Many coffee lovers prefer cappuccino, considering this drink the most delicious. Incredibly, at the end of the 20th century it was not yet on the Russian market. However, it has long been enjoyed in many countries. Especially in Italy, where the name comes from. Already in the 17th century, the monks of the ancient Capuchin order began to prepare a unique drink, which has survived to this day in a modified form. Today, several types of this delicious drink are known. Each of them deserves respect, because they give us true pleasure.
First difference: Proportion of ingredients
Both drinks are made from the same ingredients: milk and espresso. However, their layout is different.
In a cappuccino, milk and espresso are mixed in a 1:1 ratio. In a latte – 2:1 and foam. For this reason, cappuccino is considered a full-fledged coffee, while latte is considered a coffee drink. But everyone loved the latte with its soft and fluffy foam.
Cappuccino consists mainly of milk foam, there is little milk, this is their difference. Volume - 150-200 ml.
The ratio of espresso, milk and foam in a classic latte is 1:2:1. Volume 240-350 ml.
The amount of espresso in a latte and cappuccino is the same, despite the difference in serving volumes.
Milk: If you ask yourself where there is more milk, you will get the answer if you translate the word from Italian: latte means “milk”. In Italian bars, if you order a latte, they will serve you milk. Therefore, you should order using the term "café latte", which means "coffee with milk". Because it contains this ingredient in a significant amount, which makes the drink stand out for those who like to compensate for the bitterness of coffee.
Different proportions of ingredients affect the taste and aroma of drinks.
Cappuccino has a stronger taste, slightly offset by milk. The taste feels bitter and rich. You can use espresso of various strengths for brewing.
Latte – delicate and soft. Milk makes strong espresso less palatable. Bitterness is not allowed. It gives a creamy, unique finish. You can use espresso of the same strength.
Drinking cappuccino
The Italians who created this drink consider it as a separate dish and believe that it should be drunk no later than 11 am. In addition, you should not drink the drink after a meal, because... this can have a detrimental effect on digestion.
It is believed that cappuccino should be drunk without stirring. As a result, the coffee passes through a layer of dense foam. To prevent mixing of coffee and foam, some people add toppings during preparation. However, this option is only suitable for those with a sweet tooth, because... They are very sweet on their own.
Some people prefer to skim off the foam with a spoon and then drink the coffee. This use of the drink is considered not entirely correct, because... this does not allow you to feel the full aroma of the drink.
Avid coffee lovers consider it unacceptable to add any sweeteners to this type of coffee, since, for example, sugar worsens the taste of the drink. In addition, milk and foam help reduce the bitterness of coffee.
Thus, cappuccino is an excellent drink with a coffee and milk taste.
It has medium calorie content and strength. In addition, caffeine here is partially neutralized by the milk present in the cappuccino. (to open the link from the turbo page you need to go to the full version)
Second difference: milk foam structure
Drinks differ in volume, as well as the type and structure of milk foam: cappuccino foam should be denser, in another it should be lighter. Cappuccino contains twice as much foam.
The top of the cappuccino is often sprinkled with chocolate chips, cocoa, and cinnamon as a decoration. This elegance gives the coffee a sweet taste and aesthetic appeal.
Cappuccino foam can withstand a teaspoon of sugar. The structure is less lush, more voluminous, velvety. The thickness reaches up to 2 centimeters. High density is achieved by whisking the milk longer than for a latte. You can make milk foam at home using a French press or blender.
For lattes, milk is whipped until fluffy. The substance is tender, fluffy, loose, but has much less durability and elasticity. The thickness does not exceed 5 millimeters. Latte foam is considered an independent decoration.
Beautiful patterns are applied to the surface of the foam of drinks. For cappuccino, the pattern on the foam lasts up to 10 minutes. It lasts less on a latte.
The third difference: the method of preparation. A latte has three layers, whereas a cappuccino's ingredients are mixed together.
Preparing drinks
Traditional cappuccino recipe
For cooking you will need: 2 tsp. ground coffee; 50 ml water; 50 ml milk (with 2.5% fat content).
Espresso is made from ground coffee and water as the main ingredient. The milk is heated to 70 degrees Celsius and whipped into dense foam. Then the milk is poured into the strong coffee in a thin stream. Foam is laid on top. The foam volume should reach 50 ml. The foam can be decorated with powdered sugar, grated chocolate, and cinnamon.
