Ordering coffee in English is a useful and practical skill—whether you’re traveling abroad, learning English as a second language, or just want to confidently walk into a café and get your favorite cup. This guide will help you understand the vocabulary, phrases, and common coffee shop situations so you can order like a native speaker.
1. Entering the Coffee Shop
When you walk into a café, you are often greeted by a friendly barista (a person who makes and serves coffee). They may say:
- “Hi, what can I get for you today?”
- “Welcome! Are you ready to order?”
- “Good morning! What would you like?”
It’s polite to respond with a greeting before you order:
- “Hi! Yes, I’d like a coffee, please.”
- “Good morning. Can I get a cappuccino, please?”
- “Hello. I’ll have a latte.”
2. Basic Coffee Vocabulary
Here are some of the most common types of coffee drinks:
- Espresso – A small, strong shot of coffee.
- Americano – Espresso with hot water added.
- Latte – Espresso with lots of steamed milk and a little foam.
- Cappuccino – Espresso with equal parts steamed milk and foam.
- Macchiato – Espresso with a small amount of foam or milk.
- Mocha – Espresso with chocolate and steamed milk.
- Flat white – Similar to a latte, but with a thinner layer of foam.
- Cold brew – Coffee brewed cold over a long period.
- Iced coffee – Regular coffee served over ice.
3. Choosing Your Size
Most coffee shops offer three or more sizes. They might use standard terms like:
- Small
- Medium
- Large
Or they might use Italian-style names like:
- Tall – small
- Grande – medium
- Venti – large
You can say:
- “I’d like a medium latte, please.”
- “Can I get a grande cappuccino?”
4. Customizing Your Drink
Most people have preferences when it comes to their coffee. You can personalize your drink in many ways:
a) Milk Options
- Whole milk
- Skim milk (low fat)
- Soy milk
- Almond milk
- Oat milk
- Coconut milk
Example:
- “Can I get a latte with almond milk?”
- “I’ll take a cappuccino with skim milk, please.”
b) Sweeteners and Flavors
- Sugar
- Honey
- Stevia
- Vanilla syrup
- Caramel
- Hazelnut
- Sugar-free options
Example:
- “I’d like an iced coffee with one pump of vanilla syrup.”
- “Can I get that with no sugar?”
c) Temperature
- Extra hot
- Warm
- Iced
Example:
- “Can you make it extra hot?”
- “I’d like an iced latte, please.”
d) Caffeine Options
- Regular
- Decaf (no caffeine)
- Half-caf (half decaf)
Example:
- “Can I get a decaf americano?”
- “I’ll have a half-caf mocha.”
5. Common Phrases to Use
Here are some helpful phrases when ordering:
- “Can I get a…?”
- “I’d like a…”
- “Could I have a…?”
- “I’ll have a…”
Examples:
- “Can I get a small cappuccino with oat milk, please?”
- “I’d like an iced americano, no sugar.”
- “I’ll have a grande latte with caramel syrup.”
Always try to say please and thank you. It shows good manners.
6. Dealing With Questions from the Barista
Sometimes the barista may ask follow-up questions to clarify your order:
- “What size would you like?”
- “Would you like any sugar or syrup?”
- “Do you want that hot or iced?”
- “For here or to go?”
To respond:
- “Medium, please.”
- “No sugar, thanks.”
- “Hot, please.”
- “To go, please.”
7. Payment and Pickup
After you order, the barista will tell you the total amount.
Examples:
- “That will be $4.50.”
- “Your total is $3.75.”
You can pay with cash, a credit card, or a mobile app. After payment, the barista may say:
- “Your drink will be ready at the counter.”
- “We’ll call your name when it’s ready.”
At this point, if they ask for your name, just say:
- “It’s [Your Name].”
Listen for your name or your order, and pick up your coffee when it’s ready.
8. Example Dialogues
Example 1: Simple Order
Barista: Hi there! What can I get started for you?
You: Hi! I’d like a small cappuccino, please.
Barista: Sure! Anything else?
You: No, that’s all.
Barista: That’ll be $3.50.
You: Here you go.
Barista: Thanks! Your drink will be ready shortly.
Example 2: Customized Order
Barista: Good morning!
You: Good morning! Can I get a grande iced latte with oat milk and one pump of vanilla?
Barista: Sure thing! Anything else today?
You: No, that’s it.
Barista: For here or to go?
You: To go, please.
Barista: What’s your name?
You: Sarah.
Barista: Thank you, Sarah. We’ll call your name when it’s ready.
9. Useful Tips
- Speak clearly and don’t rush your words.
- If you don’t understand a question, say:
- “Sorry, could you repeat that?”
- “I’m still learning English. Can you say it slowly?”
- Practice your order before going to the café.
10. Conclusion
Ordering coffee in English doesn’t have to be scary. With a little practice, you can confidently walk into any coffee shop and ask for your drink just the way you like it. Whether you want a hot espresso, an iced latte, or a decaf mocha with almond milk and vanilla syrup, now you have the words and confidence to do it.
Remember to greet the barista, use polite language, customize your drink if you wish, and say thank you when you’re done. Now, go enjoy your coffee—cheers! ☕
