Latte: The Creamy Coffee Experience

A latte (also called caffe latte) consists of a shot of espresso mixed with a large amount of steamed milk and a small amount of milk foam on top. Latte is known for its mild flavor, making it perfect for those who prefer a softer coffee experience with less bitterness.

• Ratio: A latte typically has a ratio of 1 part espresso to 3 parts steamed milk, with a foam layer of about 1 cm.
• Taste and texture: The large amount of milk makes the latte soft and mild in flavor, and the foam provides only a light, airy finish.
• Serving: A latte is often served in a large glass or cup and can also be flavored with syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut for extra taste.

Cappuccino: The Balance between Espresso and Foam

Cappuccino is perhaps the most iconic coffee drink, known for its fine layer of foam and balanced flavor. This drink is named after the Capuchin monks' brown robes, as the color resembles their clothing.

• Ratio: Cappuccino consists of 1 part espresso, 1 part steamed milk, and 1 part milk foam. The distribution is thus more equal between coffee, milk, and foam, providing a very balanced flavor.
• Taste and texture: Cappuccino has an intense coffee aroma because the steamed milk and foam add creaminess without removing the distinctive coffee flavor.
• Serving: Typically, cappuccino is served in a smaller cup (150-180 ml), and it's often finished with a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon.

Flat White: An Australian Favorite

Flat white originates from Australia or New Zealand, depending on whom you ask. This drink has gained worldwide popularity and resembles a latte but differs in milk texture and the coffee-to-milk ratio.

• Ratio: Flat white consists of a double espresso and a smaller amount of steamed milk compared to a latte, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor. The ratio is usually 1 part espresso to 2 parts milk.
• Taste and texture: The milk in a flat white is steamed to a fine, silky microfoam without the thick layer of milk foam seen in cappuccino. This provides a smooth and creamy consistency that blends with the espresso.
• Serving: Flat white is often served in a smaller cup (150-180 ml) and has a stronger, more intense coffee flavor compared to a latte, but without the foam of a cappuccino.

Cortado: When Espresso and Milk are in Balance

A cortado is a Spanish-inspired coffee that balances the intensity of espresso with an equal amount of steamed milk. The name "cortado" means "cut," referring to the milk "cutting" through the acidity of the espresso.

• Ratio: The ratio is typically 1:1 between espresso and steamed milk, providing a more pronounced coffee flavor compared to latte and cappuccino.
• Taste and Texture: The cortado is less creamy than a latte and has no milk foam, but the steamed milk softens the coffee without hiding the rich flavor notes.
• Serving: It is usually served in a small glass and is perfect for those who love a strong coffee taste with a gentle touch of milk.

Macchiato: A Hint of Milk

Macchiato means "stained" in Italian, which describes how the espresso is "stained" with a small splash of milk. Macchiato is ideal for those who love the intense flavor of espresso but want just a touch of milk to mellow the bitterness.

• Ratio: The espresso is topped with a small spoonful of milk foam, making the amount of milk very limited.
• Taste and Texture: It has a strong coffee flavor with a light velvety texture from the milk foam.
• Serving: Typically served in a small espresso glass and is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts who crave intensity.

Caffè Mocha: The Chocolate Lover's Latte

Caffè Mocha is a variant of the latte, but with a spoonful of chocolate added, making it a favorite among those who love sweeter coffee varieties.

• Ratio: The mocha consists of espresso, hot milk, and chocolate mixed together, often topped with whipped cream.
• Taste and Texture: It combines the best of both coffee and cocoa, delivering a rich, sweet flavor that makes it a dessert-like coffee.
• Serving: Mocha is usually served in a large cup and is perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter coffee taste.

Summary of Differences

• Latte: Soft and creamy, 1 part espresso to 3 parts milk, with light milk foam.
• Cappuccino: Balanced, 1 part espresso, 1 part steamed milk, 1 part milk foam, intense coffee flavor.
• Flat White: Stronger coffee flavor than a latte, 1 part espresso to 2 parts milk, no thick milk foam.
• Cortado: 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk, more direct coffee flavor without foam.
• Macchiato: Espresso "stained" with milk foam, intense coffee with a hint of milk.
• Caffè Mocha: Espresso, chocolate, and milk, a sweet and rich variant of the latte.