Cappuccino VS Latte: What's the Difference?
As anyone who has dabbled in espresso-based drinks can attest, cappuccinos and lattes are arguably the two tastiest beverages to make their way out of Italy. If you're not yet a true coffee aficionado, though, the difference between them may seem a bit obscure. After all, they look similar, and are, in fact, crafted from the same ingredients: espresso and milk.
These similarities beg the question: if both of these delicious drinks are made of the same ingredients, why do so many coffee lovers have such strong feelings about their preferred beverages? That's a good question, and it deserves a thorough answer. If you've yet to choose sides in the cappuccino vs. latte debate, don't write either one off before exploring the differences and giving each of these types of coffee in Sevierville a try with an open mind.
Basic Ingredients
Both cappuccinos and lattes are espresso-based drinks known for their unusual, creamy texture. In both cases, that texture is created by the addition of hot steamed milk. In most places around the world, cappuccinos and lattes come with a layer of foamed milk on the top, as well.
World travelers might want to note here that in Italy, no one would ever order a latte in a coffee shop and expect to receive a hot, tasty drink. "Latte" simply means milk in Italian, so without the "caffe" preceding it, that's what it would get an intrepid tourist at an Italian cafe.
Now that you know what's in both caffe latte and cappuccino, you may be wondering how these very simple ingredients have been used to create such different drinks. Interestingly, the difference comes down to both the ratios of ingredients and how they are prepared.
How to Prepare a Cappuccino
Baristas prepare cappuccinos using espresso shots, hot milk, and milk foam. The foam is created via steaming, which introduces air bubbles to create the drink's characteristically smooth texture. A traditional cappuccino contains equal parts of each ingredient, although there are variations in which that ratio is changed to produce different textures without altering the drink's basic composition.
How to Prepare a Latte
Lattes are generally made using a ratio of around 1:2 espresso to steamed milk with just a small layer of milk foam blanketing the top. Of course, as with cappuccinos, there are many variations on the latte. Believe it or not, in its country of origin, the caffe latte does not contain any foamed milk, although the milk is still heated before being added to the coffee.
In other countries, 1:1 ratios may be the norm, and the coffee can even be replaced with other beverages like tea or matcha. Here in Tennessee, though, when you order a latte, you can expect it to be made with good old-fashioned coffee unless you request something different.
Taste and Texture
The difference between serving espresso with only steamed milk vs. serving it with added milk foam may seem minor to someone who has never had the chance to develop a strong preference for cappuccinos vs. lattes. However, it makes a difference in both taste and texture, which helps to explain why so many people have strong feelings about which espresso-based drink is better.
Cappuccinos have a bold taste that appeals primarily to veteran coffee lovers and feature a fluffier, foamier texture. If you've never tried either of these delicious coffee variations, remember that both are made using espresso rather than what Americans have come to consider normal coffee. Espresso is much more flavorful and packs a serious punch when it comes to caffeine, and both of those traits come through when it is served in cappuccinos.
Because lattes have significantly less milk foam, their texture is closer to what you expect from a traditional coffee than it is to that of a cappuccino. Lattes also pack significantly less of a punch when it comes to bold flavoring, although they usually contain as much espresso as a cappuccino, just in a more diluted form. As a general rule, if you only like regular coffee when served with large amounts of milk, a latte might be more up your alley.
The Origins of Cappuccinos and Caffe Latte
People across the world have been drinking both coffee and milk for centuries, so it should come as no surprise that the two popular beverages have been combined in myriad ways to create new drinks across the ages. Most historians interested in the origins of different types of coffee agree that both cappuccinos and caffe latte can trace their origins to Italy, although there is some contention surrounding the origin of the latte in its current form.
Some people claim that the first latte wasn't served until well into the 20th century, when an Italian-trained barista named Lino Meiorin began serving the drink in Berkeley, CA, supposedly to accommodate Californian customers who complained that their cappuccinos were both too small and too strong. However, while Meiorin almost certainly contributed significantly to the popularization of the latte in America, there's no proof that he is truly its inventor.
The first reference to the caffe latte can be found in an essay written by William Dean Howells in 1867 called "Italian Journeys." In it, he describes being served what he specifically calls a caffe latte for breakfast. Although it's unlikely that there was as much of a focus on milk foam as is placed on the drink by today's baristas, Howell was almost certainly describing what is still referred to as a caffe latte in today's Italian cafes.
When it comes to names, the origins are a little clearer. As you now know, caffe latte simply means coffee with milk in Italian. Cappuccino refers to ancient Capuchin friars' habits and white heads surrounded by rings of brown hair. This colorful name has been in use since at least the 17th century, although neither the drink nor its name made it to America until the 1930s.
Modern Variations on the Latte
In most cases, if you order a cappuccino, you can always expect to get roughly the same thing. Lattes are different. There are so many variations on the popular drink that you could have a different one each day of the week without making a dent in the list of flavors you've never tried.
Not only can lattes be flavored using syrup or spice blends but they can also be made using coffee alternatives like matcha, mate, and tea. In other words, there's something for everyone, even non-coffee-drinkers. Some of the most popular flavors include:
Mocha
Vanilla
Peppermint
Cinnamon
Hazelnut
Caramel
Pumpkin spice
Chai lattes have also become very popular in recent years. Composed of black tea, milk, and comforting spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, chai tea is arguably the perfect variation for those who prefer to avoid more strongly caffeinated forms of lattes.
How to Choose Between Cappuccinos and Lattes
There's no right answer in the debate between cappuccinos and lattes. In fact, as you now know, they aren't just similar in terms of ingredients. The two popular espresso drinks almost certainly have shared origins, as well.
Of course, if you've never tried either of these drinks, the best way to decide which one should be your go-to at the coffee shop is to give each of them a shot. Deciding which one to try first shouldn't be too hard as long as you know your general coffee preferences.
Try a Cappucino First
You should try a cappuccino first if you want to get an undoctored experience of espresso- and steamed-milk beverages. They came straight out of Italy in more or less the same form as you'll find today right here in Tennessee. Just keep in mind that your cappuccino experience will come with a very strong taste compared to a regular coffee, plus a lot of foam.
Try a Latte First
If you're just interested in seeing what all the fuss is about regarding these popular drinks, you might want to try a latte first. A caffe latte will be milky, sweet, and larger than a traditional cappuccino. People who don't love coffee but want to get in their caffeine for the day usually opt for lattes and flavor them according to their personal preferences to alter the taste. True coffee lovers can note, however, that the first lattes were made with only espresso and milk, and that's still a perfectly valid option, as well.
Enjoy a Delicious, Milky Treat
Whether you opt for a more traditional cappuccino or a unique, modern latte complete with not just coffee and milk but also added sugar and spice, it will taste better in a warm, welcoming environment. Head to the Honeybee to partake in one of the world's most popular drinks for the best possible experience.
If you're not sure what to order, just ask. Our baristas are knowledgeable, dedicated, and always ready to help. Just note that their enthusiasm is contagious. Don't be surprised if you find yourself craving a tasty, creamy cappuccino or latte every time you head to the shop for your morning cup of coffee or afternoon pick-me-up.