Latte vs Cappuccino, these are two of the most popular cafe drinks, but what sets them apart?
At first glance, they may seem quite similar since they are both made with espresso and milk. Yet they are very different from one another. To help you differentiate, and never get confused again, we will delve through the details of the two beverages in this article.
From their ingredients, preparation to the unique characteristics that make each special, let us uncover them together.
Difference Between Cappuccino and Latte
Despite their similarities, they offer distinct textures and flavours. Let us take a quick look at them.
Cappuccino: A cappuccino is traditionally made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. This creates a robust, rich flavour with a strong coffee presence balanced by the creaminess of the milk.
The thick layer of foam on top not only insulates the beverage, keeping it warm, but also adds a delightful, frothy texture. Cappuccinos are typically served in smaller cups, making them a concentrated, intense coffee experience.
Latte: A Latte, also known as a caffè latte, consists of one-third of espresso and two-thirds steamed milk, topped with a thin layer of milk foam. The higher milk-to-espresso ratio results in a creamier, milder flavour, making lattes less intense than Cappuccinos.
Lattes are usually served in larger cups, providing a smoother, more mellow coffee experience. This makes lattes an excellent choice for those who prefer a gentler coffee taste with more beverage to sip on.
Latte vs Cappuccino: The Preparation
Below are the step-by-step preparations for both cappuccino and latte. Both beverages need espresso as their base, to learn all about espresso brewing at home, click here for an expert guide.
Cappuccino Preparation
Ingredients:
- 60 ml espresso
- 120 ml milk (60 ml steamed milk and 60 ml milk foam)
Steps:
Brew the Espresso
- Use an espresso machine to pull a shot of espresso (60 ml). Pour it into a pre-warmed cup.
Steam the Milk
- Fill a milk jug with 120 ml of milk.
- Use the steam wand of the espresso machine to steam the milk.
- Hold the steam wand just below the surface to create microfoam. Once the milk has doubled in volume and reached around 65°C, stop steaming.
Combine:
- Pour 60 ml of steamed milk over the espresso in the cup.
- Add the remaining milk foam (60 ml) on top to create a thick layer.
Explore Home Espresso Machines Here
Latte Preparation
Ingredients:
- 60 ml espresso
- 180 ml steamed milk
- 20 ml milk foam
Steps:
Brew the espresso
- Use an espresso machine to pull a shot of espresso (60 ml). Pour it into a larger, pre-warmed cup.
Steam the Milk
- Fill a milk jug with 200 ml of milk.
- Use the steam wand of the espresso machine to steam the milk.
- Focus on heating the milk with less emphasis on creating thick foam. Aim for the milk to reach around 65°C with a small amount of microfoam.
Combine:
- Pour 180 ml of steamed milk over the espresso in the cup.
- Add a small amount of milk foam (20 ml) on top to finish.
- Additionally, preparing Latte at home allows you to play around with Latte art.
Coffees for Latte and Cappuccino
Latte or cappuccino, no matter what you want to brew at home, choosing the right coffee beans is crucial.
Both types of beverages benefit from the rich, full-bodied flavours of medium to dark roast coffees- the ideal coffee roast type for extracting perfect espressos. This effects the flavour profile of the coffee in your latte or cappuccino.
You can explore some of the finest coffees here and ensure your espressos are rich enough to form the perfect base.
Final Words
So, Latte vs Cappuccino, which is better?
Each has its own appeal, making them both worth trying. A Latte is perfect for a creamy, slow coffee experience, while a Cappuccino delivers robust flavours with a delightful frothy top.
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that suits your mood and taste preferences. So, what are you craving for?
