Types of Coffee Drinks for a Profitable Cafe Menu

Let’s be real—most customers walk into a café, scan the menu, and order their go-to coffee without a second thought. Flat white? Done. Cappuccino? Easy. But what about the other coffee drinks—the iced caramel lattes, mochas, cold brews, and specialty blends? They sit there, waiting to be discovered.

Here’s the thing: it’s not just about having great coffee; it's about making your menu work for you. The way you list your types of coffee drinks, how you price them, and even how you describe an espresso served can completely change what people order—and how much they spend.

So, if you’re a café owner, barista, or coffee lover who wants to build a profitable café menu, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the best coffee drinks to include and how to turn your menu into a sales machine—without making your customers feel like they’re being sold to.

Key Takeaways

• A well-structured menu drives profitability – Smart pricing strategies, upselling add-ons, and seasonal offerings can increase revenue without turning customers away.
• Offering a mix of classic and specialty drinks attracts more customers – Essentials like flat whites and cappuccinos cater to regulars, while unique lattes, cold brews, and coffee mocktails appeal to adventurous drinkers.
• Understanding your audience helps shape your menu – Knowing customer preferences, from busy commuters to trend-conscious café lovers, ensures your menu meets demand and keeps people coming back.

Understanding Your Customers & Pricing Smartly

Have you ever wondered why some cafés always seem full while others struggle to bring people in? A lot of it comes down to knowing your customers and pricing your coffee drinks the right way. Let’s break it down.

Who Are Your Customers?

Think about the people walking into your coffee shop. Are they busy workers grabbing a quick takeaway? Students looking for a cosy spot to study? Parents catching up over a cup of coffee?

Each group has different needs, and your menu should reflect that. For example:

• Commuters want fast service and reliable hot coffee—things like a flat white, long black, or a double shot espresso.
• Students & remote workers might linger longer, so offering bottomless brewed coffee or drip coffee keeps them coming back.
• Trendy café lovers enjoy unique and visually appealing drinks, such as nitro coffee or iced coffee with whipped cream and flavoured syrups.

Knowing what your customers love helps you design a menu with the most popular coffee drinks that keep them coming back.

How to Price Your Coffee for Profit

Pricing isn’t just about covering costs—it’s about making a profit without scaring customers away. Here’s how to get it right:

• Know Your Costs – Every coffee drink has a cost (quality coffee beans, steamed milk, cups, labour). Make sure you price each drink high enough to cover expenses and make a profit.
• Use Smart Pricing Strategies – A simple trick is tiered pricing. Offer a regular drip coffee as the base option, then a cafe au lait (brewed coffee with warm milk) at a slightly higher price, and finally, a premium drink like a single-origin double shot of espresso with chocolate syrup for the top tier.
• Encourage Upselling – Ever noticed how cafés offer an extra shot of espresso, whipped cream, or milk foam for a small fee? These little add-ons boost profits without adding much cost.
• Premium & Seasonal Options – Limited-time drinks (like a Vegemite Latte on Australia Day or a Raspberry White Chocolate Mocha on Valentine's Day) create excitement and justify higher pricing.

By knowing your coffee drinkers and pricing smartly, you’re not just selling coffee—you’re creating a menu that keeps customers happy and makes your café more profitable.

Core Coffee Drinks Every Cafe Menu Should Have

Did you know that over 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide every day? And in Australia, coffee culture runs deep—whether it’s a morning flat white, a mid-afternoon long black, or an iced latte on a hot day.

But what makes a café menu truly successful? It’s not about offering every coffee drink imaginable—it’s about nailing the essentials.

Espresso-Based Classics

At the heart of every great café menu is espresso. It’s the base for many of the most popular coffee drinks, and getting it right is essential.

• Espresso – A single or double shot of strong, black coffee with a concentrated flavour.
• Ristretto – A shorter, more intense espresso shot made with half the amount of water for a bolder taste.
• Long Black – Espresso poured over hot water, creating a smooth, aromatic coffee. A favourite among Aussie coffee drinkers.

Milk-Based Favourites

For customers who love a creamy texture and velvety milk foam, these coffee drinks are a must-have on your menu.

