Caffe latte – what is it, and how do you make one?
Caffe latte is an espresso-based coffee drink with a relatively large amount of hot, textured milk.
Compared to cappuccino, cortado, and Flat White, a caffe latte typically contains more milk in proportion to the espresso. As a result, you get a milder and creamier coffee drink where the intensity of the espresso is tempered by the milk.
However, a caffe latte should still taste like coffee.
It is therefore about finding a balance between espresso, milk, and cup size that suits the coffee you are using.
In this guide, you will get a simple caffe latte recipe and learn the difference between a latte, cappuccino, Flat White, and latte macchiato.
Caffe latte in brief
A caffe latte basically consists of:
espresso + a relatively large amount of textured milk + a thin layer of microfoam
A good starting point at home is:
- 18 g coffee
- approx. 36 g espresso
- textured milk
- a cup or glass of about 250–300 ml.
The recipe is not universal.
You can use a smaller or larger cup, change the espresso recipe, or use more or less milk to taste.
The main characteristic is that a caffe latte is usually more milk-dominated than a cappuccino, Flat White, or cortado.
What is a caffe latte?
Caffe latte is coffee with milk.
In the form we typically encounter in modern cafés, it consists of espresso combined with a relatively large amount of hot, finely textured milk.
The milk provides:
- sweetness
- creamy mouthfeel
- lower perceived coffee intensity
- a larger overall drink.
Normally, only a limited amount of air is added during steaming, so the milk becomes glossy and creamy rather than very foamy.
This gives it a different texture than a classic cappuccino, which has a more distinct milk foam.
What does caffe latte mean?
“Caffè” means coffee in Italian, while “latte” means milk.
Caffè latte can therefore be understood simply as:
coffee with milk.
In Denmark and many other countries, the word “latte” is often used as a shorthand for caffe latte.
If you order a latte at a Danish café, you will therefore usually receive an espresso-based milk drink.
In Italy, coffee with milk can also appear in forms other than the modern café version we typically associate with caffe latte.
Caffe latte recipe
Here is a simple starting point for one caffe latte.
What you need
- 18 g coffee beans
- espresso machine
- coffee grinder
- milk or plant-based drink
- milk pitcher
- coffee scale
- cup or glass of about 250–300 ml.
Espresso
Start with:
18 g coffee in
and aim for approximately:
36 g espresso out.
This corresponds to a brew ratio of around 1:2.
This is a starting point – not a rule.
Your specific coffee might taste better with a different espresso recipe.
You can read more about dose, yield, grind size, and brew time in our guide to espresso.
Milk
Steam enough milk to fill the rest of the cup.
The goal is:
- hot milk
- fine microfoam
- smooth and glossy texture
- less foam than in a very airy cappuccino.
A caffe latte should ideally feel creamy rather than foamy.
How to make a caffe latte step by step
1. Weigh the coffee
Start, for example, with:
18 grams of coffee beans.
A fixed dose makes it easier to repeat your recipe and adjust one thing at a time.
2. Grind the coffee for espresso
The coffee should be ground finely.
The precise grind setting depends on factors such as:
- the coffee beans
- the coffee grinder
- the dose
- filter basket
- espresso machine.
If the espresso runs very quickly, you can try a finer grind.
If it barely runs at all, try a slightly coarser grind.
Read our guide to grind size if you want to better understand adjustments.
3. Brew the espresso
A practical starting point is:
18 g coffee → around 36 g espresso
in about:
25–35 seconds.
However, time is only a guideline.
Always taste the espresso.
If it doesn't taste good on its own, it is better to adjust the espresso than to try to hide the problem with more milk.
4. Pour cold milk into the pitcher
Start with cold milk and a clean milk pitcher.
For one larger caffe latte, a pitcher of about 450–600 ml can be practical depending on the cup size and how much milk you use.
See our milk pitchers for coffee and latte art.
5. Add a small amount of air
Place the steam wand tip just at the surface of the milk.
For a caffe latte, the milk needs a little bit of air, but the goal is not a very thick layer of foam.
Therefore, add air early in the process and in relatively limited quantities.
