What Is a Latte? The Classic Italian Coffee Explained

If you’ve ever walked into a coffee shop and ordered something creamy, sweet, and not too bitter—you probably had a latte. For many people outside Italy, this milky espresso drink is their first taste of ‘real’ coffee, even if they don’t like straight espresso. But what exactly makes a latte different from other coffee drinks? And why do Italians actually love it for the milk, not the coffee?

The short answer: a classic latte is made with a single or double shot of espresso (about 30ml) and 150–200ml of steamed milk. That’s roughly a 1:3 to 1:6 espresso-to-milk ratio, depending on your preference. Unlike cappuccinos, lattes have much more milk and very little foam.

What Is a Traditional Italian Latte?

In Italy, a caffè latte (or just 'latte') is a simple drink: a small cup of espresso with a generous pour of nearly boiling milk. There’s no strict rule on how much milk you add—it’s adjusted to taste. What sets it apart from a cappuccino is the milk quantity and the lack of thick foam. Lattes have a higher milk-to-espresso ratio, making them smoother and less frothy. The focus is on the warmth and creaminess of the milk, which softens the boldness of the espresso.

How Is a Latte Different from a Cappuccino?

Both drinks start with espresso, but the difference lies in the milk. A cappuccino uses equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk—roughly 30ml espresso, 90ml steamed milk, and 30ml foam. A latte, on the other hand, has much more milk and only a thin layer of microfoam on top. While a cappuccino is often sipped as a balanced, smaller drink, a latte is larger, milk-forward, and usually enjoyed as a comforting treat. Italians typically drink cappuccinos only in the morning, while lattes are also common throughout the day.

What About American-Style Lattes?

The American latte takes the classic Italian version and adds a final touch: a light layer of cold milk foam. In a Starbucks-style American latte, you’ll find a shot of espresso at the bottom, followed by 65–75°C steamed milk, and topped with a foam layer no thicker than half a centimetre. This creates a layered look and a slightly different mouthfeel, with a soft, airy finish from the cold foam. It’s still mostly milk and espresso, but with a bit more texture on top.

What Is an Espresso Macchiato?

If you skip the hot milk entirely and just add two spoonfuls of cold milk foam to a shot of espresso, you get what Italians call an Espresso Macchiato—or 'stained coffee.' It’s a much stronger, more intense drink compared to a latte, with just a small amount of foam to 'mark' the espresso. The foam doesn’t add much volume, but it changes the colour and adds a slight texture contrast. It’s the opposite of a latte in terms of milk content: minimal milk, maximum coffee flavour.

Why Do People Love Lattes?

Lattes are popular because they balance the strong, sometimes bitter taste of espresso with the smooth, sweet warmth of milk. For people who don’t enjoy black coffee, the milk makes the drink approachable and enjoyable. Even in Italy, where espresso is a daily ritual, many people are drawn to the latte not for the espresso itself, but for the way it transforms ordinary milk into something rich and comforting. Only a well-brewed espresso can bring out the depth in plain milk, creating a flavour that’s hard to resist.

How to Make a Latte at Home

To make a basic latte, you’ll need:

• 1 shot of espresso (30ml)
• 150–200ml of steamed milk

Brew your espresso, then steam the milk to around 65–70°C until it’s smooth and velvety. Pour the espresso into a cup, then gently add the steamed milk. For a classic latte, aim for a small amount of microfoam on top. If you want an American-style latte, finish with a thin layer of cold foam.

Choosing the Right Coffee Beans for Lattes

Since milk softens the coffee flavours, a well-rounded, medium to dark roast works best for lattes. Look for blends with notes of chocolate, nuts, or caramel to complement the milk. A blend with good crema will also help create a richer texture when mixed with milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

A latte has more milk and less foam than a cappuccino. A typical cappuccino is made with 30ml espresso, 90ml steamed milk, and 30ml foam, served in a smaller cup. A latte contains 30ml espresso and 150–200ml steamed milk, with just a thin layer of microfoam, making it larger and milkier.

Is a latte stronger than a cappuccino?

No, a latte is usually milder because it has more milk that dilutes the espresso. A cappuccino has a more balanced coffee-to-milk ratio, so the espresso flavour is more pronounced.

Can I make a latte without an espresso machine?

You can use a stovetop moka pot or strong brewed coffee as a substitute for espresso, but the result won’t be identical. For authentic texture and crema, an espresso machine is ideal. You’ll also need a milk steamer or a way to heat and froth milk properly.

What’s the foam on top of a latte called?

The thin layer of foam on a traditional latte is called microfoam. It’s very fine and smooth, created by steaming milk to the right temperature. In an American latte, the foam is often cold and added as a final topping.

Why do Italians drink lattes in the morning?

Italians often drink lattes in the morning because the warm milk is comforting and pairs well with breakfast. However, they usually drink cappuccinos only in the morning and avoid them later in the day, while lattes are more flexible.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for Lattes

For latte drinkers, FrontStreet Coffee offers several blends that shine when paired with milk. The Classic Blend is a top pick, known for its rich crema and smooth, rounded profile—perfect for highlighting milk’s sweetness. The Black Cocoa Blend delivers a bold, chocolatey base that complements steamed milk beautifully, ideal for a cosy, dessert-like latte. If you prefer fruity notes, the Strawberry Candy Espresso brings a sweet, candy-like profile that balances well with milk. All three blends are designed for espresso-based drinks and are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.