• Flat White – An Aussie classic, made with a double shot of espresso and a thin layer of velvety microfoam.
• Latte – Espresso with steamed milk and a light froth, typically served in a tall glass.
• Cappuccino – Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothy milk, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder.
• Piccolo Latte – A small but strong coffee made with a single ristretto shot and less milk for a bolder espresso taste.
• Macchiato (Short & Long) – Espresso "stained" with a dash of milk; a short macchiato has just a drop, while a long macchiato has more milk and sometimes an extra shot.
• Mocha – A delicious blend of espresso, chocolate syrup, and steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream or chocolate shavings.

Cold & Iced Options

Cold coffee drinks are becoming increasingly popular, especially in warmer months. Offering a variety of chilled options can attract customers looking for a refreshing pick-me-up.

• Iced Latte – Espresso poured over ice cubes and cold milk, creating a smooth, chilled coffee.
• Iced Long Black – A cold version of the long black, made by chilling an espresso shot with cold water instead of hot.
• Iced Mocha – A cold blend of espresso, chocolate, and milk, often topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence.

High-Profit & Specialty Coffee Drinks

If you want to maximise profits in your café, specialty coffee drinks are the way to go. These premium options stand out because they use unique ingredients, creative flavour combinations, or specialty brewing methods—allowing you to charge a higher price while giving customers something they can’t resist.

Think about it: while a standard regular coffee has a set price range, add a splash of foamed milk, a drizzle of caramel, or an extra shot of hot espresso, and suddenly, you’ve got a high-margin drink. Now, let’s explore some of the most profitable specialty coffee drinks you should consider for your menu.

Flavoured & Gourmet Coffees

These coffee drinks take classic favourites and elevate them with syrups, creams, and unique flavour infusions. Simple to make, yet highly profitable.

• Vanilla Latte – A smooth, creamy latte enhanced with vanilla syrup, often served hot in a classic espresso cup.
• Caramel Latte – A rich caramel twist on a latte, often topped with foamed milk or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Hazelnut Cappuccino – A nutty variation of the cappuccino, blending hazelnut syrup with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
• Spanish Latte – A creamy coffee drink made with condensed milk, coffee brewed fresh from an espresso machine, and steamed milk for a balanced, rich flavour.
• Affogato – A simple yet luxurious treat: hot espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream, combining espresso with a smooth, dessert-like texture.
• Pistachio-Flavoured Coffee Drinks – Pistachio is one of the hottest coffee trends right now, offering a rich, nutty twist on classic favourites. From Pistachio Lattes with velvety foamed milk to indulgent Pistachio White Mochas topped with whipped cream and crushed nuts, these drinks bring a luxurious flavour that customers can’t resist. If you want a premium, high-margin option, pistachio is the way to go!

Signature & Unique Blends

Offering signature coffee blends or international favourites adds an exclusive touch to your menu while attracting customers looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.

• Dirty Chai Latte – A spiced chai tea latte with an espresso shot, combining warmth, spice, and a caffeine kick.
• Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da) – A bold, strong coffee brewed with ground coffee beans, served over ice with sweetened condensed milk.
• Turkish Coffee – Made with finely ground coffee beans and boiling water, slowly drip brewed in a traditional cezve, creating a rich, unfiltered cup with intense flavour.
• Irish Coffee – A warming blend of hot espresso, Irish whiskey, and a touch of whipped cream on top. This classic drink brings together the boldness of coffee and the smoothness of whiskey, making it the perfect choice for a cosy, indulgent treat.
• Cuban Coffee – A strong, sweet espresso made by mixing coffee with sugar during the brewing process, often espresso topped with a frothy sugar crema.
• Bulletproof Coffee – A power-packed blend of hot espresso, butter, and MCT oil, popular among those looking for an energy boost.
• Coffee Milk – A sweet, nostalgic drink that introduces the coffee culture of Rhode Island. Made by combining coffee syrup with warm milk, it offers a mild, sweet coffee flavour that’s perfect for those looking for something new. It’s a fun, novelty drink that can bring a taste of a different coffee culture to your café menu.

Cold & High-End Coffee Creations

Cold coffee drinks have surged in popularity, and high-end brewing techniques justify premium pricing while offering customers a smooth, refined coffee experience.

