A casual conversation over coffee drinks reveals more than you expect. While discussing everyday eating habits with clinical nutritionist Fiyinfoluwa Odukoya, Guardian Life journalist Musa Adekunle discovered that many people enjoy coffee without really knowing what separates one cup from another. From instant coffee to cappuccinos and cold brews, here are 10 coffee drinks and what makes each one different.

1. Instant Coffee

Instant coffee is the most widely consumed form of coffee in Nigeria. It is made by brewing coffee and then drying it into powder or granules. It is quick and convenient to prepare by simply adding hot water.

2. Espresso

Espresso is a concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under high pressure. It has a rich flavour and serves as the base for many popular coffee drinks.

3. Americano

An Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso. This creates a milder coffee than espresso while preserving its rich flavour and aroma.

4. Cappuccino

Cappuccino is made with espresso, steamed milk and a thick layer of milk foam. Its creamy texture and balanced flavour make it one of the world’s most popular coffee drinks.

5. Latte

A latte combines espresso with a larger amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of milk foam. The extra milk gives it a smoother, creamier taste, making it a favourite for those who prefer milder coffee.

6. Mocha

A mocha, also known as a café mocha, combines espresso, steamed milk and chocolate syrup or cocoa. It is often topped with milk foam or whipped cream, giving it a rich, sweet flavour that appeals to many first-time coffee drinkers.

7. Flat White

A flat white is made with espresso and steamed milk, finished with a thin layer of microfoam. It has less froth than a cappuccino and a stronger coffee flavour than a latte.

8. Cold Brew

Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12 to 24 hours before filtering. It has a smooth taste, lower acidity and is especially refreshing in warm weather.

9. Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is brewed coffee that has been cooled and served over ice. It can be enjoyed black or with milk and sweeteners, making it a refreshing alternative to hot coffee.

10. Black Coffee

Black coffee is coffee served without milk, cream or sugar. It contains almost no calories and allows drinkers to enjoy the coffee’s natural flavour and aroma.