conquered the specialty coffee world. A double shot of espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of velvety microfoam. About six ounces total. The texture is what separates it from a latte -- the microfoam is thinner, silkier, and blends into the espresso rather than sitting on top.
Cappuccino
The classic. Equal thirds: espresso, steamed milk, and foam. The foam layer is thicker and airier than a flat white. A good cappuccino has structure -- you can feel the distinct layers as you drink. It is the most texturally interesting espresso drink.
Latte
The most popular espresso drink in America, and for good reason. A double shot with a generous amount of steamed milk and a thin cap of foam. Usually eight to twelve ounces. The milk-to-espresso ratio makes it the most approachable option -- the coffee is present but gentle.
Americano
Espresso diluted with hot water. It produces something closer to drip coffee in body and strength, but with the flavor profile of espresso. If you like black coffee but want something more nuanced than a regular drip, the Americano is your drink.
Which One Should You Order?
- You want something strong and quick: Cortado
- You want smooth and balanced: Flat White
- You want texture and tradition: Cappuccino
- You want mild and comforting: Latte
- You want black coffee with character: Americano
- You want to taste the bean itself: Straight Espresso
At Pier 69 Market, any of these drinks will be made with La Colombe beans. The quality of the bean matters more than which drink you choose -- a good espresso shot makes everything downstream better.
And if none of these appeal to you, they also serve Rishi Tea. The Hot Matcha Supreme is worth the trip on its own. Pair any drink with the Pier 69 Burger and you have a complete Bay Ridge experience.
Ready for a Real Bay Ridge Coffee?
La Colombe espresso, Rishi tea, and the Pier 69 Burger. All at 10 Bay Ridge Ave, Brooklyn.
