Understanding the Differences Between Latte, Cappuccino, Flat White, and More
Contents:
1. Latte
2. Cappuccino
3. Flat White
4. Variations of Espresso
Originating from Italian-style coffee, it is an espresso extracted quickly (around 30 seconds) under high pressure (about 9 atmospheres) and high water temperature (90-94°C). Prepared with a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:2, it produces a rich and multi-structured coffee, characterized by a strong, amber-colored crema foam. Classic Italian coffee has various variations, including the Latte with a large amount of steamed milk, the Cappuccino with thicker foam and stronger coffee, and the Flat White, a mix of the former two, catering to coffee enthusiasts' pursuit of rich flavors and textures. Today, we'll clarify the differences among different Italian coffee beverages, particularly in their coffee-to-milk ratios and taste profiles.
Latte
The term Latte originates from Italian, meaning milk. If you order a "Latte" in Italy, be cautious as you might only receive a cup of plain milk. Latte is the most common Italian coffee drink, containing a high proportion of milk, combining espresso with steamed milk. The typical Latte ratio is 1:5, meaning 40 grams of espresso mixed with 200 grams of steamed milk. With a higher milk proportion than a Cappuccino, its taste emphasizes the milkiness over the coffee.
Cappuccino
Europe has long been a big fan of Cappuccino, especially in Italy, where it's often part of breakfast. Made by combining equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, the Cappuccino ratio is typically 1:1:1, meaning 40 grams of espresso with 40 grams each of steamed milk and milk foam. It boasts a robust coffee flavor and a creamy milk foam texture.
Flat White
Similar to a Latte but with a lower coffee-to-milk ratio, sitting between a Latte and a Cappuccino, the Flat White ratio is usually 1:3, indicating 40 grams of espresso mixed with 120 grams of steamed milk. Originating from Australia and New Zealand, it's known for its silky milk foam.
The milk foam is typically divided into three layers: the bottom layer of liquid hot milk, the silky milk foam in the middle, and the sturdy, coarse milk foam on top. Flat White and Latte both use the bottom layer of liquid hot milk and silky milk foam, with Flat White utilizing less foam and positioning it lower, thus offering a smoother texture, and thinner foam at the top of the coffee cup.
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Variations of Espresso
Espresso serves as the base of Italian coffee, prepared by using finely ground coffee beans that undergo a darker roast to create a concentrated brew. Italian espresso, crafted through high pressure and a short brewing time, exudes a rich coffee flavor. There are several variations of espresso, distinguished by the ratio of coffee grounds to the resulting liquid. The most common three types are as follows.
Espresso
Italian Espresso, renowned for its robust flavor, is prepared at a 1:2 ratio of coffee grounds to liquid coffee, where 20 grams of coffee grounds yield 40 grams of coffee liquid. Espresso offers a rich coffee taste.
Ristretto
Ristretto, another form of Espresso, uses less water for extraction, resulting in a shorter yet stronger coffee. More concentrated than Espresso, the typical ratio is 1:1, extracting 20 grams of coffee grounds into 20 grams of coffee liquid. Ristretto exhibits a more intense coffee flavor than Espresso.
Lungo
Lungo, also an Espresso variant, involves a longer extraction with more water, creating a slightly lighter concentration than Espresso. The ratio usually stands at 1:3, generating 60 grams of coffee liquid from 20 grams of coffee grounds. Lungo offers a more delicate Espresso experience.
Italian coffee's worldwide popularity arises from its intense flavors and diverse variations. Drinks like Latte, Cappuccino, and Flat White offer opportunities to explore different aspects of coffee. Apart from over a hundred single-origin pour-over coffees, Justin Coffee also offers two espresso beans beloved by Espresso enthusiasts: the "Espresso Roast JC Blend" and the "Italian Estate Espresso Special Blend - Harvest Impressions." These beans carry caramelized aroma and buttery smoothness, delivering unique flavors in Espresso, Ristretto, or Lungo preparations. They allow us to immerse ourselves in the rich culture of Italian coffee, an indulgence for the palate and an art of socializing, emanating the profound essence of coffee culture.
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