Latte vs. Cappuccino: What Is the Difference?

What’s the difference between a latte and a cappuccino? Both are traditionally espresso-based drinks made with steamed milk, but a latte contains more liquid milk relative to its foam, while a cappuccino has a more noticeable layer of airy milk foam and often tastes more espresso-forward in the same cup size.

The exact proportions vary by café and cup size, so a strict 1:1:1 formula is a traditional teaching shorthand rather than a universal specification. Milk texture, serving size and the number of espresso shots can matter as much as the ratio.

If you prefer a milkier drink with a thin layer of microfoam, consider a latte. If you prefer more textured foam and a stronger espresso impression, consider a cappuccino. For a variation using a different brewer, see our AeroPress cappuccino-style guide.

Below, we compare the ingredients, milk texture, serving styles and practical differences, with the reminder that individual coffee shops may use their own recipes.

What is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

A latte typically combines espresso with a comparatively large amount of steamed milk and a thinner layer of microfoam. The espresso-to-milk ratio varies by café and cup size.

A cappuccino uses espresso, steamed milk and a more prominent layer of foam. The classic 1:1:1 description is a helpful illustration, not a strict rule for every café. Cappuccinos often have a lighter, foamier texture than lattes.

The easiest way to tell the drinks apart is to compare how much steamed milk and foam surround the espresso, not just the drink names on a menu.

What is a Latte?

A latte is a useful choice when you want the flavor of espresso softened by a larger volume of steamed milk. The texture should be smooth, with a thin layer of microfoam instead of a thick foam cap.

But what exactly is a latte? The term “latte” is derived from the Italian word for milk, “latte,” and refers to a coffee beverage made with espresso and steamed milk. A café latte typically combines espresso with a larger quantity of steamed milk and a relatively thin layer of microfoam. The exact proportions depend on the café and cup size.

The rich, bold flavor of espresso and the creamy, smooth texture of steamed milk creates a drink that is both satisfying and indulgent. The proportion of espresso to milk in a latte is relatively low, and the flavor of the coffee is manageable. Instead, it’s balanced out by the creamy, milky flavor of the frothed milk.

When it comes to the texture of a latte, frothed milk creates a smooth, velvety texture that is a pleasure to drink. And because the foam on top is relatively minimal, a latte has a more creamy, silky texture than a cappuccino, which has a thicker foamed milk.

Overall, a latte is a delicious, comforting drink that is perfect for coffee lovers who appreciate a balance of flavor and texture. So the next time you’re at a cafe, give a latte a try and see for yourself just how delicious it can be.

History of Latte

Coffee with milk has a long history in Europe, but the modern espresso-based café latte became especially popular much later. The precise origin of today’s latte recipe is difficult to pin to a single café or year.

This gave rise to what we now know as the traditional caffè latte. The latte quickly rose in popularity across other parts of Europe before making its way to North America in the 1980s, gaining traction due to its creamier flavor than regular coffee.

Since then, lattes have only grown in popularity and are now one of the most popular drinks served at cafes worldwide. To this day, they remain an essential part of any passionate coffee lover’s daily routine!

What is a Cappuccino?

A cappuccino is a coffee beverage made with espresso, steamed milk, and foam. It is named after the Capuchin monks, whose habits inspired the drink’s signature color combination of brown, white, and black.

A cappuccino traditionally balances espresso and textured milk with a prominent foam layer. The familiar one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk and one-third foam description is a useful shorthand, but not a universal recipe. The espresso provides a bold, rich flavor, while the milk froth adds a creamy, smooth texture. The foam, created by steaming milk and incorporating air, adds a light, velvety texture and helps balance out the flavors of the espresso and milk.

Cappuccinos are typically served in a small, round ceramic cup and are often enjoyed as a morning pick-me-up or dessert drink. They can also be flavored with various syrups or spices to add additional layers of flavor.

History of Cappuccino

Cappuccinos first appeared as the “Kapuziner” in Viennese coffee houses in the 1700s. A description of the “Kapuziner” from 1805 described it as “coffee with cream and sugar,” and a description from 1850 adds “spices” to the recipe.

These drinks had a brown color similar to the robes worn by the Capuchin (“Kapuzin”) friars in Vienna, and this is where their name came from. The term “Capuchin” literally means cowl or hood in Italian, and it was a name given to the Capuchin monks for their hooded robes. A similar drink of the time was known as the “Franziskaner,” made with more milk and named after the lighter-brown robes of the Franciscan monks.

The modern cappuccino was invented in Italy in the early 1900s, shortly after the popularization of the espresso machine in 1901. The first record of the cappuccino as we know it today was in the 1930s. Cappuccinos, or “cappuccini” as they are known in Italy, gradually became popular in cafes and restaurants across the country.

At this time, espresso machines were complicated and only found in specialized cafes, operated solely by skilled baristas. Italian coffee culture involved sitting in these specialized cafes for hours, enjoying espresso, cappuccinos, caffè latte, and other drinks over conversation and reading. Photos from the era indicate that cappuccinos were served in the “Viennese” style, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon or chocolate shavings.

After World War II, cappuccino making underwent some improvements and simplifications in Italy, thanks to better and more widely available espresso machines and the post-WWII affluence across parts of Europe.

These improvements set the stage for cappuccino’s eventual worldwide popularity. The modern cappuccino, with good espresso, a balance of steamed and frothed milk, the presence of crema, and a small, preheated porcelain cup, became popular across continental Europe and England.

In England, the first popularized form of espresso was actually the cappuccino, as it spread easily across the island because the British were already accustomed to drinking coffee with milk.

