Distinguishing Espresso & Latte: A Comparison

Espresso vs Latte

Espresso and Latte may seem the same to a non-coffee enthusiast, but a true coffee lover can easily identify the differences between the two. In essence, café espresso and latte are coffee variations that result from different blending and mixing techniques. This article will discuss the distinctions between espresso and latte, as well as the definitions of each type of coffee.

What is Espresso?

Espresso is not the same as a regular cup of coffee because it is made using a specific technique. Espresso is a potent variation of blending and mixing techniques, and the coffee used is ground finer than what most people use at home. It is crucial to understand that espresso is the base ingredient in the preparation of any coffee variation. Pure espressos are not mixed with milk.

The difference between a simple coffee and an espresso is created by the espresso machine. To make espresso, ground coffee is compressed into a dense puck of coffee, and hot water is forced through this puck under high pressure to produce an extraction called espresso. This process, with the correct pressure and temperature, results in a unique flavor that is challenging to replicate at home. As you can see, it is interesting to note that hot water is used in the concentrated beverage of espresso. As it is a concentrated beverage, a cup of espresso is much stronger than a regular cup of coffee.

What is Latte?

Latte, which originated in Italy, differs from black coffee, which is prepared without milk. The terminology associated with latte is café latte. Café latte is essentially coffee and milk. The name originates from the Italian word for milk, latte; thus, it is espresso mixed with milk. In fact, it would be more accurate to call latte ‘café latte,’ as it is a mixture of coffee and milk.

Café latte is not as strong and concentrated as other coffee types. The same is true in the preparation of various lattes as well. Hot milk is used in the preparation of lattes when it is mixed with espresso. So, a Latte is essentially an espresso and steamed milk served with a small layer of froth on top. When a trained barista pours latte from a jug, they can create artwork on the top of your latte, which looks truly mesmerizing.

However, always remember that espresso is the initial base ingredient in the preparation of latte. On the other hand, the variants of latte include mate, chai, and matcha.

Key Takeaways

• Espresso is a concentrated and strong coffee made using a specific technique and requires an espresso machine that maintains the right temperature and pressure.
• Latte is made by adding milk froth to espresso, resulting in a less concentrated and strong coffee compared to espresso.
• Espresso serves as the initial base ingredient in the preparation of latte and its variants, such as mate, chai, and matcha.