How To Make a Caffe Latte and History of the Caffe Latte
Perhaps the most popular specialty coffee drink (espresso drink), a caffe latte is made with espresso and milk just as its name suggests. The name comes from the Italian latte meaning milk, and caffellatte which means “coffee and milk.” So if you are visiting Italy don’t just order a Latte or they will serve you a glass of milk.
The milk used for the Caffe Latte is steamed and frothed to create a creamy, velvety texture that blends well with the intensely concentrated and flavorful espresso creating a harmony of flavors. The frothing of the milk is done using the steam wand of the espresso machine.
Some people like to make a Caffe Latte using something other than espresso, such as mate, chai or matcha. Others like the espresso but choose to switch the regular milk with soy milk or some other variation.
This espresso-based specialty coffee drink is very similar in composition to the Spanish Cafe Con Leche and the Portuguese Cafe Com Leite as well as the French Cafe Au Lait
History of the Caffe Latte
As early as 1847 the English term Caffe Latto was used and then the essay Italian Journeys by William Dean Howells in 1867 who used the term caffe latte.
Respected coffee author and reviewer Kenneth Davids has written that the Caffe Latte is basically an American invention and even in Italy it was first found in Italy only in places with predominantly American tourists.
Some say the Caffe Latte was developed for Americans because the traditional Cappuccino was too strong so more steamed milk was added.
Caffe Latte – Barista Espresso Drink Tips for the Perfect Latte
A Caffe Latte in the Italian Tradition
The traditional Italian Caffe Latte is usually made in the person’s residence using a stovetop Moka Pot (Stovetop espresso maker). Unlike the American version, the milk is not steamed and frothed, but only heated. The hot milk is placed in a cup and the then the concentrated coffee from the Moka pot is poured into the milk.
Barista Espresso Drink Tips – Brew the Perfect Latte
Flavored Caffe Lattes are Quite Popular
While the term Caffe Latte simply means “Coffee with Milk,” and is usually made with coffee and steamed milk, many people like to add sweet syrups in a variety of flavors. Some popular Caffe Latte flavors include vanilla, caramel and chocolate.
A few teaspoons of the flavored syrup are added to the espresso and stirred in, and then the steamed milk is added. These flavored syrups can be purchased so home baristas can also enjoy flavored lattes.
What is the difference between a Latte and a Cappuccino or Macchiato?
A Cappuccino uses less steamed milk than a Caffe Latte, and much more foam. While a Latte Macchiato is made by adding espresso to the steamed milk, the Latte is made by adding the steamed milk to the espresso.
The macchiato also has a “macchia” or mark of espresso on the top of the Coffee Beverage.
If the Caffe Latte is served in a glass then it is often served along with a napkin so the customer can use it to hold the hot glass.
Caffe Latte – Barista Espresso Drink Tips for the Perfect Latte continued:
What is Caffe Latte Art?
Latte art has become increasingly common in coffee shops of Europe and America where Baristas add a flourish to the specialty coffee drinks by creating a bit of art atop the steamed and aerated milk to add some aesthetic appeal.
Various shapes and patterns are drawn by the way the steamed milk and foam is poured into the beverage including such designs as trees, hearts and flowers.
Master Barista Training Guide
Learn to be a master barista by studying the skills of espresso brewing including how to Pull A Perfect Espresso Shot.
The Barista Guide to Perfect Lattes and Cappuccinos will help you perfect your technique and make Master Barista Espresso Drink Recipes.