Cafe Latte vs Cappuccino
Many people are often unsure of the difference between a cafe latte and a cappuccino when visiting a coffee shop. Both types of coffee are popular around the world and have various methods of preparation, with coffee making becoming an art form. Cafe latte and cappuccino are two kinds of coffee that are frequently confused with one another.
What is Cafe Latte?
Cafe latte, which translates to “milk coffee,” is a coffee beverage made with steamed milk and espresso. It was first mentioned in 1867 by William Dean Howells in his essay “Italian Journeys.” In Italy, cafe latte is mainly prepared at home and consumed only at breakfast. It is made by pouring coffee brewed in a stovetop Moka pot into a cup containing heated milk. Outside of Italy, cafe latte is typically served in a 240 ml glass cup filled with steamed milk, along with a standard shot of espresso (either single, 30 ml, or double, 60 ml) topped with a layer of foamed milk approximately 12 mm. A cafe latte can also be made using a combination of strong coffee and scalded milk in a 1:1 ratio. A typical cafe latte consists of 1/4 espresso, 1/2 steamed milk, and 1/4 milk foam on top.
What is a Cappuccino?
A cappuccino is an Italian coffee beverage made with hot milk, espresso, and steamed milk foam. The name comes from the habit of the Capuchin friars, as the color of the cappuccino resembles the color of their robes. Cappuccinos are typically made using an espresso machine. The espresso is poured into the bottom third of the cup, followed by the same amount of hot milk that has been prepared by the steam wand of an espresso machine by heating and texturing. The top part of the drink consists of foam, which can be used for creating latte art. A traditional cappuccino is about 150–180 ml and consists of 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk foam. Commercially, a cappuccino is usually around 360 ml.
Key Takeaways
- A cappuccino is traditionally served in a smaller size (150–180 ml), while a cafe latte is larger (200-300 ml).
- A cappuccino is usually served in a coffee cup with a handle, while a cafe latte is served in a tall glass.
- A cappuccino has a 1cm+ topped layer of textured milk micro foam, while a cafe latte either does not have a layer of foam or has a layer of foam about 12 mm.
