The term "Latte" originates from Italy. In Italian, Caffè latte refers to a large cup of hot milk with a shot of espresso added—essentially coffee plus milk—and in Italy, it is traditionally a breakfast beverage.

A latte is a common coffee drink. Starting the workday with a rich, aromatic latte, using the intense flavor lingering at the tip of your nose to fully awaken the dormant energy within, is an essential morning ritual for many. But when we talk about lattes, do we really know what a latte is? Does a latte always contain coffee?

#What is a Latte?

The word "Latte" comes from Italian. In Italian, Caffè latte means a large cup of hot milk with a shot of espresso added—that is, the classic coffee + milk—and in Italy, it is considered a breakfast-only coffee drink.

"Latte" literally means milk. Therefore, a latte does not necessarily contain coffee; here, we are primarily discussing the café latte, a beverage combining coffee and milk.

The latte is considered the most approachable coffee drink. It consists of one shot of espresso, steamed milk, and a thin layer of foam on top, offering a taste without the bitterness of an Americano.

#How to Make a Latte?

A latte combines rich espresso, silky milk, and smooth foam, using milk to present a harmonious, balanced mouthfeel. The key to making a delicious latte lies in mastering the coffee-to-milk ratio. Using espresso (40 ml) as the base, adding steamed milk (120 ml) and a layer of hot foam yields a classic latte.

#What is the Difference Between a Cappuccino and a Latte?

After understanding what a latte is, many people wonder about the differences between a Latte Macchiato, Mocha, Flat White, Cappuccino, and a Latte.

The main differences among these five coffee drinks lie in their respective coffee-to-milk ratios and added ingredients. Here is a brief introduction to the distinctions:

• Latte (Caffè Latte): Made by mixing espresso and milk in a 1:3 ratio, topped with a thin layer of foam. In terms of cup volume ratio: Espresso : Steamed Milk : Foam = 1 : 3 : 1. Therefore, the milk aroma is more pronounced, the coffee flavor is lighter, and it is the most common canvas for latte art.
• Cappuccino: The difference from a latte lies in the milk ratio and foam thickness. When making a cappuccino, the ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and foam is 1:1:1, resulting in a more balanced coffee and milk flavor. Regarding foam thickness, compared to the latte's foam which incorporates less air, a cappuccino's foam is thicker—no less than 1 cm—making it less suitable for complex latte art but offering a richer texture.
• Latte Macchiato: Made by adding a small amount of espresso into hot foam. The "Macchiato" in the name means "stained" or "marked" in Italian, much like the foam "staining" the coffee surface. Visually, the layers are distinct, and the flavor leans more toward sweet milk aroma, making it milder.
• Mocha: Similar in ratio to a cappuccino. It uses espresso as a base, followed by chocolate syrup or hot chocolate to impart a chocolate flavor, topped with a layer of foam, and finally garnished with cocoa powder, marshmallows, etc. In terms of overall ratio: Espresso : Hot Chocolate : Foam = 1 : 1 : 0.5.
• Flat White: Also known as Fūruì bái (Flat White), originating from Australia and New Zealand. The ratio of espresso to milk is typically 1:1, sitting between a latte and a cappuccino, resulting in a silkier mouthfeel. A traditional Flat White contains no foam, but it later evolved into a version with 5 mm of microfoam, which greatly tests the barista's skill in foam control.

#Espresso-to-Milk Ratios

Coffee Drink

Coffee : Milk

Milk Type

Latte (Caffè Latte)

1:3

Steamed Milk

Cappuccino

1:1

Steamed Milk + Foam

Latte Macchiato

1:3.125

Steamed Milk + Foam

Mocha

1:1 (Chocolate Syrup or Hot Chocolate)

Steamed Milk

Flat White

1:1

Steamed Milk + Thin Foam