
Latte
Coffee + Lots of steamed milk.
Taste Profile
What is Latte?
Coffee + Lots of steamed milk.
This coffee drink is perfect for those who great for coffee beginners, relaxing reading sessions, or working from a cafe.. With a strength level of 2 out of 5, this is a gentle introduction to coffee.
When to Drink
Lattes are versatile and gentle. Perfect for late afternoons or for those who prefer a milder coffee flavor. They are also great for adding flavors like vanilla or caramel.
Professional Preparation
Equipment
Commercial Espresso Machine, Steam Wand
Method
- Base: Extract a double shot of espresso.
- Steam: Steam milk to create smooth, glossy microfoam (less foam than cappuccino).
- Pour: Pour in a steady stream to create art (hearts/rosettas).
- Ratio: 1 part espresso to 4–5 parts milk.
Home Preparation (Simplified)
Equipment
Mason Jar (Shake method) or Whisk
Method
- Coffee First: Brew your favorite strong coffee.
- Shake It Up: Pour warm milk into a mason jar. Screw the lid on TIGHT. Shake it hard for 30 seconds until it gets bubbly (careful with hot glass!).
- Pour: Pour the warm milk into your cup, using a spoon to hold back the big bubbles.
- Relax: You've got a creamy, comforting hug in a mug.
History & Background
In Italy, "caffè latte" is strictly a home breakfast drink made with Moka pot coffee and heated milk, served in a bowl without foam. The commercial "Latte" as a distinct menu item was popularized in Berkeley, California, in the 1950s by Caffe Mediterraneum, but it truly exploded in Seattle during the 1980s. Coffee visionaries realized Americans preferred a milder, larger, milkier drink than the small, intense Italian cappuccino. This shift paved the way for "Latte Art" in the 1990s, turning the foam surface into a canvas for rosettas and hearts, a trend that started in the US and returned to influence global coffee culture.
How to Pronounce Latte
Latte
Click to listen to the pronunciation
Similar Coffee Drinks
If you like Latte, you might also enjoy these similar coffee drinks:

Cappuccino
Coffee + Milk + Thick Foam.

Americano
Espresso + Water. No milk.

Mocha
Coffee + Chocolate + Milk.
Explore more coffee types: