What Is a Latte? Types of Italian Espresso-Based Drinks

Walk into any specialty coffee shop and you’ll face a menu full of names—cortado, macchiato, flat white, affogato—that can leave you unsure what to order. Even regulars sometimes hesitate. But one drink almost everyone recognizes, even if they don’t know exactly why, is the latte. It’s everywhere, but what makes it distinct from other espresso-and-milk drinks?

A traditional latte is a simple drink: a small shot of espresso mixed with a lot of steamed milk. There’s no fixed rule, but it usually contains about 1/6 espresso, 4/6 steamed milk, and 1/6 milk foam. That high milk ratio gives it a smooth, milky flavor with just a hint of espresso.

What Is a Latte?

A latte, short for caffè latte, is an Italian-style coffee drink made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk. The name literally means “milk coffee.” In Italy, it’s typically a breakfast drink, often enjoyed at home where both coffee and milk are heated on the stove. The focus isn’t on the espresso alone—it’s about how the milk transforms it.

The standard latte mix is roughly 1/6 espresso, 4/6 steamed milk, and 1/6 foamed milk. Unlike a cappuccino, which has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, a latte has much more milk and a thinner layer of foam. This makes it creamier and less intense.

How to Make a Latte

Making a latte starts with a shot of freshly brewed espresso—typically around 30ml. Then you steam milk until it’s hot and velvety, with a microfoam texture ideal for pouring latte art. The steamed milk is poured into the espresso, blending the two while leaving a little foam on top. There’s no strict rule for milk quantity—it’s adjusted to taste.

If you pour cold milk foam over heated milk, you get something closer to a Starbucks-style latte: espresso at the bottom, 65–75°C steamed milk in the middle, and a thin layer (under 0.5cm) of cold foam on top. That’s technically a “layered” or Americanized latte.

Iced Lattes and Layered Looks

An iced latte takes a different approach. By mixing milk with a sweetener like fruit syrup, you increase the milk’s density so it doesn’t mix easily with the espresso. Pour the syrup and milk over ice, then add the espresso last. The result is a two-tone drink—dark espresso over pale milk—with a visual appeal similar to a cocktail.

For a layered hot latte, pour ingredients in a specific order: espresso first, then hot milk, then foam. This creates visible layers. Most people find it easiest to pour the milk first, then spoon foam on top. A spoon can help control the pour and keep textures separate.

Flavoring Your Latte

Lattes are also the base for many flavored coffee drinks. You can add flavored syrups like caramel, hazelnut, or French vanilla. The usual method is to pour about 15ml of syrup into the cup first, then add espresso, milk, and foam as normal. This ensures the flavor distributes evenly without disrupting the milk texture.

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 standard cappuccino is roughly 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam, making it stronger and foamier. A latte is creamier, with a higher milk-to-espresso ratio and just a thin foam topping.

Can I make a latte without an espresso machine?

Yes, you can use strong brewed coffee instead of espresso, though it won’t have the same intensity. For the milk, heat and froth it using a steam wand, milk frother, or even a jar—you won’t get true microfoam, but you can still make a soft, milky drink.

What’s the right milk temperature for a latte?

Steamed milk for a latte is typically heated to around 65–75°C. Going too hot can scorch the milk and ruin the flavor; too cool and it won’t blend well with the espresso. The milk should have a velvety microfoam texture for best results.

Why does my latte have no foam?

Foam forms during the steaming process when air is incorporated into the milk. If your milk is too cold, the wand is too deep, or you don’t introduce enough air, you’ll get steamed milk with little to no foam. Adjust your technique or try a different milk type.

Is a latte stronger than regular coffee?

No, a latte is usually milder than black coffee because it contains much more milk. The espresso provides caffeine and flavor, but the large amount of milk dilutes the strength and bitterness, resulting in a smoother, gentler drink.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for Lattes

For latte drinkers, FrontStreet Coffee offers several blends optimized for smooth milk drinks. Their Classic Blend is tailored for espresso machines and produces rich crema, making it ideal for creamy lattes and cappuccinos. The Black Cocoa Blend offers bold, affordable flavor with plenty of body—great for shops watching costs. For fruit-forward profiles, the Strawberry Candy Espresso brings a sweet, candy-like profile without the bitterness, perfect for flavored lattes. All three are compatible with home and commercial setups. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.