7 Types of Must-Try Coffee Drinks in 2026

Coffee has always been an important part of our lives. A few decades ago, people would only have coffee in one or two forms, i.e., black coffee, espresso, or a cappuccino. As time passed, there were new types of coffee that people started to drink. Different flavors, beans, roasting methods, and coffee machines started to show up, and there are now more variants of coffee out there than ever before.

One can often be overwhelmed by the sheer number of coffee drinks out there. However, don't worry because we have compiled a list of the 7 best coffee drinks that you should try this year? These include some common names that all of us are familiar with, and there are a few surprise entrants on the list. This list will include some classics that we all know and love alongside some funky additions that are a lot better than most people give them credit for.

Types of Coffee Drinks to try

For 2026, here are the most important coffee drinks you should be having.

Espresso

Personally, if we had to choose one form of coffee for the entire world, we would go with the espresso. There is something extremely special about this concentrated cup of coffee that can wake us up and fill us with energy.

Espresso is made when hot water is forced through a compact puck-like container of coffee at nine bars of pressure. What you get is a coffee drink that is characterized by its bitter taste and inherent ability to jolt us back to reality. Some people enjoy it as it is, having a shot of it in the morning. For the more tame coffee drinker, espresso can also be used as a base for other drinks.

French Press

A French press is a container that you fill with your coffee mixture of coarsely crushed beans and boiling water. You let this sit for around 12 to 15 minutes, and then you push the lid of this container down. The lid has a mesh filter on it that pushes the large coffee residue down and the coffee cup. A French press cup of coffee has a unique flavor because not only are several oils from the beans also coming through the mesh, tiny coffee sediment is as well. Not only do you get a different flavor, but you also get a unique mouthfeel as well.

Cappuccino

The cappuccino is one of the most commonly consumed coffee drinks in the world. It is a foolproof coffee drink that isn't too bitter or too sweet. Cappuccino is made using a shot of espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of foam on top. If you want, you can also add sugar to it as well as sprinkle it with some cinnamon or chocolate. Different cultures have their own interpretations of cappuccino. For instance, in France, they replace steam milk foam with Chantilly cream.

The CaPUCCI at our cafe is delicious.  :) Click to see our menu.

Flat White

The flat white is a coffee drink that has climbed the ranks to become one of the most commonly consumed milk-based coffees out there. It is similar to a traditional latte in the sense that it has a double shot of espresso that is then mixed with steamed milk. The flat white will often cost more than other coffee drinks because it uses a lot more coffee. Remember those fancy coffee foam designs you saw on the internet? Chances are that they were made on a flat white.

Mochaccino 

The Mochaccino or Mocha as it is more commonly known as a coffee drink that uses espresso as a base. This espresso base is mixed with chocolate and milk. To make a cup of mocha, you have to use equal parts espresso, chocolate, and milk.

Mocha is a versatile drink because there is room for a lot of variation. Different chocolate powders have different flavors, as does the milk. Instead of using chocolate powder, you can also use chocolate syrup - the possibilities are plentiful.

Cold Brew Coffee

To make a cup of cold brew coffee, you take coarsely ground coffee beans and combine them with cold or room-temperature water. Next, you let this mixture sit for around 24 hours in a fridge or somewhere cold. After 24 hours, you take it out of the fridge, and the end result is a coffee drink that has a muted and flat flavor. There is no bitterness in a cold brew, and once you combine it with milk and ice cubes, you get all the flavor but none of the bitterness. It might take a lot longer to make when compared to a conventional cup of coffee, but if you do it right, the end result can be quite delicious.

Iced Coffee

While a cold brew can take a lot of time to get right, cold coffee does not. When making cold coffee, you take a cup of hot coffee and instantly cool it by brewing it over some ice. Compared to cold brews, more people prefer an iced coffee because it takes less time to make, and the flavor profile of iced coffee is much better. Furthermore, you can also add different flavors to an iced coffee which elevates its quality and the overall experience of the coffee.

Whether you're a lifelong coffee lover or just beginning your journey, these seven drinks offer a delicious starting point to explore new flavors, textures, and brewing methods. Try swapping beans, adjusting milk ratios, or experimenting with syrups and spices to find your perfect cup — and don't be afraid to revisit classics in a new way. Share your favorites and discoveries in the comments below; after all, the best part of coffee is the conversation it sparks.

Written by Bobby Davidson