Difference between latte, cappuccino and macchiato | Nespresso

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Discover the difference between caffè latte, cappuccino, and latte macchiato.

The latte, beloved by most coffee connoisseurs and enthusiasts worldwide, offers a perfect harmony between bold espresso and velvety milk. In this guide, we will take you on a flavorful journey of discovery.

Prepare to elevate your coffee experience to new heights. Whether you are a seasoned barista or just beginning to explore coffee specialties, here you will find everything you need to make your next cup deliciously satisfying.

What is a latte?

A caffè latte or latte is a coffee recipe that originated in the early 20th century in the United States. It combines a shot of espresso with ample steamed milk, resulting in a smooth, subtle coffee flavor.

The name comes from the Italian word for 'milk,' but asking for a 'caffè latte' in Italy will not get you plain milk. Characteristic of this delicious beverage is the perfect balance between bold espresso and creamy milk, often adorned with a layer of milk foam and creative latte art.
combination between milk and coffee

L'art du café latte

A good caffè latte combines the strength of espresso with the smoothness of steamed milk.

Steps:
  • 1. Prepare a shot of espresso and pour it into a large glass.
  • 2. Steam the milk until it reaches a soft, frothy texture.
  • 3. Slowly pour the steamed milk into the espresso, keeping a bit of foam for the top.
  • 4. Optionally, add flavorings such as vanilla or caramel.

It's all in the details: pay attention to the temperature of the milk, the texture of the foam, and the ratio of coffee to milk. With some practice, you'll be making delicious lattes at home in no time.
Make a nespresso cafè latte

Our Original coffee capsule to prepare a perfect caffè latte

Ontdek verschillende latte variaties

Caffè Latte Description
Regular Latte A regular latte starts with espresso, to which steamed milk is added.
Latte macchiato The latte macchiato reverses this process. Here, warm milk goes into the glass first, followed by the espresso. This creates distinct layers in the drink. The result? A visually appealing coffee with a mild flavor at the bottom and a stronger coffee taste at the top. Each sip offers a slightly different experience.
Café au lait Café au lait, a Dutch specialty, differs in proportions. While a latte contains more milk than coffee, café au lait opts for an equal split: equal parts coffee and milk. This 50/50 mix results in a milder drink, yet retains a clear coffee flavor. It's an accessible choice for those who prefer a softer taste.
Flat white A flat white has less foam and milk than a latte. It consists of a single or double shot of espresso and a thin layer of steamed milk with a velvety texture. The flat white has a stronger coffee flavor due to the higher ratio of coffee to milk.
Cappuccino The cappuccino is also a popular coffee drink, but the two are often confused. The main difference lies in the composition. A cappuccino consists of three equal parts: espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The cappuccino is often finished with a bit of cocoa powder on top of the foam, which perfects it and adds extra flavor.

The role of milk in different coffee drinks

Milk is essential in many coffee drinks. It influences both flavor and texture. Steamed milk adds creaminess to lattes, while milk foam gives cappuccinos their airy quality.

The right milk temperature is crucial: too hot makes the coffee bitter, too cold results in poor mixing. Baristas must master this balance to serve the perfect cup.

The right milk can make all the difference in your favorite coffee recipe.

Choose the Right Milk for Your Latte
  • Cow's Milk: Provides a rich, creamy texture.
  • Soy Milk: A plant-based alternative with a subtle sweet flavor.
  • Almond Milk: Light and nutty, ideal for lactose-free options.
  • Oat Milk: Creamy and slightly sweet, perfect as a full-bodied milk substitute.
Creatista plus coffee machine with milk and coffee recipes

The best coffee machines for making lattes at home

Luckily, nowadays you don't have to leave the house for a delicious cup of coffee. Nespresso offers a wide range of machines that allow you to make your favorite drink at home. With these machines, you can easily prepare the most delicious lattes.
Recommended Nespresso Machines:

Lattissima One

Compact, user-friendly, and perfect for making lattes and other milk-based coffee drinks.

Creatista Plus

With six pre-programmed settings, you can have your favorite coffee with just one touch of a button.

Vertuo Lattissima

Dreaming of creating Instagram-worthy latte art? This machine with an advanced milk frother makes it possible.

Popular latte recipes to try at home

Recipes Description
Vanilla Latte • Ingredients: Vaniglia or Sweet Vanilla Espresso, steamed milk, vanilla syrup.

• Preparation: Add a splash of vanilla syrup to the espresso and top with steamed milk.
Caramel Latte • Ingredients: Caramello or Golden Caramel Espresso, steamed milk, caramel syrup.

• Preparation: Add caramel syrup to the espresso and top with steamed milk. Finish with a bit of caramel sauce.
Hazelnut Latte • Ingredients: Nocciola or Roasted Hazelnut Espresso, steamed milk, hazelnut syrup.

• Preparation: Add hazelnut syrup to the espresso and top with steamed milk.

Frequently Asked Questions about Latte and Café au Lait

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