Espresso, cortado, cappuccino and latte: what's the difference
Almost every drink at a café starts with the same thing: espresso. What changes is how much water or milk is added, and how much foam sits on top.
Without milk
- Espresso – about 30–40 ml of concentrated coffee from 18 g in a double basket. See how to make espresso at home.
- Ristretto – a "short" espresso with less water. Sweeter and more concentrated.
- Lungo – a "long" espresso, with more water run through the coffee. More bitter and lighter.
- Americano – espresso topped with hot water. Similar in strength to filter coffee, with espresso's character.
With milk, from small to large
| Drink | What's in it | Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Macchiato | Espresso with a spoon of milk foam | 90 ml |
| Cortado | Espresso and equal steamed milk, a little foam | 135 ml |
| Flat white | Double espresso with milk and very thin foam | 150–180 ml |
| Cappuccino | Espresso, milk and a thick, airy layer of foam | 190 ml |
| Latte | Espresso with lots of milk and thin, silky foam | 250–325 ml |
"Hafuch", the Israeli café drink
The Israeli "hafuch" ("upside down") is close to a latte or a large cappuccino: espresso with plenty of steamed milk. The name comes from pouring the milk first and the coffee after, the opposite of the usual order.
Which coffee for milk drinks
A medium to dark roast with chocolate and nut notes stands up well to milk. Try Blend 1983, House Blend or Colombia. How to froth milk, even without a machine, is in the milk frothing guide.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a cappuccino and a latte?
A cappuccino has less milk and a thick, airy layer of foam. A latte has more milk with thin, silky foam, so it's bigger and milder.
What is a cortado?
Espresso with an equal amount of steamed milk and a little foam, in a small glass of about 135 ml. Stronger than a cappuccino.
What's the difference between a flat white and a latte?
A flat white is smaller, usually built on a double espresso, with a very thin layer of foam, so the coffee comes through more than in a latte.
What is a hafuch?
The Israeli name for an espresso drink with plenty of steamed milk, usually bigger than a cappuccino and close to a latte.
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