Later, the drink moved to Australia, South America, and elsewhere in Europe, and then spread to the United States in the 1980s, primarily due to its marketing in coffee shops. In the 1990s, the introduction of cafe culture and higher-priced drinks in the U.S. made cappuccinos, lattes, and similar drinks a big hit. More recently, cappuccinos have appeared elsewhere in the world, largely due to the expansion of coffee chains like Starbucks.

For the most part, contemporary cappuccinos are made with espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk. However, in some parts of the world, cappuccinos are still made more like Viennese Kapuziners, complete with whipped cream and other additives.

This includes Vienna, much of Austria, and parts of Europe such as Budapest, Prague, and Bratislava. This includes Trieste, Italy, a city that borders Slovenia and has been held by various countries over the years. Since the 1950s, both cappuccinos and Kapuziners have been served in espresso bars in these areas.

In recent decades, automatic beverage machines in the United States and other countries have sold a ” cappuccino ” drink made with powdered or synthetic ingredients rather than espresso and steamed milk. These drinks are often called “instant cappuccinos” or “cappuccino mix.” While they may be convenient, they do not offer the same flavor and texture as a traditional cappuccino made with espresso and steamed milk.

Key differences: Cappuccino vs Latte

1. Proportions of espresso, milk, and foam: One of the main differences between lattes and cappuccinos is the proportion of espresso, milk, and foam in each drink. Lattes are made with one part espresso, three parts steamed milk, and a small amount of foam on top.

   This results in a balanced flavor, with the rich, bold flavor of the espresso balanced out by the creamy, milky flavor of the steamed milk. On the other hand, Cappuccinos are made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, resulting in a more balanced texture and flavor. The foam in a cappuccino adds a light, velvety texture and helps balance the flavors of the espresso and milk.

2. Textures and flavors: Another key difference between lattes and cappuccinos is the texture and flavor of each drink. Lattes are known for their smooth, velvety texture and balanced flavor, with minimal foam on top.

   On the other hand, Cappuccinos have a more distinct foam-to-milk ratio, with more foam on top, giving them a lighter, fluffier texture. The flavor of a cappuccino is also more balanced, with the bold, rich flavor of the espresso and the creamy, smooth texture of the milk and foam working together to create a well-rounded drink.

3. Variations and variations on the traditional recipes: While caffè latte and cappuccinos are traditionally made with espresso, steamed milk, and foam, many variations exist on these traditional recipes.

   For example, some cafes and coffee shops offer flavored lattes and cappuccinos made with syrups or spices such as vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon. There are also variations in the traditional recipes that use different types of milk, such as almond or oat milk, to create a different flavor and texture.

   Additionally, variations in the traditional recipes use more or less milk, resulting in a more concentrated or diluted flavor.

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Latte vs cappuccino: The Similarities

1. Made with espresso: Espresso is the foundation of caffè latte and cappuccinos, providing a bold, rich flavor that is the starting point for these drinks. Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans at high pressure, producing a concentrated coffee extract full of aroma.

2. Made with milk: Lattes and cappuccinos include steamed milk, which adds a creamy, smooth texture to the drink. The milk is steamed using a steam wand on an espresso machine, which heats the milk and incorporates air, creating a velvety texture.

3. Can be flavored: Lattes and cappuccinos can be flavored with various syrups or spices, such as vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon, to add additional layers of richness. Depending on personal preference, these flavors can be added to the espresso and milk before or after steaming.

4. Can be served hot or iced: Both lattes and cappuccinos can be enjoyed hot or iced, depending on personal preference. To make an iced latte or iced cappuccino, the espresso and milk are combined and poured over ice, creating a refreshing, cold drink.

If you are choosing a latte or cappuccino based on caffeine rather than milk texture, the espresso shot count matters more than the drink name. See our guide to lower-caffeine coffee choices for more context.

Final Thoughts: Cappuccino vs Latte

In conclusion, caffè lattes and cappuccinos are both popular espresso-based drinks with a rich history and a devoted following for coffee lovers. While they do share some similarities, such as being made with espresso and steamed milk, there are also key differences between the two drinks. Lattes are known for their smooth, velvety texture and balanced flavor. At the same time, cappuccinos have a more distinct foam-to-milk ratio, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture and a more balanced flavor.

So, which one is right for you? The best way to discover your preference is to try both drinks and see which one you like best. Don’t be afraid to customize your caffè latte or cappuccino to your taste, whether adding a flavor syrup or choosing a different type of milk.

Remember, there are many other coffee-related topics to explore on this blog, including coffee drinks, latte art, milk foam, coffee flavor, espresso drinks, Italian expresso drinks, Caffe lattes, espresso coffee beans, and more.

Your local Starbucks or favorite coffee shop baristas I’ve been trained to make the perfect Italian espresso drink using their professional espresso machines using a single or double shot of espresso to make the perfect caffe latte or flavored cappuccino, especially during the holiday season.

Learning to prepare espresso drinks at home takes practice, and a grinder, espresso machine and milk-steaming technique add equipment and learning requirements. You can decide if a single or double shot is better for you or your guests. You can even make steamed hot milk with cocoa powder. Once you’ve made the perfect espresso drink, you can move on to learning how to add latte art. Latte art takes practice and coordinated pouring, and depends on properly textured milk. It is optional: good milk texture and a suitable coffee-to-milk balance matter more than making a decorative pattern.

The practical differences are milk-to-coffee proportion, milk texture and serving style, not a guaranteed caffeine difference. To compare drinks made with another brewer, see our AeroPress cappuccino-style recipe; it uses coffee concentrate rather than traditional machine espresso.