• Nitro Cold Brew – Cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen, creating a velvety, creamy texture without the need for milk.
• Cold Drip Coffee – A slow-extracted cold coffee drink where coffee grounds steep in cold water over an extended period, resulting in an intense, concentrated flavour.

Seasonal & Trendy Coffee Beverages

What makes a coffee menu exciting? Sure, classics are great, but customers also love trying something new.

Think about it—have you ever seen people line up for a limited-time pumpkin spice latte? Or share photos of a unique, colourful beetroot latte? Seasonal and trending coffee drinks don’t just add variety; they create buzz, attract new customers, and boost sales.

Trendy drinks evolve, and while some, like Dalgona coffee, have peaked in popularity, they still have a place on menus when done right. Others, like coffee mocktails, are gaining traction as people look for refreshing, non-alcoholic options. So, what’s hot right now? 

Seasonal Favourites

These festive drinks bring comfort and nostalgia, making them instant bestsellers—especially when customers know they’re only around for a short time!

• Pumpkin Spice Latte – This autumn favourite blends hot espresso, steamed milk, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a must-have seasonal drink.
• Gingerbread Latte – A Christmas-inspired treat featuring gingerbread syrup, foamed milk, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that cosy holiday feel.
• Peppermint Mocha – A festive blend of chocolate syrup, espresso, and peppermint, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings—perfect for the holiday season.

Trending Coffee Drinks in Australia

These types of coffee drinks have gained popularity through social media, customer demand, and evolving coffee culture. Some are newer trends, while others have remained popular for their unique taste and appeal.

• Dalgona Coffee – This whipped coffee craze peaked in popularity during the lockdown era, but its frothy, instant coffee topping still appeals to customers looking for a fun, visually impressive drink.
• Matcha Latte – A smooth, green tea-based alternative to coffee, offering a natural caffeine boost with a slightly sweet, earthy flavour.
• Beetroot Latte – A vibrant, caffeine-free option with an earthy sweetness, often made with beetroot powder and steamed milk.
• Charcoal Latte – A bold, black coffee drink featuring activated charcoal, often marketed for its detoxifying properties.
• Iced Dirty Chai – A twist on the classic chai tea latte, this drink features a regular espresso shot over ice cubes, blending warm spices with a refreshing chill.

Coffee Mocktails

Coffee meets cocktails—without the alcohol! Coffee mocktails are becoming a hit, offering a refreshing, sophisticated way to enjoy coffee. These drinks combine espresso or cold brew with fruits, syrups, sparkling water, or even herbs to create something unique.

Check out these fun coffee mocktail ideas that will give your cafe menu an edge:

• Caramel Apple Espresso Fizz – A double espresso combined with crisp apple, sweet caramel syrup, and a fizzy finish. This drink is an exciting combination of sweet, tart, and effervescent flavours that will leave your customers coming back for more.
• Espresso Tonic – A refreshing drink where a regular espresso shot is poured over sparkling tonic water. The bitterness of the espresso and the zing of the tonic create a refreshing, bubbly experience that’s perfect for a summer afternoon.
• Cold Brew Coffee Soda Float – A fun twist on a classic float, featuring rich cold brew coffee with vanilla ice cream and a touch of soda water. It’s a creamy, fizzy treat that’s perfect for those who want a sweet, indulgent mocktail.
• Matcha Mocha Mocktail – A delicious blend of mocha and matcha, this vibrant drink combines the rich flavours of chocolate with the earthy taste of green tea. It’s a visually striking drink in a glass filled with smooth, creamy goodness that’s sure to satisfy.
• Iced Coffee Lemonade – A refreshing and tangy drink that combines iced coffee with fresh lemonade. The sharp citrus cuts through the rich coffee, creating a balanced and energising mocktail that’s perfect for a hot day.

Health-Conscious & Alternative Coffee Drinks

In today's world, more and more customers are seeking healthier options, whether it's for personal preference, dietary needs, or wellness goals. Offering a variety of health-conscious and alternative coffee drinks can help cater to a wider audience.

Decaf & Low-Caffeine Options

Not everyone wants a caffeine rush, so adding decaf and low-caffeine drinks gives your customers a smoother, gentler option while still enjoying their favourite coffee flavours.

