Perhaps it's safe to say that many people love coffee—whether they like it black or with milk—it's definitely something people will have throughout their day. Seeing as coffee can be enjoyed in various ways, it's important to understand how milk can affect a whole coffee experience.
When you add milk to your coffee—usually with your espresso shot—you get to stretch the flavor of your coffee and highlight some of its nuances. It turns out there are a bunch of milk beverages you can try, such as macchiatos, whites, cortados, and more. But in this article, we'll be spotlighting two of the most popular milk drinks that people interchange: cappuccinos and lattes.
While coffee enthusiasts and professionals will gasp at the idea of people thinking that lattes and cappuccinos are the same things, you need to understand that these drinks are entirely different. So, if you're navigating through the coffee world and you're confused about these two drinks, don't worry—we're here to help you.
Latte vs. Cappuccino: What Makes Them Different?
The Ingredients
When it comes to highlighting the ingredients of a latte and cappuccino, you'll be happy to know that they're actually the same. This means that both drinks will require espresso, steamed milk, and foam—the real difference here is how they are made, which we'll go through later.
The Fundamentals
Cappuccinos were born alongside the popularity of espresso and have evolved into a drink that garnered much attention during the World Wars as it arrived from Europe to the Americas in the 1980s.
Today, cappuccinos are structured-oriented drinks often served in six-ounce cups or ceramic cups, which is a defining feature of a cappuccino drink. With that said, the ideal cappuccino ratio is 1:1:1, meaning all layers—from the espresso to the milk, down to the foam, have the same amount. With that said, this drink really shows whether a barista knows their stuff.
On the other hand, lattes or café lattes were first served in Europe in 1867 and were a staple for breakfast food. However, this drink evolved and started to become more popular in cafes in the 20th century.
Lattes are often served in eight-ounce cups, unlike cappuccinos, sold in smaller cups. This way, you get a creamier, velvet-like texture and mouthfeel that enunciates other flavors of your coffee. So, unlike the 1:1:1 ratio of cappuccinos, in lattes, the milk and espresso mixture takes up more cup space and lives a centimeter for foam.
The Ratio
Both drinks have espresso, but when it comes to the ratio, lattes will have more milk compared to cappuccino, which will have equal parts of every component. For this reason, you'll get a much stronger tasting espresso when you order a cappuccino as compared to a latte, where the milk has diluted the espresso.
The Bottom Line: Which Type of Milk Beverage Do You Prefer?
When it comes to deciding which milk beverage is better—lattes or cappuccinos—the answer is this: it really depends on how you like your coffee. If you want to taste your coffee more, enjoying a charming cup of cappuccino could be your best bet. But if you want something that will give you a milkier, velvety drink, perhaps the latte would be best for you!
How Can We Help You?
If you're looking for a coffee shop to hang out in or want something to go to, it's best to get coffee from a place where they know their stuff. Looking to book a mobile coffee service in Adelaide? We’re here to help. Get in touch with us to book us!
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