Milk-based coffee varieties

When entering a café or standing at the coffee machine at home, it can be difficult to choose between the many milk-based coffee variants. Latte, cappuccino and flat white are among the most popular, but what really sets them apart? In this guide, we'll look at the differences so you can choose the right type of coffee for any occasion.

Latte: The Creamy Coffee Experience

A latte (also called caffe latte) consists of a shot of espresso mixed with a large amount of hot milk and a small amount of milk foam on top. Lattes are known for their mild flavour, making them perfect for those who prefer a softer coffee experience with less bitterness.

Ratio: A latte typically has a ratio of 1 part espresso to 3 parts hot milk, with a layer of foam of approximately 1 cm.
Flavour and texture: The large amount of milk makes the latte soft and mild in taste, and the foam gives only a light airy finish.
Serving: A latte is often served in a large glass or cup and can also have syrups added for extra flavour, such as vanilla, caramel or hazelnut.

Cappuccino: The balance between Espresso and Froth

Cappuccino is perhaps the most iconic coffee drink, known for its fine layer of foam and balanced flavour. This drink is named after the brown robes of the Capuchin monks as the colour resembles their clothing.

Ratio: Cappuccino consists of 1 part espresso, 1 part steamed milk and 1 part milk foam. The distribution is thus more evenly distributed between coffee, milk and foam, resulting in a very balanced flavour.
Flavour and texture: Cappuccino has an intense coffee aroma because the steamed milk and foam add creaminess without taking away the characteristic coffee flavour.
Serving: Typically cappuccino is served in a smaller cup (150-180ml) and is often finished with a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon.

Flat White: An Australian Favourite

Flat white originates from Australia or New Zealand, depending on who you ask. This drink has gained great popularity worldwide and is similar to a latte, but differs in the texture of the milk and the ratio of coffee to milk.

Ratio: Flat white consists of a double espresso and a smaller amount of steamed milk compared to a latte, resulting in a stronger coffee flavour. The ratio is usually 1 part espresso to 2 parts milk.
Flavour and texture: The milk in a flat white is steamed to a fine, silky microfoam without the thick layer of milk foam seen in cappuccinos. This results in a smooth and creamy texture that blends with the espresso.
Serving: Flat white is often served in a smaller cup (150-180ml) and has a stronger, more intense coffee flavour compared to a latte, but without the foam of a cappuccino.

Cortado: When Espresso and Milk are in Balance

A cortado is a Spanish-inspired coffee that balances the intensity of espresso with an equal amount of hot milk. The name "cortado" means "cut", which refers to the milk "cutting" through the acidity of the espresso.

Ratio: The ratio is typically 1:1 between espresso and steamed milk, which gives a more pronounced coffee flavour compared to lattes and cappuccinos.
Taste and texture: The Cortado is less creamy than a latte and has no milk foam, but the steamed milk softens the coffee without hiding the rich flavour notes.
Serving: It is usually served in a small glass and is perfect for those who love a strong coffee flavour with a gentle touch of milk.

Macchiato: A Touch of Milk

Macchiato means "stained" in Italian, which describes how the espresso is "stained" with a small splash of milk. Macchiato is ideal for those who love the intense flavour of espresso but want just a little milk to soften the bitterness.

Conditions: The espresso is topped with a small spoonful of milk foam, making the amount of milk very limited.
Flavour and texture: It has a strong coffee flavour with a light velvet texture from the milk foam.
Serving: Typically served in a small espresso glass, it is a favourite among coffee enthusiasts who want intensity.

Caffè Mocha: The chocolate lover's latte

Caffè Mocha is a variation of the latte but with a spoonful of chocolate added, making it a favourite among those who love sweeter coffee flavours.

Relationship: The mocha consists of espresso, hot milk and chocolate blended together, often topped with whipped cream.
Flavour and texture: It combines the best of both coffee and cocoa for a rich, sweet taste that makes it a dessert-like coffee.
Serving: Mocha is usually served in a large cup and is perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter coffee flavour.

Summarising the differences

Latte: Soft and creamy, 1 part espresso to 3 parts milk, with light milk foam.
Cappuccino: Balanced, 1 part espresso, 1 part steamed milk, 1 part milk foam, intense coffee flavour.
Flat White: Stronger coffee flavour than latte, 1 part espresso to 2 parts milk, no thick milk foam.
Cortado: 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk, more direct coffee flavour without foam.
Macchiato: Espresso "spotted" with milk foam, intense coffee with a hint of milk.
Caffè Mocha: Espresso, chocolate and milk, a sweet and rich variant of latte.