6. Create rotation
Lower the steam wand tip slightly and position it so that the milk starts to rotate.
The rotation helps to distribute the small air bubbles throughout the milk.
The goal is a uniform texture without large visible bubbles.
7. Stop around 55–65 °C
A practical temperature range is:
55–65 °C.
The milk should be hot, but it does not need to be scalding.
If you are learning to steam, a milk thermometer can make it easier to hit the same temperature every time.
8. Polish the milk
When steaming is finished:
Gently tap away any large bubbles.
Then swirl the milk pitcher.
The finished milk should look:
- glossy
- smooth
- creamy
- uniform.
9. Pour the milk into the espresso
Pour the textured milk into the espresso.
Start a bit higher above the cup so that the espresso and milk mix.
As the cup fills, you can lower the pitcher closer to the surface.
If the milk has the right consistency, you can finish with latte art.
How much milk is in a caffe latte?
There is no single universal amount.
If you use a cup of about 250–300 ml and about 36 g of espresso, the majority of the remaining drink will consist of textured milk.
It is precisely this relatively large amount of milk that distinguishes caffe latte from smaller coffee drinks like:
- cortado
- Flat White
- cappuccino.
If you use the same espresso in a larger cup and simply add more milk, the coffee flavor becomes gradually milder.
The size of the cup is therefore an important part of the recipe.
How big is a caffe latte?
A caffe latte is often served in a relatively large cup or a large glass.
Around:
250–300 ml
is a practical starting point at home.
But caffe latte is also available both smaller and larger.
The most important thing is not to hit one specific number of milliliters.
The most important thing is the ratio between espresso and milk.
At Brændeholm Risteri, you will find both coffee cups and coffee glasses in sizes that are suitable for lattes and other milk drinks.
Caffe latte vs. cappuccino
Caffe latte and cappuccino both consist of:
espresso + textured milk
but the proportions and the texture of the milk are different.
| Caffe latte | Cappuccino |
|---|---|
| More milk | Less milk |
| Larger drink | Smaller drink |
| Thinner layer of microfoam | More distinct foam structure |
| Milder coffee flavor | More prominent espresso |
| Typically 250–300 ml or larger | Typically smaller serving |
A cappuccino generally has a higher ratio of espresso to milk.
Therefore, the character of the coffee will usually be clearer.
A caffe latte is more milk-dominated and mild.
Read our guide to cappuccino if you want to compare the drinks in more detail.
Caffe latte vs. Flat White
The difference is mainly about size and the ratio between espresso and milk.
Caffe latte
- larger
- more milk
- milder coffee flavor experience
- fine microfoam.
Flat White
- smaller
- less milk
- clearer espresso
- very fine and integrated microfoam.
If both drinks contain the same double espresso, the difference will mainly be how much it is diluted with milk.
Read our Flat White guide if you want to learn more about the smaller and more coffee-intense milk drink.
Caffe latte vs. cortado
Here, the difference is even clearer.
A cortado typically consists of roughly equal parts espresso and milk.
This makes for a small and coffee-intense drink.
A caffe latte contains significantly more milk.
| Cortado | Caffe latte |
|---|---|
| Small drink | Large drink |
| Relatively little milk | Lots of milk |
| Very clear espresso | Milder espresso |
| Minimal foam | Fine microfoam |
If you want to taste the espresso very clearly, a cortado is obvious.
If you prefer a softer and more milk-dominated coffee, a caffe latte is a natural choice.
Read our guide to cortado.
Caffe latte vs. latte macchiato
The two drinks are often confused.
Both contain a lot of milk, but the traditional preparation is different.
Caffe latte
The espresso is usually the base.
The textured milk is poured into the espresso.
The result is a relatively uniform coffee drink.
Latte macchiato
The milk is the base.
The espresso is added to the milk.
A latte macchiato can therefore be served with distinct layers, especially in a tall glass.
In terms of taste, however, they can come close to each other if the amount of espresso and milk is almost the same.
Read our latte macchiato guide.
Caffe latte vs. café au lait
Caffe latte and café au lait both basically mean coffee with milk, but the terms are usually used for different coffee traditions.
