Let’s get started, here’s what you’ll learn:
Latte: Espresso + Steamed Milk + A Little Bit of Foam on Top
Cappuccino: Espresso + Steamed Milk + A Lot of foam on top
Mocha: Espresso + Chocolate Syrup + Steamed Milk + Little Bit of Foam
Macchiato: Espresso + A Dash of Steamed Milk on Top
Flat White: Espresso + Steamed Milk
What Is a Latte, Cappuccino, Mocha, Macchiato, and Flat White Anyway?
To the untrained eye, all four of these drinks may seem interchangeable. Yet, each one has its own unique history and flavor profile. A latte, for instance, is an espresso with steamed milk and a small amount of foam. A cappuccino, on the other hand, is espresso with equal parts of steamed milk and foam.
Mocha is similar to a latte but includes chocolate syrup in addition to the espresso and steamed milk, while a macchiato is an espresso with a dash of steamed milk. Finally, a flat white is a (double) espresso with a small amount of steamed milk and no foam.
Now that we know the basics of each drink, let’s take a closer look at the key differences.
Latte vs Cappuccino vs Mocha vs Macchiato vs Flat White
Latte: Espresso + Steamed Milk + A Little Bit of Foam on Top
What’s better than a cup of joe? A Latte! Or Caffe Latte, if you want to be fancy. This Italian favorite is now popular all over the world. The distinctive shape and mouthfeel come from its rich espresso, 6-8 ounces (180 – 240 ml) steamed milk with art carefully swirled into foam on top for extra flair. This gives the latte its signature smooth and creamy texture.
Lattes are usually served in tall, narrow glasses, and the foam helps to keep the drink warm. Latte art is a popular way to decorate lattes, and many baristas take pride in creating beautiful designs in the foam.
There are many variations of the latte, including iced lattes, flavored lattes, and upside-down lattes. However, the basic recipe remains the same: espresso and steamed milk, with a thin layer of foam on top.
Cappuccino: Espresso + Steamed Milk + A Lot of Foam on Top
A classic Italian drink, the Cappuccino is known for its dry and foam texture. A cappuccino is a coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk. It is typically served in a ceramic cup with a thick layer of foam on top. The espresso is added first, followed by the steamed milk. The foamed milk is then added on top, creating the signature foam layer. The result is about 1/3 of the volume being espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam. This ratio sounds perfect – not too strong but still rich enough so you get all those flavors dancing in your mouth after taking a delicious sip.
The cappuccino can be garnished with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon to their order if they want it even sweeter.
The cappuccino got its name from the Capuchin monks in Italy. These monks would wear brown robes with hoods (or caps) that resembled the foamy top of a cappuccino.
Mocha: Espresso + Chocolate Syrup + Steamed Milk + Little Bit of Foam
For those moments when you can’t decide between coffee and chocolate, the Mocha is the perfect solution. Mocha is a delicious coffee drink made with espresso, chocolate syrup, and steamed milk. The chocolate syrup adds a rich, decadent flavor to the coffee, while the steamed milk helps to balance out the bitterness of the espresso.
You can enjoy mochas hot or cold, making them the perfect drink for any time of year. When served cold, mochas are a refreshing treat that can help to cool you down on a hot day. When served hot, mochas are a comforting drink that can warm you up on a cold day. No matter how you enjoy it, mocha is sure to please any coffee lover.
Macchiato: Espresso + A Dash of Steamed Milk on Top
A Macchiato is a coffee beverage that originated in Italy, also known as espresso macchiato or cafe macchiato. It is made of espresso with a dollop of steamed milk on top. The word macchiato means “stained” or “spotted” in Italian, referring to the espresso being “stained” with the foam.
The macchiato is a strong coffee drink, but the addition of milk makes it smoother and more balanced than straight espresso. The steamed milk also helps to temper the bitterness of the espresso.
Macchiato is served in a demitasse glass or cup.
Flat White: Espresso + Steamed Milk
A Flat White is a coffee drink made with a double espresso shot and steamed milk, with no foam. The result is a stronger coffee flavor with a creamy texture and with more pronounced espresso flavor.
The flat white usually doesn’t have any foam on top, but some baristas might add a thin layer of foam for aesthetics. The beverage originated in Australia and New Zealand, but they have become popular around the world.
The Caffeine Content of Latte vs Cappuccino vs Mocha vs Macchiato vs Flat White
In terms of caffeine content, there is very little difference since the basis of all these drinks is espresso. However, if you are looking for a more intense caffeine hit, then go for a macchiato.
What’s Next?
Now you know the difference between a latte, cappuccino, mocha, macchiato, and flat white. So, next time you’re in the mood for a caffeine fix, be sure to try out one of these delicious drinks.
If you’re feeling adventurous (and own an expresso machine), why not try making them at home?
Also, check out our blog post on different coffee drinks for more information on plenty of other coffee drinks.
