Are you confused about the differences between a cappuccino and a latte? You're not alone! Some popular coffee chains have altered the traditional definitions of these classic Italian espresso drinks, making it difficult to understand what's on the menu at a traditional cafe. In this guide, we'll explain the variations of these popular espresso-based beverages, the components used, and how to make the perfect cup each time. Get ready to finally understand the differences between a cappuccino and a latte!

The history of the cappuccino:

The origins of the cappuccino are somewhat uncertain, with two possible explanations for its name. The first is that Italians named their coffee with cream and sugar after the light-brown color of the robes worn by local Capuchin monks. The second is that it was simply the Italian version of the kapuziner drink, made of coffee, cream, and sugar, which originated in Vienna, Austria. The true origin is not known with certainty.

However, the story about the monks is a popular one.

As for what a cappuccino is, it has evolved since the creation of espresso machines. Today, a cappuccino typically consists of espresso, whipped cream, and either cinnamon or chocolate. This modern interpretation of the cappuccino emerged in the mid-20th century.

The history of the latte:

The latte, also known as caffe latte, cafe au lait, or cafe con leche, is a popular coffee drink that has been around for centuries. The modern latte is made of a double shot of espresso mixed with steamed milk and can come in different flavors and be served hot or cold. The history of the latte dates back to the 17th century when Europeans started mixing coffee and milk, and the term "caffe e latte" was first used in the 19th century. The espresso machine was first patented in 1884 but didn't reach its true potential until the 1940s with the invention of a spring-piston lever by Milanese cafe owner Achille Gaggia. This led to the discovery of crema and eventually, the reinvention of the latte in the 1980s when baristas in Seattle began adding designs to the milk. The latte has continued to evolve and change over time, with social media playing a significant role in shaping current trends.

We are traditionalists and biased towards espresso-based milk drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, and believe that the traditional recipes for these drinks (outlined below) produce the best-tasting ratios.

While ratios have changed over time, the most traditional ratios for each drink are as follows:

Cappuccino 

The cappuccino ratio balances espresso and milk perfectly, similar to the flat white. The only difference is the amount of froth at the top of the drink. Some people prefer a single shot of espresso in their cappuccinos, but we still recommend a double shot.

Cappuccino Recipe:

Our recipe uses a 20g double shot of espresso (some traditional recipes call for a single shot) with a 1:2 ratio, resulting in 40g (1.4 ounces) of espresso extraction. We then add 100g (3.5 ounces) of milk, creating a perfect 5-ounce cappuccino with 1.5cm of thick milk foam.

Latte

A latte is the milkiest drink among the classics, and the proportions of milk to espresso should be tightly controlled.

Latte Recipe:

Our recipe uses a 20g double shot of espresso with a 1:2 ratio, resulting in 40g (1.4 ounces) of espresso extraction. We then add 230-240g (8.1 ounces) of milk, resulting in a 9.5-9.9 ounce latte with 1cm of thick milk foam at the top of the drink.

We have also created a simple 8-step tool to calculate the milk-to-espresso ratio for five popular drinks - latte, cappuccino, flat white, cortado, and macchiato - at varying strength levels and using either single-shot or double-shot espresso, while still maintaining the traditional milk-to-espresso ratio.

The growth of coffee shops like Starbucks has led to a significant increase in the size of drinks, with cup sizes ranging from 8 oz (short), 12 oz (tall), 16 oz (grande), to 20 oz (venti). Starbucks serves its standard cappuccinos in 8 oz cups, while lattes are a whopping 12 oz. This is 2-3 oz larger than the traditional recipe, causing a discrepancy in the espresso-to-milk ratio. The trend of larger drinks also leads to higher prices and increased demand, as consumers want larger drinks they can take with them on the go.

However, larger drinks also pose a problem. As the sizes increase, the ratios become skewed, leading to more milk and less espresso in the drink. Starbucks counteracts this issue by roasting its coffee extremely dark, which helps cut through the milk, but this strays from traditional brewing methods.

Here's where the ratios go awry:

For those who prefer to stick to tradition, a ceramic latte or cappuccino bowl is a recommended choice. The shape of the cup plays a significant role in the overall experience of drinking a latte or cappuccino. While lattes and cappuccinos can be served in various vessels, from mugs to glasses, the most traditional way is in a wide bowl-shaped mug.

Why the Shape of the Mug Matters

The shape of the mug is crucial for creating latte art, ranging from simple hearts to more intricate designs like the rosetta or swan. An ideal mug should have an elliptical bottom that is thicker compared to the top, which is wider and thinner in its walls. The thick bottom allows for the proper blending of milk and espresso, while the wide and thin top showcases the crema. This shape differs from a classic teacup, which has uniform wall thickness from its base to rim.

Choosing a Material for Cappuccino or Latte Mugs

The temperature of the drink is another important consideration when selecting a mug material. A standard glass cup may look appealing, but it will not retain heat well, unless it is double-walled.

Among the commonly used materials for coffee cups, white ceramic is considered the most classic choice.