A modern caffe latte is typically made with:
espresso + textured milk.
Café au lait is more often associated with:
brewed coffee + hot milk.
Therefore, they can have very different tastes and mouthfeels, even if the ratio of coffee to milk is similar.
Are latte and caffe latte the same?
In Denmark, the words are usually used for the same type of coffee drink.
“Latte” has simply become the common abbreviation for caffe latte.
If you order at a café:
a latte
it will usually be understood as:
a caffe latte with espresso and milk.
Which coffee beans are best for caffe latte?
Because caffe latte contains a relatively large amount of milk, it is important to choose an espresso that still provides the taste experience you want through the milk.
Medium-roasted coffee beans
A good all-round choice.
They can provide a balance between:
- sweetness
- body
- acidity
- roast character.
Dark roast coffee beans
A classic choice for a caffe latte.
The more prominent roast character and body can stand out clearly through the large amount of milk.
You can, among other things, experience flavor profiles such as:
- chocolate
- cocoa
- caramel
- nuts.
Lighter espresso
Can also be used.
This creates a more modern latte, where fruitiness and acidity can be a distinct part of the flavor.
Milk can create interesting combinations with a fruity espresso, but the result will be very different from a classic dark latte.
You can view our coffee beans for espresso and choose according to the flavor profile you prefer.
Dark roast coffee for caffe latte
If you want a latte with a distinct coffee taste, even with plenty of milk in the cup, a darker roast can be a good choice.
Our Colombia Supremo dark roast is, for example, a coffee that we find works well for milk-based drinks.
The dark chocolate and caramel-like character naturally pairs with the sweetness of the milk.
This makes it suitable for, among other things:
- caffe latte
- cappuccino
- Flat White.
Can you use regular coffee for a caffe latte?
A traditional modern caffe latte is made with espresso.
But you can, of course, make coffee with hot milk in other ways.
If you use strong filter coffee or moka pot coffee, for example, the result just won't be quite the same as an espresso-based caffe latte.
Espresso has a high concentration and body, which makes it well-suited for mixing with a large amount of milk.
If you don't have an espresso machine, an espresso maker can be an option for a concentrated coffee that works well with milk.
Can you make a caffe latte without a steam wand?
Yes.
If your coffee machine does not have a steam wand, you can use a separate milk frother.
Some models can:
- heat
- froth
- texture the milk automatically.
The result will not necessarily be identical to milk steamed with a professional steam wand, but you can certainly make a good milk drink at home.
See our milk frothers if your machine doesn't have a steam wand.
Which milk is best for a caffe latte?
There is no single milk that is best for everyone.
Cow's milk works well because its protein content makes it possible to create stable microfoam.
The fat content can also influence the mouthfeel.
A milk with more fat will often feel creamier.
But the most important things are:
- the taste
- the steaming properties
- the texture you prefer.
Therefore, you can easily use different types of milk and compare the results.
Can a caffe latte be made with oat drink?
Yes.
Oat drink is a popular alternative to milk.
If you want microfoam and latte art, a barista version is often easier to work with than a regular version.
Different plant-based drinks react differently during heating and steaming.
Therefore, the optimal technique may be slightly different than with cow's milk.
Introduce the air carefully and avoid overheating the drink.
How hot should the milk be?
A practical range is around:
55–65 °C.
This provides a hot drink, while the milk can still retain a pleasant sweetness and texture.
If you often end up overheating the milk, a milk thermometer can be a simple help.
Why is my caffe latte too foamy?
Then you have likely introduced too much air during steaming.
For a caffe latte, you want:
fine microfoam
rather than:
a thick layer of stiff foam.
Try introducing air for a shorter time early in the process.
Then work on rotating the milk so the small air bubbles are evenly distributed.
The finished milk should be pourable.
Why does my latte just taste like hot milk?
If the espresso almost disappears in the drink, there can be several reasons.
Too much milk
Try a smaller cup or a smaller amount of milk.
Too weak espresso
Check the espresso recipe.
The coffee beans don't suit your taste
A fuller-bodied or darker coffee can stand out more clearly through the milk.
