“A perfect coffee cup and the ears of a good friend are the best therapy.”
Do you love cappuccino, latte, and macchiato, but do not know the difference between them? This article will help you.
These popular milk-based beverages are different from each other in terms of nutritional values, caffeine content, and proportion of ingredients. Let’s have a closure look at these beverages to find out which is best for you!
Contents
What is a latte?
In Italy, people brew a latte for breakfast. They brew it in a Bialetti Moka pot, heat milk on the stovetop, and mix them both. It is their common style and they do not foam the milk. However, the key word is the “cafe latte”, meaning coffee milk. In Italy, if you order it by asking for a latte, you will get only a glass of milk.
In the latte, plenty of steamed milk is added to a single espresso shot, and is topped with a thin layer of foam. You can also add sugar or sweeteners in it to enhance the flavors. The characteristics of latte include:
- Latte contains ⅓ espresso at the bottom, 50% steamed milk, and a thin layer of foamed milk.
- It has mild notes and smoother, creamier texture.
- Latte is more versatile as it allows you to add your flavored syrups such as chocolate, caramel, vanilla, etc.
History of latte
Latte does not refer to a specific drink so it is difficult to find out who invented it. Milk was popular across Europe in the late 19th and early 20th century. Its regional variations include: Germany’s Milchkaffee and France’s café au lait. It was made by mixing heated milk and strong coffee from two separate pitchers, the mixing was done according to the coffee drinker’s preference.
Paradoxically, in the English-speaking world, the word latte is widely used, as the latte is not a part of Italian café culture. In Italy, its recipe includes espresso, sweeteners and steamed milk. In Italian coffee shops, you can either order a macchiato or cappuccino, as the caffè latte is a breakfast drink and you have to brew it at home.
Variations of latte
Latte has many variations such as:
- Chai latte: It includes an infusion of a tea bag with regular latte.
- Matcha latte: For this, add matcha powder in the frothed milk.
- Pumpkin spice latte: It contains pumpkin and other spices in a regular latte and is usually served over ice.
- Iced vanilla latte: For this, add vanilla syrup and ice in the latte.
- Salted caramel latte: It includes the addition of salted caramel syrup and caramel chocolate in the latte.
- Peppermint mocha latte: It contains espresso, milk, chocolate syrup, peppermint syrup, and whipped cream.
Besides these, there are many variations of latte. Adding a particular syrup, ice, or other ingredients in the latte will lead you to the new variation of latte. Brew your favorite one and enjoy!
What is a cappuccino?
Cappuccino is a popular drink and is made by topping an espresso shot with steamed milk and milk foam. It contains equal parts of each ingredient such as ⅓ espresso, ⅓ steamed milk, and ⅓ milk foam. Its characteristics include:
- It has a thick layer of foam.
- In Italy, it is exclusively a morning drink.
- It offers a rich, smooth taste and a creamy texture.
- You can add cocoa or cinnamon powder on top of it for a more iconic taste.
The cappuccino came from the Roman Catholic order of Capuchin monks. In the 18th century, when milky coffee appeared on cafe menus in Vienna, it was similar to the robes worn by these monks. It was served with a dusting of powdered or shaved chocolate, taking inspiration from the Viennese custom of adding ground spices.
History of cappuccino
The word cappuccino was first used in Vienna but Italy invented the modern-style cappuccino. In Italy, the espresso machine was invented in the late 19th century and cappuccinos popped up on cafe menus in the 1930s.
In Vienna, the milky coffee was sweetened with cinnamon or chocolate and was garnished with whipped cream. This sugary cappuccino was also popular in interwar Italy as the quality of the espresso was not good and is masked with extra flavorings.
After the second world war, the technology was improved and pulling a delicious espresso shot became easier, so there was no need for additional sweeteners. Slowly, cappuccino became popular across the world; in Britain, it happened in 1950 while in the US it happened in the 1980s. Today, there are hardly a few corners of the world where a cappuccino would not be readily found.
Variations of cappuccino
In cappuccino, the ratio of coffee to milk to foam is 1:1:1. Variations in milk and foam ratio create: wet cappuccino or dry cappuccino.
- Wet cappuccino: It contains more steamed milk and less foam.
- Dry cappuccino: It contains more milk foam and less steamed milk.
Other variations of cappuccino include:
- Flat white: It contains two shots of espresso or ristretto, slightly less milk than the traditional cappuccino, and a thin layer of foam.
- Babyccino: It is a coffee-free cappuccino for kids. It contains only hot frothed milk, topped with marshmallows, cocoa or cinnamon powder.
What is a macchiato?
Macchiato contains 90% coffee and 10% milk. It contains a splash of milk so it offers stronger flavors than other coffee beverages. In Italian, macchiato means stained or marked as espresso is marked with a spoonful of frothed milk. Its exceptional features include:
- Its serving size is 37 ml.
- In Italy, you have to order this drink by asking for espresso macchiato to ensure that you get the right beverage.
- Every person does not like it but a well-brewed macchiato is hard to beat.
