How to Make a Proper Latte Coffee – 3 Styles Explained

Ever wonder why your latte doesn’t taste like the one from your favorite café—or worse, why every barista seems to make it differently? The truth is, there’s no single correct way to prepare a latte, and the differences come down to origin, technique, and personal preference. Whether you’re after that smooth Italian style or the frothy American version, understanding the basics helps you get it right.

The simplest answer? A traditional latte combines one shot of espresso (about 30ml) with 150–200ml of steamed milk and a thin layer—around 1cm—of milk foam. Total volume usually falls between 150–300ml, with 240ml being the most common. That’s it. Everything else is style.

Three Main Styles of Latte

Coffee lovers around the world prepare lattes differently, and these differences have led to three widely recognised styles: Italian, American, and European (also called café au lait or ‘’). Each has its own approach to ratios, layering, and even cupware.

Italian Latte: More Milk, Less Coffee

The Italian-style latte, or ‘caffè latte’, is built with one espresso and 150–200ml of hot milk. Unlike a cappuccino, it contains much more milk and far less coffee. The espresso is poured first, then hot milk is added directly—no elaborate microfoam texture needed. The amount of milk can vary based on taste, but the drink remains mostly milk with a strong coffee base. It’s typically served in a glass and considered more of a milk drink than a coffee-forward beverage on Italian menus.

American Latte: Frothed Milk on Top

The American latte starts with espresso and hot steamed milk, but adds a layer of cold milk foam on top. This style often uses a ceramic cappuccino cup and results in a drink with a slightly firmer, frothier texture at the surface. It’s closer to what many coffee shops in the US serve as a standard latte, though purists might argue it strays from the original Italian concept.

European Latte (Café Au Lait Style): Pour Everything Together

In the European or ‘’ style, both espresso and hot milk are poured simultaneously into the cup, often resulting in less distinct layers. A small amount of milk foam is added at the end. This creates a more integrated look and feel, and is especially common in France and parts of Eastern Europe. Though similar in milk ratio to the Italian version, the method and presentation set it apart.

Why the Confusion? Serving Methods Differ

Even in Italy, some cafés reverse the pour order to create intentional layers—adding espresso last for visual effect. However, the standard method among professionals is to pour espresso first, then milk. Cup choice also varies: American-style lattes are usually served in ceramic cappuccino cups, while Italian and European versions are commonly presented in clear glassware. But beyond cups, the real difference lies in volume and layering technique.

What’s the Right Amount? There Isn’t One

Professional consensus on latte size is elusive. Most agree the drink typically ranges from 150ml to 300ml, with 240ml being the most common serving. A standard 240ml glass usually holds one shot of espresso, around 150–200ml of steamed milk, and roughly 1cm of milk foam. Some baristas insist on glassware for authenticity, while others argue that precise measurement matters more than the container. Ultimately, it’s up to personal or café preference.

So, What’s the Correct Way to Make a Latte?

There is no single correct method. At its core, a latte consists of espresso, steamed milk, and a bit of foam. From there, everything else—including cup type, milk quantity, and layering—is flexible. Some customers prefer more foam, others more milk. Some cafés serve it in glass, others in ceramic. As long as you start with quality espresso and properly textured milk, the rest is open to interpretation. That’s why the latte remains one of the most beloved and customizable coffee drinks worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A cappuccino contains equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam—typically around 30ml espresso, 30ml milk, and 30ml foam. A latte has much more milk and only a thin layer of foam, with a usual ratio of 1 part espresso to 5–6 parts milk.

How much milk is in a standard latte?

A standard latte usually contains 150–200ml of steamed milk. Total drink volume typically ranges from 150–300ml, with 240ml being the most common. Around 1cm of milk foam is added on top.

Which cup is best for serving a latte?

There’s no strict rule, but Italian and European lattes are often served in glassware, while American-style lattes are usually served in ceramic cappuccino cups. The cup type affects heat retention and visual presentation but doesn’t change the drink itself.

Is it better to pour espresso or milk first in a latte?

The professional standard is to pour espresso first, then add steamed milk. Some cafés reverse the order to create layers, but starting with espresso ensures proper integration of coffee and milk flavors.

Can I make a latte with any type of coffee bean?

Yes, but espresso blends work best. For smooth milk drinks, choose a blend with balanced sweetness and medium body, such as FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend or Strawberry Candy Espresso. These highlight the milk rather than clashing with it.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Lattes

For a smooth and well-rounded latte, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend, known for its rich crema and approachable profile. The Black Cocoa Blend offers deep, chocolatey notes and excellent milk compatibility at a great value—ideal for cafés watching costs. For fruity sweetness, the Strawberry Candy Espresso brings a soft berry-like flavor that pairs beautifully with milk. All three blends are optimized for espresso brewing and milk drinks. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.