Five Popular Espresso Drinks

Espresso-based drinks are beloved staples at coffee stops around the world, yet their subtle differences often perplex even seasoned coffee drinkers. Understanding these nuances enhances your coffee enjoyment and elevates your confidence when brewing at home or ordering in your favorite cafe. We’ll look at five popular espresso drinks—Latte, Cappuccino, Flat White, Cortado, and Macchiato—ranking them from mildest to strongest.

1. Latte: Creamy, Smooth, and Mild

The latte is the mildest espresso drink. It’s called caffè latte, meaning “milk coffee.” It has a shot of espresso mixed with steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam on top. This makes it smooth and mild, great for those who like their coffee soft.

Composition:

• Espresso: 1 part
• Steamed milk: 4-6 parts
• Foam: Thin layer (microfoam)

The latte is loved for its creaminess. The milk softens the espresso’s strong taste, making it smooth and less caffeinated. It’s also a good base for flavored syrups, like vanilla or caramel, for fun at home or in cafes.

2. Cappuccino: Balanced and Frothy

The cappuccino is a bit stronger than the latte. It comes from Italy and has a mix of espresso, steamed milk, and frothy foam. This mix gives a richer coffee taste and a luxurious feel from the milk foam.

Composition:

• Espresso: 1 part
• Steamed milk: 1 part
• Milk foam: 1 part (thick, dense foam)

Cappuccinos are known for their thick foam. Baristas often make latte art on top, showing off the drink’s texture and look. Making a cappuccino at home needs practice to get the milk foam right.

3. Flat White: Rich Espresso with Silky Milk

The flat white comes from Australia and New Zealand. It’s known for its balance of espresso and silky steamed milk. It’s similar to a latte but stronger and with less foam, letting the espresso flavor stand out.

Composition:

• Espresso: 1-2 parts
• Steamed milk: 2-3 parts
• Foam: Minimal, silky microfoam

The flat white’s milk is smooth and glossy, thanks to “microfoam.” This makes it creamy and rich, without the froth of cappuccinos. It’s a smooth and creamy drink that highlights the espresso.

4. Cortado: Espresso Forward and Delicate

Cortado means “cut” in Spanish. It’s a drink with equal parts espresso and warm, lightly steamed milk. It’s perfect for those who love espresso but want a bit of milk to balance it out.

Composition:

• Espresso: 1 part
• Steamed milk: 1 part (lightly textured, minimal foam)

Cortados are served in small glasses. They mix the coffee’s acidity with the milk’s softness. The drink’s foam is minimal, unlike cappuccinos. This makes the espresso flavor stand out.

5. Macchiato: Bold and Intense

Macchiato, or espresso macchiato, is almost pure espresso. It’s an Italian favorite with a small amount of milk foam. This keeps the espresso flavor strong.

Composition:

• Espresso: 1-2 parts
• Milk foam: Small dollop

Macchiatos are for those who love espresso. They offer a hint of dairy to soften the flavor. It’s great for enjoying the complex flavors of high-quality espresso beans.

Ranking Summary (Weakest to Strongest Espresso Flavor)

1. Latte – Mildest, most milk, gentle espresso flavor.
2. Cappuccino – Balanced, moderate milk and foam, noticeable espresso.
3. Flat White – Rich espresso presence, silky minimal foam milk.
4. Cortado – Espresso dominant, lightly softened by equal milk.
5. Macchiato – Strongest, bold espresso, just lightly marked with foam.

Practical Tips for Home Brewing

Mastering these drinks at home takes more than just knowing the differences. You need to get the espresso right and steam the milk well:

• Quality Espresso Extraction: Start with fresh, high-quality coffee beans. Use a precise burr grinder and aim for a 25-30 second extraction. Adjust the grind and extraction to get the flavor just right.
• Milk Steaming Mastery: Steaming milk to the right texture takes practice. Latte and flat white milk should be smooth, while cappuccino foam should be airy and thick. Use cold milk and keep the temperature between 150-170°F.
• Cup Selection Matters: Choose the right cup size for each drink. Lattes go in larger mugs, cappuccinos in mid-sized cups, and cortados and macchiatos in small glasses.

Ordering Like you Know it 🙂

Ordering drinks at your local café is easy once you know what they are:

• Choose latte for a creamy, mild taste.
• Opt for a cappuccino for balanced espresso and foam.
• Request a flat white for rich espresso with silky milk.
• Select cortado for strong espresso with a bit of smoothness.
• Order macchiato for bold espresso with a little dairy.

Understanding these espresso drinks makes your café visits a little more enjoyable. It also makes brewing coffee at home a fun daily activity. Try different ones and find your favorite!