Too small an espresso dose
If you use a large 350–400 ml latte with only a very small single espresso, the coffee taste will naturally be mild.
It is the ratio between espresso and milk that determines the balance.
Can you do latte art in a caffe latte?
Yes.
Caffe latte is very well-suited for latte art.
However, it first and foremost requires correct milk structure.
The milk must be:
- glossy
- smooth
- fluid
- filled with very small air bubbles.
When you pour:
- Start a little higher above the espresso.
- Mix espresso and milk.
- Then bring the pitcher closer to the surface.
- Let the white microfoam emerge.
- Form, for example, a heart.
A simple heart is a good place to start.
You can find latte art accessories if you want to work further on pouring technique.
What is an iced latte?
Iced latte is a cold version of a latte.
It typically consists of:
- espresso
- cold milk
- ice cubes.
Here, the milk is usually not steamed.
A simple starting point is:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add cold milk.
- Brew a double espresso.
- Pour the espresso over.
You can change the ratio according to taste.
Iced latte differs from a regular caffe latte in both temperature and the texture of the milk.
Is a caffe latte stronger than a cappuccino?
That depends on what you mean by stronger.
If both contain the same double shot of espresso, they contain roughly the same amount of coffee.
However, a cappuccino usually contains less milk.
Therefore, it will often taste more coffee-intense.
A caffe latte can therefore taste milder without containing less espresso or caffeine.
Does a caffe latte have less caffeine than an espresso?
Not if it is made with the same espresso.
If you take a double espresso and add milk, the caffeine does not disappear.
The latte just becomes larger and less concentrated.
Caffeine content depends on, among other things:
- the coffee beans
- the amount of coffee
- the espresso recipe
- number of shots.
The amount of milk does not change the caffeine amount in the already brewed espresso.
Caffe latte is a good drink for learning about espresso and milk
Caffe latte is relatively forgiving because the milk dampens some of the espresso's intensity.
But a truly good latte still starts with a good espresso.
Therefore, work first on:
- good coffee beans
- correct grind size
- consistent dose
- stable espresso
- good milk structure.
When the foundation is in place, you can adjust the amount of milk to your own taste.
If you want to learn more coffee drinks, you can see our complete guide to coffee drinks.
Frequently asked questions about caffe latte
What is a caffe latte?
Caffe latte is an espresso-based coffee drink with a relatively large amount of hot, textured milk and a smaller layer of microfoam.
What does caffe latte mean?
Caffè means coffee, and latte means milk in Italian. The term therefore basically means coffee with milk.
Are latte and caffe latte the same?
In Denmark, latte is usually used as a shorthand for caffe latte.
How big is a caffe latte?
Around 250–300 ml is a good practical starting point, but the size varies.
How much espresso is used for a caffe latte?
A double espresso is a common starting point. You can, for example, use 18 grams of coffee and brew about 36 grams of espresso.
How much milk is used for a caffe latte?
It depends on the cup size. In a latte of around 250–300 ml, the majority of the drink will consist of textured milk.
What is the difference between caffe latte and cappuccino?
Caffe latte typically contains more milk and less foam in relation to the total drink. Cappuccino is smaller and therefore usually experienced as more coffee-intense.
What is the difference between caffe latte and Flat White?
Flat White is typically smaller and contains less milk. Therefore, the taste of the espresso is more prominent.
What is the difference between caffe latte and latte macchiato?
In a caffe latte, the milk is usually poured into the espresso. With latte macchiato, the milk is the base to which the espresso is added.
Can a caffe latte be made without an espresso machine?
You can make a similar milk drink with concentrated coffee and a separate milk frother, but a modern caffe latte is usually made with espresso.
Can a caffe latte be made with oat drink?
Yes. A barista oat drink can be practical if you want microfoam and latte art.
Which coffee beans are best for a caffe latte?
Both medium and dark roasted coffees work well if you want a distinct coffee character through the milk. Lighter espresso can be used if you want more fruitiness and acidity.
Can you do latte art in a caffe latte?
Yes. Fine, glossy microfoam makes a caffe latte well-suited for latte art.
What is an iced latte?
Iced latte typically consists of espresso, cold milk, and ice, and is served cold.