• Swiss Water Decaf Espresso – This decaf coffee is made using the Swiss Water Process, which is a chemical-free method to remove caffeine from coffee beans. It retains most of the coffee's original flavours, making it a great option for customers who want the taste of coffee without the caffeine kick.
• Half-Caf Flat White – A perfect option for those who want a balance between regular and decaffeinated coffee. A half-caf flat white combines equal parts of regular and decaf espresso, providing a smooth, less intense coffee experience with a touch of creamy steamed milk.

Plant-Based & Dairy-Free Choices

With more people going plant-based, adding dairy-free options like almond and oat milk is a no-brainer. These types of coffee drinks are creamy, tasty, and loved by many!

• Almond Milk Latte – For those avoiding dairy, an almond milk latte offers a creamy, nutty alternative to the traditional latte. Almond milk pairs well with espresso, creating a rich, smooth texture that’s perfect for those on a plant-based diet.
• Oat Milk Cappuccino – Oat milk has become one of the most popular dairy-free alternatives due to its creamy texture and mild flavour. In a cappuccino, it creates a velvety foam that’s perfect for sipping, giving coffee drinkers a dairy-free yet indulgent experience.
• Coconut Mocha – For a tropical twist on the traditional mocha, a coconut mocha uses coconut milk instead of regular dairy. The coconut milk adds a rich, slightly sweet flavour that complements the chocolate and espresso, making it a great choice for those looking for something unique and dairy-free.

Superfood & Functional Coffees

Supercharge your menu with superfood coffees! These drinks are packed with healthy ingredients, making them a feel-good choice for customers who want more than just a regular coffee.

• Mushroom Coffee – A growing trend, mushroom coffee blends traditional coffee with medicinal mushrooms, such as lion's mane or reishi. These mushrooms are known for their potential health benefits, such as boosting brain function, reducing stress, and supporting the immune system. It’s an earthy, unique flavour profile that provides a functional twist on your regular coffee.
• Golden Turmeric Latte – Also known as a "turmeric latte" or "golden milk," this caffeine-free drink is made with a blend of warm milk (often plant-based) and turmeric, a powerful anti-inflammatory spice. It’s commonly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper, making it a soothing, wellness-focused drink that’s perfect for those seeking a caffeine-free option with added health benefits.
• Adaptogen Coffee – Infused with adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, maca, or holy basil, adaptogen coffee is designed to help the body cope with stress and balance hormones. These herbs are believed to enhance mental clarity, reduce anxiety, and boost energy, making it a great choice for those looking for a functional coffee that promotes overall well-being.

Kid's Menu

If your café is family-friendly, a Kid’s Menu isn’t just a nice extra—it’s a smart business move. Parents are more likely to choose cafés where their little ones feel welcome, and that means more repeat customers, longer stays, and higher sales.

Plus, kid-friendly drinks are cheap to make and can be priced at a premium, giving you high margins with minimal effort. A great Kid’s Menu should be fun, simple, and easy to serve—nothing too complicated or time-consuming.

Here are some quick, crowd-pleasing drinks that will keep the kids happy and the parents coming back for more.

• Babyccino – A tiny cup of steamed milk with a sprinkle of chocolate or cinnamon on top. No coffee, just pure fun! It’s the perfect “grown-up” drink for little ones who want to copy Mum or Dad.
• Hot Chocolate – A café classic that kids (and adults!) love. Make it extra special with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a light dusting of cocoa powder. Offer different sizes so parents can choose a smaller option for younger kids.
• Fizzy Milkshakes – A fun twist on regular milkshakes! Add a splash of bubbles to chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla milk for an extra-fizzy, exciting drink. You can even top it with sprinkles for a playful touch.
• Iced Milk & Syrup Drinks – Cool and creamy, these drinks are a refreshing alternative to soft drinks. Offer caramel, vanilla, or strawberry-flavoured milk served over ice—simple, sweet, and loved by kids.
• Fruit Smoothies – Packed with goodness, smoothies are a healthier option that parents appreciate. Blend fresh bananas, berries, mango, or tropical fruits with yoghurt or juice for a delicious, natural treat.

