What is a Latte? And How Do You Make One?

You'll find a latte on the menu of just about every coffee shop, and for good reason. It's one of the most popular espresso drinks thanks to its smooth balance of espresso and steamed milk. Whether you're ordering your first latte or learning to make café-quality latte at home, understanding what makes a great one is the first step. In this guide, we'll explain what a latte is, how to make one at home, and how it compares to other popular espresso drinks.

What is a latte?

A latte (or caffè latte) is an espresso-based coffee drink made by combining espresso with steamed milk and finishing with a thin layer of milk foam on top. The generous amount of milk makes the latte the creamiest and most mellow when compared to other espresso-based drinks like cappuccino or macchiatto. If you've ever wondered why lattes taste so smooth compared to other coffee shop orders, the milk-to-espresso ratio is the answer.

The name comes from the Italian "caffè latte," which translates to "coffee and milk." In practice, a typical latte uses about one part espresso to two or three parts steamed milk. That ratio softens the espresso's intensity and creates a drink that works well on its own or with added flavors like vanilla or caramel.

What is in a latte?

Every traditional latte is built from just three ingredients. While recipes vary slightly from café to café, the balance remains the same:

• Espresso: One or two shots of concentrated coffee form the base. The espresso provides all the coffee flavor.
• Steamed milk: The bulk of the drink. Heating and texturing the milk creates a velvety consistency that blends smoothly with the espresso.
• Milk foam: A thin layer on top, much less than you'd find on a cappuccino. The foam adds a light finish without overwhelming the drink.

For a typical 12-ounce latte, you're looking at a double shot of espresso (about 2 ounces) and roughly 8 ounces of steamed milk. The foam layer stays thin, usually less than half an inch.

What does a latte taste like?

A well-made latte should taste balanced rather than simply milky. The espresso is still present, but steamed milk softens its intensity and brings out the coffee's natural sweetness. Depending on the beans, you might notice notes of chocolate, caramel, toasted nuts, or even subtle fruit, all wrapped in a creamy, velvety texture.

Compared to a cappuccino or flat white, a latte is gentler on the palate because of its higher milk content. If you're new to espresso drinks—or simply enjoy a smoother, more approachable cup—the latte is often the perfect place to start.

What makes a latte different from other coffee drinks?

The latte often gets confused with cappuccinos, macchiatos, and flat whites. All four use espresso and milk, but the proportions and textures vary quite a bit.

Latte vs cappuccino

A cappuccino uses the same espresso base but with equal parts steamed milk and foam. The result is a smaller, frothier drink where the espresso flavor comes through more clearly. If a latte emphasizes creaminess, a cappuccino lets the espresso take center stage.

Latte vs flat white

A flat white is smaller than a latte and uses less milk overall, with a finer microfoam texture. Microfoam refers to milk that's been steamed to create tiny, uniform bubbles rather than large, airy ones. A flat white is more espresso forward, making it a good choice when you want more coffee presence without the boldness of a straight shot.

Latte vs macchiato

A traditional macchiato is espresso "marked" with just a small dollop of milk or foam. At only 2–3 ounces, a macchiato is much smaller and significantly stronger than a latte. Think of it as espresso with a slight softening around the edges rather than a milk-based drink.

Latte ratio explained

The standard latte ratio is one part espresso to two or three parts steamed milk, with just enough foam to cover the surface. For most home setups, a double shot of espresso (about 2 ounces) with 6–8 ounces of steamed milk works well as a starting point.

From there, you can adjust based on preference. If you want a stronger coffee flavor, use less milk or add an extra shot. For something milder, increase the milk slightly. The ratio is flexible, and finding the right balance comes down to personal taste.

Where did the latte originate?

The latte traces its roots to Italy, where caffè latte—literally 'coffee and milk'—has long been enjoyed as a simple breakfast drink. The larger café latte familiar today gained popularity in American coffee shops during the 1980s as espresso culture spread.

If you simply order a 'latte' in Italy, you'll likely receive a glass of milk. Asking for a caffè latte lets your barista know you're after the espresso drink.

How to make a latte at home

Making a latte at home is straightforward once you have a solid espresso setup and understand the basic technique. The goal is well-extracted espresso combined with properly textured milk.

