What is a Latte?
A latte (short for caffè latte, which literally means “coffee and milk”) is a smooth, milky espresso drink. Think of it as a cuddly warming hug, espresso gets paired with plenty of steamed milk and a whisper of foam, without any of that over-the-top frothiness.
A Pinch of History
Back in 17th-century Europe, people were already mixing coffee with milk. The phrase caffè e latte first showed up in English in 1867, thanks to American writer William Dean Howells. By the 1950s, it started showing up in California cafés (some credit a barista named Lino Meiorin), then boomed in Seattle in the 1980s as espresso culture spread in the States.
How to Make One (At Home)
Ingredients
Single or double shot of espresso (≈ 30–60 ml)
Steamed milk (approx. 150–200 ml)
Thin layer of milk foam (around 5–10 mm)
What to do
Brew your shot(s) of espresso.
Steam the milk until it’s silky, velvety, just enough foam to support some latte art.
Pour the milk over the espresso, finishing with that gentle foam cap. Serve in a 230 ml glass or cup.
Ordering Pro Tips
Glass vs cup: Traditionally served in a glass in Italy, but most places use a 230–300 ml cup now.
Foam check: Ask for a good pour of steamed milk with just a light foam cap, none of the giant clouds you see on cappuccinos.
Feel fancy? Try oat or almond milk, it steams beautifully and brings out more texture.
Plain English
A latte is simply espresso with lots of steamed milk and a small layer of foam. It’s smooth, mild, and easy to drink, perfect if you like coffee but don’t want it too strong. Less intense than a flat white, but not as foamy as a cappuccino.