Customising & Organising Your Coffee Menu for Profit

A well-structured coffee menu isn’t just about listing drinks—it’s about guiding customers to your most profitable options while making ordering easy. A clear, well-designed menu can boost sales, speed up service, and even encourage customers to try something new.

Here’s how to customise and organise your cafe menu for maximum profit.

1. Highlight High-Profit Items

Not all drinks bring in the same profit. Specialty lattes, flavoured coffees, and cold brews usually have higher margins than standard espresso. Use bold text, boxes, or icons to draw attention to these best-sellers.

2. Keep It Simple & Easy to Read

A cluttered menu overwhelms customers. Organise drinks into clear categories (e.g. Espresso Classics, Flavoured Lattes, Cold Brews, Seasonal Specials) and limit options to avoid decision fatigue. A focused menu means faster orders and fewer delays.

3. Use Pricing Psychology

Subtle pricing tricks can increase sales without customers even realising.

• Drop the dollar sign ($) – Prices feel lower when written as "4.50" instead of "$4.50".
• Bundle drinks with add-ons – “Latte + Pastry Combo” can encourage bigger purchases.
• Use tiered pricing – Offering small, medium, and large sizes nudges customers toward the middle or premium option, boosting revenue.

4. Rotate Seasonal & Limited-Time Offers

Seasonal drinks create urgency and excitement. A Pumpkin Spice Latte in autumn or a Caramel Pistachio Cold Brew in summer gives customers a reason to return. Limited-time drinks also allow you to test new flavours without committing them to your permanent menu.

5. Make Your Menu Match Your Brand

Your menu isn’t just a list—it’s part of your café’s identity. Use consistent fonts, colours, and descriptions that reflect your brand's style. A trendy café might have a minimalist, modern menu, while a cosy, family-friendly spot might opt for a warm, handwritten style.

Final Tip: Test, Adjust, Repeat

Your menu should evolve based on what’s selling. Check sales reports, talk to customers, and tweak your offerings to keep things fresh and profitable.

Final Thoughts

A profitable cafe menu is never set in stone—it’s a living strategy. Test new drinks, watch customer preferences, and adjust based on what sells best. Keep it simple, organised, and profitable, highlighting your high-margin and seasonal favourites.

Now it’s time to evaluate your menu. Are you making the most of your best-selling drinks? Do your pricing and layout encourage bigger sales? Start refining your café menu today and watch your profits grow—one cup at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of coffee drinks?

There are plenty of coffee drinks, but most cafés stick to espresso-based drinks like flat whites, cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and long blacks. Then you have your cold coffee options like iced lattes, cold brew, and frappés. Some cafés also offer flavoured and specialty drinks like mochas, caramel lattes, and chai lattes to mix things up.

What is Australian-style coffee?

Australian coffee is all about quality espresso and perfectly textured milk—no watered-down brews or oversized cups. The most famous Aussie-style coffee is the flat white, which has a stronger coffee flavour and velvety milk texture. You’ll also find long blacks (our version of an Americano), magic coffees (a double ristretto with silky milk), and piccolos for those who love a mini latte with a coffee kick.

What is typically on a cafe menu?

A solid café menu includes classic espresso drinks (flat white, latte, cappuccino, long black), cold coffee options (iced latte, cold brew), and a few high-profit specialties (mochas, flavoured lattes, or signature blends). Many cafés also offer tea, hot chocolate, and alternative milk options. If the café serves food, you’ll usually see pastries, toasties, or brunch-style meals alongside the drinks.

How can a café increase profits with its coffee menu?

It’s all about smart pricing, strategic menu design, and upselling. Highlight high-margin drinks like flavoured lattes, specialty blends, and cold brews. Use tiered pricing to encourage upgrades (small, medium, large) and bundle drinks with pastries or snacks. Seasonal specials create excitement and urgency, while a well-organised menu makes it easier for customers to spend more without hesitation.

What are the latest trends in coffee drinks?

Right now, cold coffee is king—think cold brew, nitro coffee, and iced lattes. Flavoured lattes (like pistachio, matcha, and honeycomb), health-conscious options like plant-based milk, functional coffees (with collagen or adaptogens), and low-sugar alternatives are also trending. And let’s not forget coffee mocktails—fancy, alcohol-free drinks with espresso, syrups, and sparkling elements for a unique café experience.