Making a latte with an espresso machine

Equipment:

• Espresso machine with steam wand
• Portafilter and tamper
• Latte cup or mug (8–12 oz)
• Milk pitcher

Ingredients:

• Freshly ground coffee (fine grind for espresso)
• Cold milk (whole milk froths best)

Steps:

1. Pull a fresh espresso shot. Dose your portafilter, tamp evenly, and extract a single or double shot. Aim for 25–30 seconds of extraction time.
2. Steam the milk. Fill your pitcher about one-third full with cold milk. Submerge the steam wand tip just below the surface and create a gentle whirlpool. You want silky microfoam rather than stiff, airy bubbles.
3. Combine espresso and milk. Pour the steamed milk slowly into the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon initially. Let the milk blend with the coffee.
4. Finish with foam. Spoon a thin layer of foam on top. If you're feeling ambitious, this is where latte art happens, but a simple finish works just as well.

Making a latte without an espresso machine

You can still make a solid latte without specialized equipment. For the coffee base, a moka pot or AeroPress produces a concentrated brew that works well. Strong French press coffee can substitute in a pinch, though the flavor will differ from true espresso.

For the milk, heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, then froth using a handheld milk frother or by pumping it in a French press. You can also shake heated milk vigorously in a sealed jar to create foam.

Learn more: Espresso vs. French Press: What’s the Difference?

How to make an iced latte

An iced latte skips the steaming entirely. Instead, you're combining espresso with cold milk and ice for a refreshing alternative.

1. Pull a fresh espresso shot (single or double).
2. Fill a glass with ice.
3. Pour cold milk over the ice, leaving room for the espresso.
4. Add the espresso on top and stir to combine.

If you're adding flavored syrup, stir it into the espresso before pouring over ice. Mixing the syrup while the espresso is still hot helps it dissolve evenly.

Best milk for lattes

The milk you choose affects both texture and flavor. Here's how common options compare:

Whole milk creates the creamiest texture and most stable foam because of its fat content. Among non-dairy options, oat milk froths most similarly to dairy and complements espresso without competing with it. Almond milk can work, though the foam tends to separate more quickly.

Best coffee for lattes

The coffee you use shapes your latte's character. Since steamed milk softens and sweetens the espresso, coffees with bold, developed flavors tend to hold up best.

Darker, fuller-bodied roasts with chocolate and caramel notes pair naturally with milk. Lighter roasts can work, though their brighter, more delicate notes may get lost behind the milk's creaminess.

Learn more about dark, medium, and light roast coffee →

Tip: Start with a rich, balanced roast and adjust from there. If you want more nuance—dark fruit, berry, or subtle floral notes—a medium-bodied coffee with some complexity can add interest without disappearing into the milk.

Browse espresso-friendly coffees →

Common latte variations

The latte's mild base makes it one of the most customizable espresso drinks. Here are the variations you'll encounter most often.

Vanilla latte

Vanilla syrup stirred into the espresso before adding steamed milk. The vanilla complements both coffee and milk without overwhelming either, which explains why it's one of the most popular flavored orders.

Mocha latte

Espresso combined with chocolate syrup or cocoa, then topped with steamed milk. Richer and sweeter than a standard latte, a mocha bridges the gap between coffee drink and dessert.

Caramel latte

Caramel syrup mixed into the espresso base, often finished with a caramel drizzle on top. The sweetness pairs well with the milk's natural creaminess.

Iced latte

Espresso over ice with cold milk. No steaming required, making it one of the easiest variations to make at home and a popular choice year-round.

Non-dairy latte

Any latte made with oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk. Oat milk has become the most popular alternative because it froths well and has a neutral-to-sweet flavor that works with espresso.

Matcha latte

Whisked matcha powder combined with steamed milk instead of espresso. Same creamy texture, entirely different flavor profile—grassy, slightly sweet, with a pleasant earthiness.

Dirty chai latte

Chai tea concentrate combined with a shot of espresso and steamed milk. The spices from the chai meet the coffee's depth for something bold and warming.

Brew a better latte with Methodical Coffee

A great latte starts with great coffee. The espresso is the foundation, and everything else builds on it. If you're looking for beans that hold up well in milk drinks, our Classic coffee beans are roasted for richness and body—chocolate-forward, smooth, and designed to shine through steamed milk.

You might also like:

• Coffee to Water Ratio: The Ultimate Guide to Brewing Ratios
• Best Water for Coffee: Your Guide to the Perfect Cup