In Italy, ordering a latte gets you a tall glass of milk. In North America, however, where people are often too rushed to ask for a caffè latte, ordering a “latte” will typically get you a steaming mug (or, more likely, a Styrofoam to-go cup) of espresso and milk. A drink that perks up the overworked and overtired, the latte has become a staple for many people who need that extra boost of energy each morning.
What is now recognized as the American latte began in Italy as the caffè latte, literally meaning “coffee and milk.” It remained entirely Italian until the 1980s when the caffè latte began its ascent into popular culture during the coffee craze that originated in Seattle and then spread throughout the rest of the United States. Much of the latte’s success can be attributed to Starbucks, the coffee giant that helped introduce many of the coffee drinks we know and love today.
Presently, a latte is prepared as one-third espresso and almost two-thirds milk, with a slight bit of foam on top. Espresso is a concentrated coffee drink made by forcing hot water through coffee beans ground to a fine powder. The espresso has more caffeine, a more intense flavor, and a thicker consistency than regular coffee. The intensity of espresso makes it a perfect match for mixing with milk, because although a latte contains only one part espresso to two parts milk, the coffee flavor remains strong, as do its energizing effects.
The Latte vs. Other Espresso Drinks
To add confusion, the latte is just one of many espresso and milk drinks; others, such as the cappuccino and flat white, are close relatives. If you happen to accidentally order a cappuccino instead of a latte (or vice versa), have no fear—the drinks are quite similar. The difference between these espresso drinks lies in the proportion of milk to the amount of froth that tops the espresso base. Froth (or foam) is created by steaming milk, incorporating hot air into the milk via a steam wand. A cappuccino typically consists of one-third foam, one-third steamed milk, and one-third espresso. Because a cappuccino has more foam and less milk than a latte, it has a stronger espresso taste. On the other hand, a flat white contains no foam, making it one-third espresso and the rest milk. Usually, a coffeehouse will have both the latte and cappuccino on the menu, but a flat white is less common.
While ordering a latte should be relatively simple (“I would like a latte, please”), the process can become complicated by the numerous options available for customizing your drink. Since people enjoy having choices, most coffee houses offer a variety of milks and flavorings to suit individual preferences. For example, a “skinny” latte is made with non-fat milk. If you don’t specify, the establishment will likely use what tastes best (whole milk), so be sure to clarify the type of milk you’d like when ordering. Other options include soy milk or two-percent milk. Additionally, to make each drink sound as large as possible, coffeehouses use terms like “tall,” “grande,” and “venti” rather than the traditional small, medium, and large. Typically, a tall drink (equivalent to a small) is 12 ounces, a grande (equivalent to a medium) is 16 ounces, and a venti (equivalent to a large) is 20 ounces. While some places offer specifically flavored lattes on the menu, you can also request any flavor—or combination of flavors—to be added to your latte. A popular choice is vanilla, so you might order a “tall vanilla latte.” If you’re especially tired, you could even ask for more espresso in your drink. A tall usually has one shot of espresso, a grande has two, and a venti has three. You would say, for example, “tall double shot vanilla latte, please.” Here’s a general guideline for how to order:
- Size (tall)
- Milk request* (skim, skinny, non-fat, two-percent)
- Additional espresso shots request OR decaf request* (double shot, triple shot, half-caf)
- Flavor request (vanilla, hazelnut, caramel)
- Latte
- Whipped cream specifications* (no-whip)
*Omit if N/A.
Initially, ordering a latte may seem more convoluted than it really is, but you’ll soon learn exactly how you like your latte and get used to asking for it that way every time.
Makers of lattes, known as baristas, sometimes even add artistic flair to the top of the drink by manipulating the froth into a design, known as latte art. More common in smaller, intimate coffee shops, latte art is seen as a mark of a gracefully prepared beverage.
A mixture of espresso and milk, the latte is a treasure from Italy that has found a special place in the hearts (and budgets) of many people, as reflected in the high prices often paid for these specialty drinks. At over three dollars a cup, the latte, though delicious, can become a burden to your wallet—so be sure to enjoy them in moderation!
