source: barista.delonghi.co.jp

People all over the world enjoy coffee drinks every day and “espresso” and “latte”,  and “cappuccino” are known globally but do you actually know the differences between these coffee drinks?

“What is the difference between a “latte” and “cafe au lait?”

“Caffe latte” is Italian, “cafe au lait” is French. The two version both have the same meaning which is “milk containing coffee”. In some case, the ratio of either espresso or coffee to steamed or whipped milk will vary between 20/80 and 50/50 depending on the individual taste of the person.

Cafe au lait – Steamed or whipped milk added to espresso or dark coffee.

In Italy “caffe” refers to espresso (in general). In Italy it is called a cappuccino.

Cafe au Lait – Strong dark coffee is added to a similar amount of hot milk.

Dark brewed coffee and the same amount of hot milk are added together and served in a large cup.

Espresso – Strong roasted coffee is brewed by allowing boiling water through the coffee which produces a strong and aromatic coffee drink. It is the foundation of other coffee drinks.

Strong roasted coffee is brewed by allowing boiling water through the coffee which produces a strong and aromatic coffee drink which is usually served in a small cup. A small amount of steamed or whipped milk can be added.

Cappucino – Steamed or whipped milk foam and milk is added to the espresso.

A cappuccino is created when steamed milk foam and milk is added to the expresso. The drink can be topped with either cinnamon or cocoa powder.

Caffè Macchiato – A small amount of steamed or whipped milk is added to the espresso.

A very small amount of whipped or steamed milk is added to the espresso. Macchiato means “with a stain” in Italian, so traces of milk poured into the espresso producing a stained dark color.

When you begin the understand the differences in these popular coffee drinks, you will be able enjoy the wonderful flavors of coffee even more than before!