Reveal the True Difference Between Latte and Cappuccino

There are some important topics among coffee lovers and coffee addicts, including the basic difference between latte and cappuccino. You may not think that they are important or they are even crucial. After all, they are both drinks and they have their own tasty appeal.

It’s not like one is sour and one is bitter – or such thing alike. However, coffee lovers are adamant that the two are quite different in texture and taste. So, what can you learn about the basis of these two beverages?

Difference Between Latte and Cappuccino, About the Two Drinks

If you want to think of it, cappuccino and latte are basically almost the same. They have exactly the same ingredients which are foam, steamed milk, and espresso. But when it comes to different drinks, we are talking about different textures. Unfortunately, not all baristas know about this – creating inconsistency in the making. Coffee lovers can differentiate the cappuccino and latte. Some of them complain that they get a latte instead of cappuccino, and vice versa.

Okay, so let’s get back to the texture, which leads to ingredients and ratio. In both drinks, the construction would be espresso, followed by steamed milk, and topped off by foam. However, the amount or volume would be different. This is one basic difference between latte and cappuccino. In cappuccino, the steamed milk is only a little but the foam is bigger in volume. It is the contrary to latte, where the steamed milk is bigger in proportion and the foam is only a slight – sometimes it is referred to ‘a kiss of foam’.

So, here is the construction. In cappuccino, espresso is followed by the small number of steamed milk and topped off with a lot of foam. In latte (which means milk), the espresso is followed by a lot of steamed milk and then topped off with a slight foam. Now, have the idea?

The Modern Problem

The problem is, modern barista today are trained to add the exact same amount of steamed milk, regardless of the type of drink. To make a difference, they will use a different size. If you take note, coffee shops today would offer cappuccino in the smaller size (like 6 oz) while latte is offered in the bigger size (like 8, 10, or even 12 oz). This has created different textures, especially when the foam has been added.

If you like making your own drink, you can try the different proportion to create a different outcome. Go to the dedicated website for coffee addicts and see the real measure for the espresso, foam, and steamed milk. Follow their direction and you should be able to recreate your own version of cappuccino and latte. You can even learn how to make your own foam and also your own steamed milk.

You can make your own foam at home even though you don’t have the espresso machine. Simply use the whipped milk and make use of the microwave (or even stove), and you can fix your own foam in no time! Quite cool, huh?

Different Types of Toppings and Variations

Now that you already understand the difference between latte and cappuccino, you can try making one at home. Basically, I personally won’t believe any coffee shop to make my kind-of-preferred coffee. I prefer making one on my own, including experimenting with it.

If you feel like doing something different, there are different ways and methods that you can always try. For instance, the turmeric latte can provide a different alternative – as well as the different kick in the flavor and taste. You can add turmeric sprinkle to your latte – there is a different sensation, for sure! Not to mention that you can also add turmeric to your cappuccino to make it golden cappuccino.

You can also create mocha with the basic ingredients of latte and cappuccino. After the espresso, add the chocolate syrup, and then followed by the steamed milk and foam. Some people call it a chocolate latte. If you want to add some chocolate flavor, cocoa powder sprinkle on the foam will do it. Some people may even add chocolate wafer or chocolate biscuit. Really, the sky and your imagination are the limits.

What about the flat white? It is the combination of cappuccino and latte, basically. You actually get a beverage with espresso and latte-textured consistency that is served in a small cup that is designed for the cappuccino (the 6 oz kind). You should try it and see it works for you because who knows? You may like the texture.

If you want some refreshment, turning your warm and hot beverage into something cold can be fun too. Iced cappuccino, for instance, is a perfect option when you want something to refresh your day. Hot summer days can be annoying and a cold cappuccino can really be a game changer. In some cases, you can also add some ice creams and some biscuits.

There you go, some facts and basis about different kinds of coffee-based drinks. You already know the difference between latte and cappuccino, so you should give different methods and try them all.