An Easy Guide on How to Order Coffee in English

1. Browse the Menu

Some coffee drinkers prefer black coffee without anything in it. If this
describes you, you’ll have a relatively easy time ordering coffee!
If you like to explore other basic options, here’s a list of some of the
common coffee drinks you’ll find in a coffee house.

Latte: espresso with a larger amount of steamed (hot) milk

Black coffee: classic coffee made by hot water passing through ground
coffee beans
Mocha: a latte with chocolate syrup added
Hot tea: (green tea, black tea, herbal teas, etc.)
Hot cocoa: hot chocolate made with chocolate powder and milk
2. Get Started with One of These Phrases

Now that you’ve had time to browse the menu and have an idea of what
you want, it’s time to order!

When you approach the counter, you’ll want to say more than, “Coffee,
please.” Here are a few simple phrases to help you order your coffee like
a local.

Basic and polite

“Hello. I’d like a small latte, please.”

Quick and informal

“Could I have a medium coffee (to go)?”
“Can I get a large mocha (for here)?”
“I’ll have a small coffee and a donut, please.”
3. Get Ready to Answer These Common Questions

Similar to ordering beer and wine in English, you usually have to specify a
few details about your coffee order.

The cashier (the person who works at the coffee shop) may ask you the
following questions. You can practice the responses below.

What size would you like?

“A (small/medium/large), please.”

Anything else besides the drink?

“No, thanks. That’s all.”
“Yes, I’d also like a bagel/sandwich/muffin.”

Is that for here or to go?

“To go, please.”
“To go, thanks.”
“For here, please.”

Ask about the menu

“Hello. Do you have any low-calorie drinks?”

(cashier answers)

“Okay, I’d like a large green tea, please.”

Ask about the cashier—it’s a good way to practice friendly

conversation
“Hi. How are you doing?”

(cashier answers)

“Great. Okay, I’d like a large black coffee to go, please.”

4. Coffee Shop Etiquette

• Often, the cashier will ask for your name. This is because the
barista (the person making your coffee) will call your name out
when your coffee is ready, so remember to listen for it.

• In general, you’re expected to put sugar or sweetener (artificial

sugar) in your drink after the cashier gives it to you. You can
ask, “Where can I find the sugar/sweetener?” if you aren’t sure.

• If you just ask for “coffee,” it’ll be brewed, black coffee. If you
want espresso, you must order a coffee drink such as a
cappuccino, latte, americano, etc., or “espresso” for a shot of
espresso by itself. (Ordering a “double espresso,” or two shots of
espresso, is also quite common.)
5. Practice Before You Go with This Partner Dialogue

If you practice before your arrival, you’ll have more confidence when
placing your order. Find a friend and make use of this simple partner
dialogue.

Cashier: Hi there! What can I get for you?

Customer: Hello. I’d like an americano, please.

Cashier: Okay. What size would you like?

Customer: Sorry?

Cashier: What size?

Customer: Oh. A small, please.

Cashier: Okay. Anything else besides the drink?

Customer: No, thanks. That’s all.

Cashier: And is that for here or to go?

Customer: For here, please.

Cashier: Your name, please?

Customer: (your name)

Cashier: Okay. Your total comes to $3.49. Are you paying with cash or
credit?

Customer: Credit. (Give the cashier the credit card.)

Cashier: Great. We’ll call your name when your order is ready. You can
pick it up at the counter over there, okay?

Customer: Okay, thanks!

Cashier: Thank you!