Variations of macchiato
There are many variations of traditional macchiato (stained coffee) such as:
- Zebra macchiato/iced marble mocha macchiato: It contains white mocha on the bottom and an espresso shot on the top of it.
- Latte macchiato (stained milk): In this, an espresso shot is added to a glass of steamed milk.
The other include: iced macchiato, caramel macchiato, doppio macchiato, etc.
How to brew a latte?
Warm up your festive period with a hot piping cup of latte. You can easily brew it with a few ingredients at home. Let’s dive into it!
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee grounds | 8-10 grams | Get it on Amazon |
| Whole milk | 180-230 ml | Get it on Amazon |
| Sugar | One tablespoon | Get it on Amazon |
Tools
| Tools | Quantity | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso machine | 1 | Get it on Amazon |
| Aeroccino milk frother | 1 | Get it on Amazon |
| Coffee cup | 1 | Get it on Amazon |
Instructions:
There are three ways to brew a latte which include:.
Latte in Italy:
- Extract and espresso with your espresso machine or Moka pot.
- Pour milk and sugar (optional) in the frother and heat it.
- Add steamed milk on top of the coffee.
- Enjoy your drink.
Latte in America:
- Extract an espresso shot with your espresso machine.
- Pour milk in the frother and prepare hot milk foam.
- Add steamed milk on top of the coffee.
- You can also add sugar or your favorite syrup.
- Make a latte art on top of the drink with milk foam.
- Enjoy your latte.
Latte in France:
- Prepare dark filtered coffee.
- Pour milk in the frother and prepare hot milk foam.
- Add steamed milk on top of the coffee.
- Serve the drink in a large bowl as it is easy to dip your croissant in it.
- Enjoy your drink.
Note:
- If you are a beginner to coffee beverages, latte is a perfect way to start. It is a sweet and mellow espresso-based drink that will slowly introduce you to the coffee taste.
- Instead of whole milk, you can also use coconut, almond, oat, or soy milk.
How to brew a cappuccino?
Enjoy your morning or breakfast with an easy cappuccino recipe. Brew it in your home’s comfort with a little effort and cherish your day. Let’s start!
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee grounds | 8-10 grams | Get it on Amazon |
| Whole milk | 80-100 ml | Get it on Amazon |
Tools
| Tools | Quantity | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso machine | 1 | Get it on Amazon |
| Aeroccino milk frother | 1 | Get it on Amazon |
| Coffee cup | 1 | Get it on Amazon |
Instructions:
- Extract an espresso shot with your espresso machine in the coffee cup.
- Pour milk in the frother and prepare thick hot milk foam.
- Hold your cup with one and tilt it towards your other hand.
- With your other hand, slowly add milk foam on the espresso in the form of a swirl.
- Decorate your drink with cocoa powder, chocolate syrup, or cinnamon powder.
- Enjoy your cappuccino.
Note:
- Instead of whole milk, you can also use coconut, almond, oat, or soy milk.
- You can pair your drink with croissants, berries, or cupcakes.
How to brew a macchiato?
Within 5 minutes, you can prepare your delicious macchiato drink at home. Sit on your sofa, sip your macchiato, and enjoy your morning. Let’s brew!
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee grounds | 8-10 grams | Get it on Amazon |
| Whole milk | 30 ml (1 oz) | Get it on Amazon |
Tools
| Tools | Quantity | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso machine | 1 | Get it on Amazon |
| Aeroccino milk frother | 1 | Get it on Amazon |
| Coffee cup | 1 | Get it on Amazon |
Instructions:
- Extract an espresso shot with your espresso machine in the coffee cup.
- Pour milk in the frother and prepare thin hot milk foam.
- Add frothed milk on top of the espresso in the form of a swirl.
- Enjoy your drink.
Note:
- Instead of whole milk, you can also use coconut, almond, oat, or soy milk.
- You can add your favorite syrups, shavings, or sauces in this drink.
Difference between latte, cappuccino, and macchiato
All of these beverages offer delicious coffee experience but they are different from each other in many aspects which include:
| Features | Latte | Cappuccino | Macchiato |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | ⅓ espresso, 50% steamed milk, and thin layer of milk foam | ⅓ espresso, ⅓ steamed milk, and ⅓ milk foam | 90% coffee and 10% milk |
| Type of milk | 2% fat milk/whole milk | Whole milk | Whole milk |
| Amount of milk | 180-230 ml | 80-100 ml | 30 ml |
| Espresso shot | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Layer of foam | Thin | Thick | Thin |
| Volume | 11-15 oz | 5-6 oz | 2.5-3 oz |
| Caffeine content | 63 mg | 63 mg | 63 mg |
| Calories | 190 | 80 | 30-40 |
| Taste | Milky flavor with creamy texture | Bold coffee flavor, smooth texture, and subtle sweetness | Bitter and bold notes with smooth texture |
Facts about latte, cappuccino, and macchiato
Let’s have a look at some incredible facts about these milk-based beverages.
