What is a Latte?
The iconic latte is a beverage that’s loved in coffee shops all over the world. The subtle coffee taste and creamy flavoring makes it a coffee that’s universally cherished by even the most casual of caffeine indulgers. With that being said, many don’t actually know what a latte is, the drink’s origin or the difference between a latte and a cappuccino. Keep reading to find out all you need to know…
What is a latte?
A latte or caffè latte is a milk coffee that boasts a silky layer of foam as a real highlight to the drink. A true latte will be made up of one or two shots of espresso, lots of steamed milk and a final, thin layer of frothed milk on top. These elements combined result in a perfectly balanced milky coffee that possesses an aesthetically pleasing look and an irresistible texture.
What a latte is made of
A latte or caffè latte is a milk coffee that is a made up of one or two shots of espresso, lots of steamed milk and a final, thin layer of frothed milk on top.
What a cappuccino is made of
A cappuccino is the perfect balance of espresso, steamed milk and foam. This coffee is all about the structure and the even splitting of all elements into equal thirds.
What an americano is made of
An americano is just water and espresso. It’ll either be served 1/2 and 1/2 or 1/3 espresso to 2/3 water, depending on the coffee shop in question or how you’ve chosen to brew it.
What an espresso is made of
Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee, served in shots and it’s often the coffee base of many other beverages, such as cappuccino, latte, americano and macchiato.
What a mocha is made of
Although a mocha is often interpreted differently across the world, the basis is that a shot of espresso is combined with a chocolate powder or syrup, followed by milk or cream. It is a variant of a latte, in the sense that it is often 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk. However, a chocolate flavour is added, and this can be milk or dark.
What a macchiato is made of
The macchiato is an espresso coffee drink, topped with a small amount of foamed or steamed milk to allow the taste of the espresso to still shine through. A macchiato is perfect for those who find espresso too harsh in flavour, but a cappuccino too weak.
Caramel Latte
Latte origins
The origins of the latte aren’t very clear as people have been combining coffee and milk for centuries. However, the silky beverage that we know and love today is thought to originate in America, hitting the peak of popularity in Seattle during the 80’s.
Differences between a latte and cappuccino
Despite the latte being such a popular choice, many often get it confused with a cappuccino as they’re both frothy coffees. They are very different drinks though as the latte is creamier, with espresso and steamed milk mixed together to create a more subtle taste. A cappuccino on the other hand is much stronger with equal parts steamed and foamed milk. It’s also customary in most places to serve a cappuccino with a dusting of chocolate on top.
Answered your question to what is a latte? Indulge your thirst for knowledge and find out what a cortado is, next.
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