The conversations over coffee have always filled our lives with memories or lessons. The everyday discussion of our life happens over a cup of coffee. Coffees will forever remain a subject of discussion. Over the decades, a lot of changes have occurred in the coffee-making process.
A lot of new varieties of classical coffee have been introduced. The most noticeable difference that came in coffee is the emergence of coffee drinks. But the fusion is still coffee and milk. But how on earth do you tell the difference between these popular coffee drinks with milk?
Let’s start with the two renowned coffee drinks: latte and cappuccino. These two are perhaps the most popular beverages. These two are made with strong shots of espresso, but the technique leads to two different drinks that have distinct tastes, textures, and finishes. The main difference between a latte and a cappuccino is the proportion of steamed milk and the ratio of foam that each coffee drink has.
First comes the ingredients which are precisely the same for both of these Italian drinks. But there is some crucial difference that differentiates between them. As the ingredients are pretty natural, you can make both of these at home with just a little effort and practice. You can ace at making cappuccino and latte if you have the correct equipment. Both these pairs go well with different flavors.
Latte vs Cappuccino
What is a latte?
Latte is considered to be the most favorite drink on the planet. It is also called a caffe latte. The variations on the latte have been the foremost breakfast for years now. Generally, a latte is served in a bigger cup than a cappuccino. To get a more creamy and velvety texture, one needs to mix single or double shots of espresso with 2/3 of steamed milk with a small layer of frothed milk. Latte gets its beautiful appearance with layers of espresso and frothed milk.
They usually have a small layer of milk or foam. While pouring the steamed milk above the espresso, holding a spoon is a must to prevent the layers from mixing. Impressive foam art can be done to spruce up the look.
What is a cappuccino?
Cappuccinos are mostly like lattes. It was born in a company with espresso and evolved into a drink during the world war. This drink is typically served in thickset or ceramic cups. The size of the cup is significant to get the right quantity of expresso and milk. The essential ingredients for cappuccinos are expresso, steamed milk, and foam milk. The ideal proportion for cappuccino is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and lastly 1/3 milk foam.
Two types of foams can be used in cappuccino- dry or velvety. Dry foams usually have air bubbles in them and are more volumized than the velvety ones. The velvety foams, also known as the micro foams, don’t have the airy bubbles.
Frothing the milk properly is the main catch in making drinks like cappuccino or macchiato. The microfoam is genuinely a part of the milk. To be a game-changer in making the microfoam, the easiest way is to get an automatic frothing device. Frothing device is usually the steam wand present on the espresso machine. The equipment releases pressurized steam from the wand. If the end has multiple small holes, then you can go for manual milk frothing.
Cappuccino has more foams than a latte
the main difference between cappuccino and latte is that cappuccino contains more foam. Despite having the same ingredients, the proportion varies. Lattes mostly contain steamed milk; the quantity of steamed milk is the highest in a latte. Whereas cappuccino has an equal ratio of all the ingredients that give a mouthful taste. Cappuccino is considered a strong coffee drink for having less steamed milk than a latte.
Latte is bigger than a cappuccino
The size of the cup plays an essential role in mixing the proportion of the ingredients of cappuccino. Cappuccinos are generally served in ceramic mugs, which are small, sturdy cups. In comparison, the latte comes in bigger containers like tumbler glass, which helps the best interest of coffee lovers. Studies have found that a latte is more preferred over a cappuccino because of its size.
Lattes have more variety of flavors
Cappuccinos are served raw with a little sprinkle of cinnamon on the top to get the natural flavors. To make it a little bit sweet syrups are added. Sometimes it is even served with pumpkin spices
Lattes are more mellow than cappuccinos because 2/3 of it is made from dairy and are better for times when someone prefers warm milk. This comes in more indulgent flavors, which attracts people more.
Read More – How to Clean Industry Milk Frother: Step by Step Guide
Lattes are sweeter to taste buds than a cappuccino
Because of having more proportion of steamed milk, lattes tend to be sweeter. Compared to the regular milk, steamed milk is more delicious. Because of this content of brewed milk, lattes have a rich and creamy texture. But because of having more quantity of espresso and less quantity of steamed milk, the cappuccino is a bit strong and bitter. Caffeine lovers who are into strong coffee will love cappuccino.
Iced cappuccino vs. iced latte
Either one of them can be an energizing drink in the sultry weather. If you are someone living in a warm climate or having the summer season at the moment, then this iced version of cappuccino and lattes are perfect for you. The iced version of these coffee drinks has a lot more difference than the hot versions. They even taste different. The process of making this drink varies from the hot versions of the drink.
Espresso is still the main ingredient of the cold versions of cappuccino and latte. The elements that are different from the hot version are that instead of steamed or foamed milk, raw milk and ice are used in iced latte and iced cappuccino.
Unlike an iced latte, the iced cappuccino has a steamed layer of milk foam, which stays a bit warm when it is poured into the iced cappuccino and makes the drink mushier and lukewarm within a couple of seconds—this sort of ruins the entire beverage.
To avoid this froth the milk for a concise period, once the foam cools down, then pour it on top of the ice with the espresso to get your desired outcome.
Can chocolate powders be used as a topping for cappuccino or latte?
Not all countries will serve cappuccino with chocolate powder on top. Countries like Italy don’t use chocolate powder as toppings for the cappuccino. But in America, Uk, New Zealand, they like to serve their cappuccino with a good dash of chocolate powder at the top. At the same time, many other coffee shops don’t prefer using chocolate powder on the top. This is because there is no specific rule book for making cappuccino. Rather it depends on the preference of the consumers.
On the other hand, lattes are served with fine art on the top, and absolutely no chocolate powder is used on the top. In most places, chocolate powder is used to differentiate between latte and cappuccino.
