One of the greatest things about a cup of coffee is that it’s a chameleon. There are countless styles to choose from. And each adds variation and subtle nuance to the flavor of the coffee bean itself.
But one preparation style perhaps stands above the rest for its broad appeal and classic taste: the latte. Maybe that’s why it is one of America’s most popular coffee drinks.
But what is in a latte coffee? And how does it differ from other popular coffee preparation styles? In this guide, we’ll unpack the humble latte so you can decide for yourself whether it’s your go-to beverage.
How to Make a Latte
A caffè latte begins like any other coffee beverage: with roasted and ground coffee beans made into espresso drinks. Frothed milk is then added to the espresso to form the delectable combination we think of as a latte. Add a little milk foam on top and boom: you have a latte.
In terms of ratios, Food Network suggests that a latte should feature the following coffee and milk ratio:
- 1/3 espresso
- 2/3 steamed milk
Cappuccino vs. Latte
Coffee drinkers may have read that and thought to themselves, “But wait, what’s the difference between a latte and a cappuccino, then?” The answer is simpler than you may think!
In truth, both cappuccinos and lattes contain the same core ingredients:
- An espresso base
- Steamed milk
- Microfoamed milk on top
But the key difference is in the ingredient ratio. Whereas lattes have more milk than espresso, cappuccinos feature an even balance of espresso, steamed milk, and foam. As such, lattes tend to be milder when compared with cappuccinos. Further, cappuccinos will have a higher caffeine content than their milder siblings.
The great news is both drinks feature a delicious blend of strong coffee and smooth milk. And milk alternatives like oat milk and soy milk can be used without issue. So don’t worry, even a latte, with a milder ratio, will still taste like the coffee you crave.
Latte-style Beverages
The unique thing about lattes is they are flexible. They don’t need to feature the exact ingredients we mentioned above to be considered a latte. Namely, they can go without shots of espresso or add new ingredients to the mix.
Consider these popular latte-style beverages:
- Green tea matcha latte
- Macchiato latte
- Pumpkin spice latte
- And more
Each of these are lattes in their presentation style, but put a playful spin on the Italian classic.
Discover Your Favorite Latte at Ellianos
At Ellianos Coffee, we roast premium Italian coffee that busy Americans can enjoy on the go. And this includes our craveable line of latte beverages. Visit one of our coffee shops to taste one for yourself. Find an Ellianos Near You.
