TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best European Coffee Types
Espresso freddo is a simple Greek coffee that combines espresso and ice. Unlike similar ice coffee varieties that merely serve coffee over ice, this Greek version primarily blends the two ingredients until the coffee is slightly chilled, smooth, and creamy.
Slightly chilled coffee is then strained and poured over ice. The drink is sweetened according to preference, which should be done before it is blended. Espresso freddo became popular in the 1990s, and nowadays, it is a staple throughout the country.
Cappuccino is an Italian coffee made with espresso and steam-foamed milk. It is believed that it developed from kapuziner—a coffee-based beverage that was enjoyed in Austrian coffee houses in the 18th century. The first mention of the word cappuccino in Italy dates back to the 1930s, but at the time the drink was topped with whipped cream, and later it gained its current form with the invention of the espresso machine.
Traditional Italian cappuccino is always served in small cups, which are occasionally pre-heated, and it is prepared by pulling a single or a double shot of espresso which is then topped with a light and frothy steamed milk. The recommended ratio in Italy is to have more froth than liquid.
Ristretto, which means restricted in Italian, is half of a single shot of espresso. It differs from a standard espresso not only in the amount of water used for its preparation, but also in flavor, which is less bitter than regular espresso.
When prepared in an espresso machine, the regular amount of finely ground coffee is extracted with half the amount of water used for classic espresso. The result is a more concentrated beverage with a different balance of compounds than in standard espresso.
Freddo cappuccino is a chilled coffee variety that originates from Greece. It is made with espresso; usually a double shot, which is first blended with ice, strained, and then poured over ice. The drink is then topped with well-chilled milk that is shaken or blended until it achieves a light, frothy consistency.
Freddo cappuccino is a traditionally served in tall glasses. Similar variety, without milk, is known as espresso freddo. Both drinks are commonly found in Greece, and they are mostly enjoyed as refreshing summer drinks.
Espresso is both the name of a coffee beverage and the method of brewing coffee that originated in Italy. Nowadays it is prepared worldwide with the espresso machine - invented in Turin in 1884 by Angelo Moriondo - by forcing a small amount of hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans.
The coffee used for espresso is blended from several roasts and as a result of pressurized brewing, the flavors of the beverage are very concentrated, with thick and almost syrupy texture. Consequently, espresso has more caffeine than other coffee beverages, so it is traditionally served as a shot.
VARIATIONS OF Espresso
THE BEST Espresso Coffees
Although the word frappe first appeared in the 19th century, this Greek coffee variety was invented in 1957. It is made by combining instant coffee with water and ice. The combination is usually prepared in a shaker or a hand mixer, so when the drink is poured in a glass, a frothy foam should appear on top.
The variations may include milk or evaporated milk—when it is often referred to as frapógalo—and the drink can be sweetened according to taste. Traditionally, this coffee is served in a tall glass, and three degrees of sweetness are available.
This German-style ice coffee is a combination of chilled brewed coffee and ice cream. It is usually made with an extended espresso and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and though it is not sweetened, it can incorporate a splash of rum. Eiskaffee is usually served in a tall glass, together with a spoon and a straw.
Traditionally, it is topped with unsweetened whipped cream.
Caffè latte (caffè e latte) is an espresso-based coffee that has a somewhat vague origin. It consists of an espresso that is topped with steamed and sometimes lightly frothed milk. The usual ratio is 1:3 in favor of milk, but this often varies.
The first mention of caffè latte dates back to 1867 when the term was mentioned in Italian Journeys, written by William Dean Howells. It is often claimed that it originated from cappuccino in order to make the drink more palatable for foreigners, but it belongs to a large group of European-style coffees that combine milk and coffee, such as the French caffe au lait or the Spanish café con leche.
Dating back to the 18th century, this classic beverage from Turin consists of an espresso that is layered with hot chocolate, and then topped with whipped cream. It is traditionally prepared and served in tall, clear glasses, and all three layers should be visible.
Although bicerin is enjoyed throughout Turin, Caffè Al Bicerin and Caffè Florio claim its origin. It is believed that its name stems from the term bicchierino, which is a diminutive of bicchiere (glass).
Cortado is a Spanish beverage made by pouring a small amount of espresso in a small glass cup, then cutting it with an equal amount of steamed milk in order to neutralize the bitterness. The name comes from the Spanish word cortar, meaning to cut, which refers to the preparation process.
The ratio of espresso to milk gives a unique flavor where the robustness of the coffee comes through, while the finish is velvety due to steamed milk. Cortado is typically consumed in coffee bars as it is not intended to be taken on the go.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best European Coffee Producers
Dark Woods Coffee is a coffee roastery based in the village of Marsden, West Yorkshire, England. It was founded by three industry professionals: Damian Blackburn, Ian Agnew, and Paul Meikle-Janney. The company operates out of a refurbished Victorian textile mill and is known for sourcing high-quality, ethically-produced beans.
Dark Woods Coffee has received several awards for its products, including Great Taste Awards. They emphasize education and training, hosting workshops and courses for both amateur enthusiasts and professional baristas.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
BEST Dark Woods Coffee Coffee Beans
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
BEST Kavoholik Coffee Beans
Pure Roast Coffee, operating under the brand Pure Gusto, specializes in producing high-quality coffee beverages. The company focuses on sourcing premium coffee beans to create a variety of blends and roasts, catering to both commercial and individual customers.
Pure Gusto provides coffee equipment and accessories alongside its beverage offerings, aiming to be a comprehensive supplier for the coffee industry. They emphasize sustainability and ethical sourcing in their production practices.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
BEST PureGusto Coffee Company Coffee Beans
Mister Caffè is an Italian company specializing in the production and distribution of high-quality, hand-roasted coffees. Their product range includes a variety of options, such as whole bean coffee, ground coffee, and compatible capsules for different espresso machines, including Nespresso, Dolce Gusto, Lavazza A Modo Mio, Lavazza Blue, Lavazza Espresso Point, and Caffitaly systems.
The company takes pride in carefully selecting the finest coffee beans, skillfully blending, and expertly roasting them to deliver a superior espresso experience. They pay special attention to capsule packaging to preserve the coffee’s aroma over time, ensuring that every sip remains as fresh as if it had just been crafted by their master roaster.
AWARDS

Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars
2023

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
BEST Mister Caffè Coffees
Café Dromedario is a Spanish company founded in 1871 in Santander. Its founder, Antonio Fernández Baladrón, was an entrepreneur ahead of his time, dedicated to Santander and its people. Since its inception, the company has maintained its status as a key Cantabrian coffee brand and a regional leader.
Café Dromedario is committed to quality and tradition, offering its customers a rich selection of high-quality coffees and related products.
AWARDS

Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars
2023
Torrefazione Goriziana is an Italian coffee roasting company founded in 1967 in Gorizia, Italy. The company is known for producing high-quality coffee blends, combining traditional roasting methods with modern technologies to ensure consistent quality and rich flavors.
Their product range includes various brands, such as Goriziana Caffè, Go Caffè, and San Giusto Caffè, offering blends that cater to different coffee lovers' preferences. In addition to selling whole bean and ground coffee, Caffè Goriziana also provides coffee in capsules and pods, adapting to contemporary market trends and consumer needs.
AWARDS

Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars
2024
The Lost Barn Coffee Roasters is an award-winning specialty coffee roastery passionate about ethically sourcing and meticulously roasting high-quality beans in small batches. Their café and store are open seven days a week, offering a vibrant community space that champions local, seasonal, and sustainable practices.
Visitors can enjoy observing the coffee roasting process firsthand while savoring their handcrafted beverages.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
BEST The Lost Barn Coffee Roasters Coffee Beans
Rounton Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster based in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. The company focuses on sourcing ethically grown beans and emphasizes sustainability throughout its supply chain. They offer a variety of single-origin coffees and blends that are roasted in small batches.
Each product provides detailed information about the origin of the beans and the farmers who produce them.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
BEST Rounton Coffee Coffee Beans
The Goodlife Coffee Company is a specialty coffee roaster based in Savigny, Switzerland. They are known for their commitment to transparency, sustainability, and community engagement. Their flagship location is situated at Chemin de Geffry 7, 1073 Savigny.
The company has earned recognition, including a 2-star rating at the Great Taste Awards in 2024. Their freshly roasted specialty coffees are available for delivery throughout Switzerland, aiming to reach customers within 48 hours of roasting.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022, 2021
BEST Goodlife Coffee Coffee Beans
Monsoon Estates Coffee Co is an independent coffee roaster in the United Kingdom. The company specializes in small batch roasting to ensure quality and freshness. They source their beans from various coffee-growing regions around the world and roast them in-house.
Monsoon Estates Coffee Co focuses on sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
BEST Monsoon Estates Coffee Coffee Beans
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best European Coffees
Feels Good Espresso from Good Life Coffee is a carefully crafted blend of seasonal micro-lots from Colombia and Costa Rica, delivering rich fruity notes, balanced acidity, and gentle sweetness. This organic and ethically sourced coffee combines aromas of plum, pear, and caramel with a silky finish from the Finca San Cristobal plantation, while El Suarez contributes notes of blackberry, red currant, and chocolate depth.
As a three-time winner of the prestigious Great Taste Award, Feels Good Espresso offers not only exceptional flavor but also sustainability, as Good Life Coffee proudly operates as a carbon-negative brand, supporting environmental initiatives worldwide.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
Mister Caffè's Miscela Crema di Aromi 100% Arabica is a gourmet coffee blend crafted exclusively from 100% Arabica beans. This blend is renowned for its rich, creamy body, subtle acidity with citrusy aromatic notes, and a delicate honeyed aftertaste.
Over the years, Miscela Crema di Aromi has garnered several prestigious awards: Gold Medal at the International Coffee Tasting and Silver Medal at the International Taste Award.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
Espresso Barista is a carefully crafted blend of high-quality coffee beans, inspired by traditional Italian recipes. This blend delivers an intense and rich flavor, with pronounced aromas and a full body, making it ideal for preparing an authentic espresso.
This espresso is perfect for lovers of strong and aromatic coffees, offering a true Italian experience in every cup.
AWARDS

Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars
2023
Badilatti Sto Bain is a dark roast coffee blend consisting of 80% Arabica and 20% Robusta. This combination results in an intense flavor and full-bodied profile, making it ideal for lovers of strong espresso. The coffee beans are sourced from India, Central America, and Brazil, carefully selected to provide a rich aroma and taste. "Sto Bain" means "feeling good" or "being in a good state" in the Romansh language, reflecting the quality and craftsmanship behind this coffee.
This blend has been awarded the Superior Taste Award twice in a row, confirming its premium quality.
AWARDS

Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars
2021
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
Decaf Kolumbia Popayan has achieved significant recognition, earning a 3-star rating at the Great Taste Awards in 2024. This coffee originates from the Popayán region in Colombia, an area renowned for producing high-quality Arabica beans. Grown at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,070 meters above sea level.
The coffee is decaffeinated using a gentle, chemical-free process, ensuring the preservation of its natural flavors. The Decaf Kolumbia Popayan offers a harmonious blend of flavors, including notes of honey, milk chocolate, floral undertones, and caramel.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024


TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 38 European Coffees” list until March 23, 2025, 3,510 ratings were recorded, of which 2,653 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.