What Is a Latte Coffee? Classic Italian Milk Coffee Explained

If you’ve ever ordered a 'latte' at a coffee shop and wondered why you got a glass of warm milk with barely any coffee, you're not alone. The term gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly is a latte — and how is it really supposed to taste? This guide breaks down the classic Italian-style latte, its proper composition, and how it fits into the world of milk-based coffee drinks.

In its simplest form, a latte consists of one-third espresso and two-thirds steamed milk, and usually does not include milk foam. That’s the classic ratio — no more, no less. Compared to a cappuccino, it has a much milkier flavour and a smoother mouthfeel, with less foam on top.

What Does 'Latte' Actually Mean?

The word 'latte' comes from Italian, where it simply means 'milk.' In English-speaking countries, 'latte coffee' has come to mean a coffee drink made with steamed milk — specifically, an espresso mixed with a large amount of warm milk. The French equivalent, 'café au lait,' also means coffee with milk, though it’s usually made with brewed coffee rather than espresso, and is often called 'cafe au lait' or 'au lait' in English.

The Modern Latte: A Global Drink with Italian Roots

Though 'latte' is an Italian word, the drink as we know it today — a shot (or more) of espresso with steamed milk — only became widely known outside Italy in the 1980s. Before then, ordering a 'latte' in Italy would just get you a glass of milk. The modern latte, as part of the third wave and specialty coffee movement, is built around a base of espresso, with the milk playing the leading role in both texture and flavour.

How to Make a Classic Latte: The Ratio and Composition

The standard latte recipe is straightforward:

• 1/3 espresso (typically a double shot, around 60ml)
• 2/3 steamed milk (around 200–240ml total drink volume)
• Little to no milk foam (unlike a cappuccino, which is foam-heavy)

This high milk-to-espresso ratio gives the latte its characteristic smooth, milky taste. The milk is steamed to around 60–65°C, creating a velvety microfoam that blends seamlessly with the espresso. The result is a creamy, mellow coffee drink that highlights the milk more than the coffee itself.

Latte vs. Other Milk Coffees

It’s easy to confuse a latte with other popular milk-based espresso drinks, but there are clear differences:

• Latte (Caffe Latte): 1/3 espresso, 2/3 steamed milk, minimal foam. Milk-forward flavour.
• Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. More foam, stronger coffee taste.
• Flat White: Similar ratio to latte but with a thinner layer of velvety microfoam and a stronger espresso presence.
• Café au Lait: French version using brewed coffee instead of espresso, with hot milk.

The latte stands out for its smooth texture and mild coffee intensity, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a gentler, milk-heavy coffee experience.

Why the Latte Became So Popular

The latte’s global popularity stems from its approachability. With most of the cup filled with steamed milk, it’s less bitter and intense than straight espresso or even a cappuccino. Its mild flavour profile also makes it a great canvas for latte art, further boosting its appeal in coffee shops worldwide. Over time, the latte has become synonymous with casual, everyday coffee drinking — especially in the United States and other Western markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct ratio for a latte?

A traditional latte is made with a 1:2 ratio of espresso to steamed milk — specifically, one-third espresso (usually a double shot, around 60ml) and two-thirds steamed milk (around 200–240ml total). It typically does not include significant milk foam.

Is a latte stronger than a cappuccino?

No, a latte is generally milder than a cappuccino because it contains more steamed milk and less espresso relative to the total volume. A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, giving it a stronger coffee flavour.

Do you put foam on a latte?

A traditional latte includes very little or no milk foam. If any foam is added, it’s a thin layer (around 1cm or less) on top. For thicker foam, you’re likely thinking of a cappuccino.

What’s the difference between a latte and café au lait?

A latte is made with espresso and steamed milk, while café au lait is made with brewed coffee (not espresso) and hot milk. Both are milk-based coffee drinks but use different brewing methods for the coffee base.

Can you make a latte with any type of coffee?

Traditionally, a latte is made with espresso as the coffee base. While you can experiment with other coffee brewing methods, the classic definition of a latte relies on espresso for its distinct crema and concentrated flavour that blends with the milk.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Classic Lattes

For crafting traditional lattes, FrontStreet Coffee offers several well-rounded blends that excel when paired with steamed milk. Their Classic Blend is ideal for beginners and professionals alike, featuring strong crema and a smooth, rounded profile that complements milk beautifully. For cafés prioritising cost-efficiency without sacrificing taste, the Black Cocoa Blend delivers a rich, full-bodied cup with solid crema at a lower price point. Those wanting a fruitier twist in their milk drinks might try the Strawberry Candy Espresso, which introduces sweet berry-like notes that shine through even when diluted with milk. All three blends are suited for home or commercial use and are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.