What Is a Latte Coffee?

What Is a Latte Coffee? A Full UK Guide

What Is a Latte Coffee? Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve ever ordered coffee in a café, you’ve almost certainly seen a latte on the menu — but what is a latte coffee, exactly? Whether you’re new to espresso drinks or just want a clear explanation, this guide covers what a latte coffee drink is, how it’s made, and how it compares to other popular coffees.

⭐ What Is a Latte Coffee?

A latte coffee (short for caffè latte, meaning “milk coffee” in Italian) is a popular espresso-based coffee drink made with:

  • 1–2 shots of espresso

  • Steamed milk

  • A thin layer of foam on top (microfoam)

It’s one of the most approachable drinks you’ll find in coffee shops, thanks to its smooth texture and mild coffee taste. The balance of coffee and milk makes it ideal for coffee drinkers who prefer a milky coffee rather than a strong espresso hit.

For home brewing, a smooth, well-balanced espresso works best, such as:

What Does a Latte Taste Like?

A latte is known for being:

  • Creamy and smooth

  • Mild and balanced

  • Gently sweet from the milk

  • Low in bitterness

Because it contains more milk than most espresso drinks, the coffee flavour is soft rather than intense, making lattes a popular choice for beginners and seasoned coffee drinkers alike.

How Is a Latte Made?

A classic latte is made using espresso and steamed milk, creating distinct layers with a light foam finish.

Ingredients

  • 1–2 shots of espresso coffee

  • 200–300ml steamed milk

  • A thin layer of foamed milk (around 1cm)

Method

  1. Brew your espresso.

  2. Steam the milk until silky and lightly foamed.

  3. Pour the milk over the espresso, finishing with a thin foam layer.

  4. Optional: create latte art on top using microfoam.

To make espresso at home, these blends work particularly well:

What Is a Latte Macchiato?

A latte macchiato coffee is similar to a latte, but the order of ingredients is reversed.

  • Milk is poured first

  • Espresso is added last, creating visible distinct layers

This results in a milk-forward drink with a lighter coffee impact than a standard latte. It’s often served in a tall glass to highlight the layered effect.

Latte vs Flat White vs Cappuccino

These drinks are often confused, but the milk ratio and foam make a big difference.

Drink Milk Ratio Foam Strength
Latte Mostly steamed milk Thin microfoam Mild
Flat white Less milk Velvety microfoam Stronger
Cappuccino Equal parts coffee, milk & foam Thick foam Medium–strong

A latte is the creamiest and mildest of the three, while a flat white delivers more coffee flavour.

Explore related drinks:

Popular Latte Variations

☕ Flavoured Latte

Vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or cinnamon syrups.

☕ Iced Latte

Espresso poured over cold milk and ice — smooth and refreshing.

☕ Mocha Latte

A latte with chocolate added, especially good with:

☕ Oat or Almond Latte

A dairy-free favourite with a naturally lighter body.

Is a Latte High in Calories?

A latte contains more calories than black coffee or an americano due to its milk content. The exact amount depends on:

  • Milk type

  • Cup size

  • Added syrups

For more nutritional insight, see:

Best Coffees for Making a Latte at Home

For a well-balanced latte with good body, try:

Conclusion

So, what is a latte coffee drink?
A latte coffee is a smooth, creamy espresso-based drink made with steamed milk and a light layer of foam. Mild, versatile, and endlessly customisable, it’s one of the most popular coffee drinks worldwide — perfect for anyone who enjoys a softer, milk-forward coffee experience.

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