What Is a Latte and How Is It Made?

If you’ve ever ordered a latte and wondered why it tastes more like milk than coffee, you’re not alone. Many people assume the coffee defines the drink—but in a traditional latte, milk makes up the majority. So what exactly is a latte, how is it different from other coffee-with-milk drinks, and why does the espresso still matter?

A classic Italian Caffè Latte contains just 10% espresso, 20% milk foam, and 70% steamed milk. That’s a 1:7 coffee-to-milk ratio. The small shot of espresso—about 30ml—is what gives the drink its coffee flavor, while the bulk is made up of textured, heated milk. That balance is what makes a latte distinct.

What Is an Italian Caffè Latte?

An Italian Caffè Latte is a simple drink: a small cup of espresso (around 30ml) combined with 150–200ml of steamed milk. Unlike a cappuccino, which has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, a latte is mostly milk. The preparation is straightforward—pour freshly brewed espresso into a cup, then add nearly boiling milk. There’s no fixed rule for the amount of milk; it’s adjusted to taste.

The key difference from other milk-based coffees lies in the ratio and texture. The espresso provides the base flavor, while the hot milk smooths and rounds it out. This is also where the quality of the espresso shines—even a basic shot can transform everyday milk into something memorable.

How Americans Adapted the Latte

In the United States, the latte often includes a layer of cold milk foam. A typical American-style latte built by FrontStreet Coffee’s 'little i' brand consists of a shot of espresso at the bottom, 60–65°C steamed milk in the middle, and a final layer of cold milk foam no thicker than half a centimeter. This variation introduces a textural contrast between the warm milk and the cool foam.

Alternatively, skipping the hot milk and pouring just espresso topped with two tablespoons of cold milk foam creates an Espresso Macchiato—the Italian version where the drink is “stained” with a spot of milk.

What About the European Caffè Latte: The Euro Latte (Caffè e Latte)?

Across Europe, particularly in France, you’ll find another take: the Euro-style latte, or Caffè e Latte. This version involves pouring a shot of espresso and a large amount of hot milk together into a big cup simultaneously, then topping it with two spoonfuls of whipped cream. The defining trait is that milk and espresso meet instantly in the cup, creating a more casual, freeform drinking experience.

The French favor large cups for this drink—arguably the biggest among all coffee servings—which adds to its relaxed, hearty reputation. It’s a breakfast staple and a symbol of a slow, enjoyable start to the day.

What’s a Caramel Latte? And Why Isn’t Caramel Always Involved?

A “caramel latte” often refers to a flavored variation where caramel syrup is added. However, the term “latte” itself comes from the Italian word for milk (“latte”), and traditionally, it doesn’t include caramel. The confusion arises from popular café offerings that mix lattes with flavored syrups such as caramel. The original Caffè Latte is simply espresso and milk—flavorings are optional additions.

That said, milk is central to the latte’s identity. It’s heated (not boiled), textured through steaming, and poured in a way that complements the espresso. In specialty contexts, baristas may steam milk to around 60–65°C to achieve optimal texture without scalding.

What’s the Ideal Latte Ratio?

A well-made traditional latte follows a specific proportion: 70% milk, 20% milk foam, and 10% espresso. While the coffee component is the smallest, it’s critical—it’s the espresso that qualifies the drink as coffee. This minority-dominates dynamic reflects a broader insight: a small element, when well-executed, can define the whole.

This ratio ensures the drink remains creamy and balanced, with enough coffee flavor to shine through the milk. Adjusting the milk-to-espresso ratio changes the texture and strength, allowing customization based on personal preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A latte is mostly steamed milk (70%) with a small amount of espresso (10%) and foam (20%). A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam (roughly 1:1:1). A macchiato, or Espresso Macchiato, is just a shot of espresso “stained” with a small amount of milk foam—typically two tablespoons or less.

How much milk is in a traditional Italian latte?

A traditional Italian Caffè Latte uses 150–200ml of milk and around 30ml of espresso. That’s approximately a 70% milk, 10% espresso, and 20% foam ratio for the American-style variation with foam layers.

Can I make a latte with any type of coffee?

Technically, yes—but a true latte starts with a shot of espresso. Using other brewing methods like drip or French press won’t create the same intensity or crema, which are essential to the traditional flavor balance.

What temperature should milk be for a latte?

For a classic latte, milk is steamed to around 60–65°C. Going hotter risks scorching the milk and degrading its sweetness and texture. Some variations, like the American-style latte, may include a layer of cooler foam on top.

Do I need special equipment to make a latte at home?

To make a latte like a café, you’ll need an espresso machine with a steam wand to properly texture the milk. Alternatively, you can use a Moka pot for espresso and a milk frother for steamed milk, though the texture and crema won’t match professional results.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Lattes

For making classic lattes, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is a top choice—it’s designed for espresso machines and Moka pots, producing rich crema that holds up in milk. Its smooth, full-bodied profile works well in traditional Caffè Latte preparations. For a more budget-friendly option, the Black Cocoa Blend offers strong crema and deep flavor at a lower cost, ideal for cafés. Those wanting fruity sweetness can try the Strawberry Candy Espresso, which brings a soft strawberry-like note to milk drinks without overpowering the cup. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.