Cappuccino Versus Latte You Must Know

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Hnave you ever stood at the counter of your neighborhood coffee shop contemplating the distinctions between a cappuccino and a latte? Have you ever been curious about how this incredibly popular specialty coffee market originated? Let's explore this further.

The words caffè and latte were first documented in 1847, and later reappeared in 1867 in William Dean Howells' essay "Italian Journeys." In Italian, latte translates to milk, while the caffè variant of this beverage is a creation unique to America. The caffè latte was first developed at Caffè Mediterraneum, a café located in Berkeley, California, where Lino Meiorin brewed it in its present form for the first time. He incorporated additional milk into the traditionally strong cappuccino and named this drink "caffè latte."

Cappuccino, in its commercial incarnation, made its debut at the onset of the 20th century following the introduction of patented espresso machines by Luigi Bezzera of Milan in 1901. These machines popularized cappuccino in cafes and restaurants, and its modern version took shape by the 1950s.

So, what precisely is a cappuccino? A cappuccino is made up of equal parts of espresso, milk, and foamed milk, each accounting for a third of the drink. The name cappuccino comes from the Italian word Capuchin, which translates to "small cap." Typically served in Italy as a morning beverage, coffee lovers now indulge in it throughout the day. Traditionally, a cappuccino should be no larger than 6 fluid ounces. However, coffee shops like Starbucks offer “cappuccinos” in much larger portions. Often, these oversized beverages simply include extra milk rather than more coffee, meaning that a super grande might not be the best value. Variants of cappuccino include an iced style without foamed milk known as Cappuccino Freddo and a babyccino, which contains no coffee and is designed for young children. Chocolate is a common addition.

What exactly is a latte? A latte is a condensed form of the Italian caffe latte, which translates to "coffee milk." It comprises solely espresso and steamed milk. In Italy, coffee is commonly brewed at home (often using a moka pot) and savored with breakfast. Lattes are generally larger than cappuccinos (up to 20 ounces) and can include multiple espresso shots. They feature a very slight layer of frothed milk. Essentially, a latte is a larger cappuccino without the excessive foam. The main distinction is the size. Lattes are also recognized for the creative designs made in the foam. This artistic technique requires a steady hand. It is visually captivating and quite challenging to master.

As with many things, the commercialization of specialty beverages has blurred the lines between lattes and cappuccinos. Many commercial coffee chains do not take the time to distinguish between these two drinks. If you are seeking the authentic versions of these beverages, it may be best to frequent locally-owned coffee shops whenever possible. Alternatively, you could invest in the necessary equipment and prepare these delightful drinks at home for a more genuine experience.