There are a lot of different espresso-based drinks, sometimes this much variety can be confusing. We have a friend who admitted that she didn’t like to go a coffee shop. She couldn’t choose between macchiato, latte, cappuccino, mocha, and many others because she didn’t know what they were. She was embarrassed to ask the us what the differences were, so she started to buy a different coffee drink every day.
What makes these coffee beverages different from each other? What are the distinctive characteristics between them?
Here are the major differences between latte, cappuccino, and mocha:
- Cappuccino – 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foamed milk
The espresso is toned down with milk, but the coffee taste is still featured. - Latte – 1/6 espresso, 4/6 steamed milk, 1/6 foamed milk
This is a milk based drink with just a little coffee. - Mocha – 2/5 espresso, 2/5 chocolate, 1/5 steamed milk
A strong coffee with a chocolate flavor. - Flat White – 1/3 espresso, 2/3 frothed milk
Very similar to cappuccino, but the milk is micro-foamed and it doesn’t have the dry foam top. - Mocha latte – 1/8 espresso, 5/8 steamed milk, 1/8 foamed milk, 1/8 hot chocolate
A latte with a hint of chocolate. - Mochaccino – 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 frothed milk, one tablespoon of chocolate syrup
The difference between a Cappuccino and Latte are simple: both have Espresso and milk, but the milk content is what makes the difference. The Latte has more, and has a creamier taste. The Cappuccino has less milk, and a stiff head of foam, whereas the Latte has a short head of foam. All a Mocha brings is the addition of chocolate (usually syrup).
A Macchiato is Espresso with a little steamed milk on the top. Espresso is a drink that is brewed by forcing hot water into very finely ground coffee. The name came from the method of brewing (‘express’) and because of the coffee grounds under pressure.
A Frappe is made from ice cream, milk and flavored syrup, usually. It may also contain coffee or coffee flavoring. A Latte is half milk, half Espresso. A Frappe is iced A Mocha has chocolate.
Espresso is very strong, but when it’s a Latte, not so strong. A Cappuccino is an Espresso with steamy foamed milk on top. Try a Latte or a Mocha Latte, and add any flavorings you want, like hazelnut, vanilla, or almond. If you like a cold ones. Frappuccinos are like a milkshake. You can add any extra flavorings you want to those, too, and they’re delicious.