- Whole milk gives a rich flavor and fuller body to these beverages. However, 2% fat milk or non-fat milk is also an excellent choice as it foams up much better and holds its fluff to the end.
- The above listed calories are without any use of sweeteners. If you add flavored syrups, the calories will be high.
- All of these beverages originated in Italy (Europe).
- All these drinks are espresso-based however, you can make them with different milk, espresso, and foam ratios.
Latte vs cappuccino vs mocha
Let’s compare milk beverages with chocolatey coffee and see how they are different from each other. Let’s scroll!
| Features | Latte | Cappuccino | Mocha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Italy | Italy | Port town in Yemen |
| Ingredients | ⅓ espresso, 50% steamed milk, and thin layer of milk foam | ⅓ espresso, ⅓ steamed milk, and ⅓ milk foam | ⅖ espresso, ⅖ hot chocolate, and ⅕ steamed milk |
| Type of milk | 2% fat milk/whole milk | Whole milk | Whole milk |
| Amount of milk | 180-230 ml | 80-100 ml | 30 ml |
| Espresso shot | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Layer of foam | Thin | Thick | Thin |
| Volume | 11-15 oz | 5-6 oz | 10-12 oz |
| Caffeine content | 63 mg | 63 mg | 60-152 mg |
| Calories | 190 | 80 | 170 |
| Taste | Milky flavor with creamy texture | Bold coffee flavor, smooth texture, and subtle sweetness | Chocolatey notes with velvety mouthfeel and smooth texture. |
The verdict
Cappuccino, latte, and macchiato are espresso based beverages and are made with the same ingredients, each having different ratios. They offer a delicious coffee experience but which one is the best? It depends on your personal preferences.
- If you like a balanced coffee cup with creamy texture, try cappuccino.
- Do you love milky drinks with less coffee and more frothed milk? Choose a latte.
- If you want a strong coffee cup with a smooth texture, macchiato will satisfy your taste.
Grab a cup, brew these worth brewing and worth-sipping beverages, and enjoy your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is sweeter: cappuccino or latte or macchiato?
Latte contains more frothed milk than cappuccino and macchiato so it has a more sweet and creamy taste. It offers smooth mouthfeel and is best for you if you have a sweet tooth.
Are macchiatos stronger than latte?
Macchiato contains less milk so it has more coffee flavor. It contains high caffeine and bold notes, making it stronger than other beverages.
What tastes better, cappuccino or macchiato?
Both taste good and the selection depends on your personal preferences. If you want a milky and soft flavor, cappuccino is the best option for you. If you like bold coffee flavor, macchiato will satisfy your taste.
Which is stronger: a latte or cappuccino?
Cappuccino contains less milk than the latte so it has a strong espresso taste. It offers smooth texture, rich character, and pleasant mouthfeel.
Which is healthier: latte or macchiato?
Macchiato contains less milk so it has low calories and fat content. On the other hand, latte contains a high amount of milk, resulting in high calories and fat content. So, macchiato is healthier than a latte.
Is macchiato the strongest coffee?
Macchiato contains less milk so it is a stronger drink. It has bold notes, strong character, and smooth texture, making it perfect for strong coffee lovers.
What is a mocha vs latte?
Latte contains espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, offering sweet and creamy taste. However, the mocha contains espresso, hot chocolate, and steamed milk, offering rich chocolatey notes and velvety mouthfeel.
Is an Americano or macchiato better?
In Americano, the espresso shot is diluted with water while in macchiato, espresso is topped with a splash of milk foam. Americano has a gentle taste with low bitterness while macchiato has bold flavor; the selection depends on your personal preference.
Is macchiato a breakfast drink?
If you kick-start your day with a strong coffee cup, macchiato will suit you. It contains a splash of milk, offering a strong body, bold flavors, and rich character.
Does latte have sugar?
Latte does not have a sugar ingredient. However, if you prefer sweet coffee, you can add sugar or other flavored syrups to enhance its taste.
Which is the sweeter latte or macchiato?
Latte contains more frothed milk than a macchiato so latte is sweeter than the macchiato. However, if you love bold coffee, choose macchiato.
Does macchiato taste sweet?
Macchiato contains a splash of milk so it does not have a sweet taste. It hits your palate with bold espresso flavor and smooth texture. However, if you have a sweet tooth, you can add sugar or flavored syrups in it.
What is a mocha cafe?
Cafe mocha contains espresso, hot chocolate, and steamed milk. It offers chocolatey flavors, smooth texture, and velvety mouthfeel. If you love chocolate, mocha will satisfy your taste.
What’s the difference between Americano and latte?
The difference between latte and Americano include:
- Latte includes espresso, steamed milk, and thin layer of milk foam while Americao includes espresso and boiling water.
- Latte has 190 calories, 11-15 oz brew size, and 63 mg caffeine while Americano contains 15-18 calories, 12-20 oz brew size, and 94-150 mg caffeine.
- Latte offers milky taste with creamy texture while Americano has gentle notes with less acidity and bitterness.