Traditional latte recipe
For manufacturing it is necessary to take the same components, but in different proportions. You will need 150 ml of milk (with a fat content of 3.2%); 50 ml water; 2 tsp ground coffee; 2 tsp Sahara.
Preparation steps: Coffee is brewed. The finished espresso is poured into a tall Irish glass and sugar is added at the coffee brewing stage. The amount of sugar can be reduced based on your own taste preferences. Instead of sugar, you can also add sweet syrups and cinnamon to the drink.
The milk is heated to 65°C and divided into two parts. The milk part is whipped for about two minutes until a stable foam forms. Ready coffee is poured into a glass of milk and foam is placed on top.
The most delicious types of cappuccino
Combination with cinnamon
“Yes, it’s very simple! You just need to sprinkle a little cinnamon on top, that’s the whole recipe,” as many will probably say. But we strongly advise you not to do this. Try adding cinnamon to your drink before adding the milk. In this case, a cup of cappuccino will be much tastier, and you will no longer be able to prepare coffee differently. And share your discovery with other fans.
Cappuccino with vanilla
Do you want to get a pleasant drink with the wonderful smell of vanilla and coffee? One important point needs to be taken into account. To prevent the vanilla aroma from being absorbed by the smell of coffee (and coffee is always tuned to this dominance), under no circumstances add vanilla to the finished drink. A pinch of vanilla should be mixed into the milk while creating the foam. As a result, you will enjoy a stunning blend of two flavors.
Double cappuccino
It is also called double cappuccino. Among coffee lovers, there is disagreement about the composition of this drink, or rather, about what exactly the composition is called. Some coffee lovers believe that a double cappuccino should contain twice as much espresso with the same amount of milk and foam, that is, the proportion of milk and coffee is 1:3. We receive an amazing charge of energy and are ready for achievements. Other experts insist that a change in proportions should also lead to a change in name: this is, they say, a completely different type of coffee, and not a separate variety. We invite you to try both drinks and form your own opinion.
Chilled cappuccino
Preparing this drink (other names are iced cappuccino or iced cappuccino) is very simple. Pieces of ice are placed in a cup and the coffee in question, prepared in the usual way, is poured. You can freeze the milk in the refrigerator until ice forms and add it instead of ice. However, the first method is used more often.
Cappuccino with caramel
This is a gift for those who like to treat themselves to sweets! Espresso is mixed with caramel syrup until smooth, then milk with foam is added and sipped to your heart's content.
The third difference is in the fortress
Due to the use of equal proportions of coffee, the strength of the drinks is absolutely the same. Only in a latte the bitterness of coffee is offset by the taste of milk. Also, the volume of the latter is larger due to the 300 ml serving glass.
What tastes better: cappuccino or latte?
Everyone has their own taste. If you need to cheer yourself up before a long day, it is better to pay attention to the rich taste of cappuccino. If your goal is to enjoy the aftertaste, you need to choose a latte.
Americano cup
The oval cup has long symbolized American fast food outlets. Americano is served in large trapezoid-shaped coffee mugs, with high walls, with a volume of up to 200 - 220 ml. To do this, add up to 160–180 ml of boiling water and various fillers (cream, syrup) to 30 grams of base coffee. According to etiquette, the drink should not be flush with the edges of the mug. Cappuccino cups are often used for this coffee.
Fourth difference: method of serving and serving
Cappuccino. Serving it in 200ml porcelain cups gives better balance. The cup shape should be slightly expanded at the top so that the foam covers the entire surface.
Latte. Served in a glass Irish glass. Their volume is up to 350 ml and contain a handle made of heat-stable glass. In this case, the beautiful layers of the coffee cocktail will be visible right through and this creates the possibility of aesthetic pleasure. Lattes can also be served in a traditional coffee cup. The temperature of the drink should not be higher than 70 degrees.
What does a cappuccino cup look like?
There are two main types of tableware for cappuccino, based on which you can come across absolutely fantastic options.
- Coffee couple. Consists of a cup and saucer. The cup has an expanded shape, can be squat, rounded, or look like an irregular cylinder that tapers towards the bottom. The set includes a tea saucer. Most often, such dishes can be found in bars and cafes, as they are convenient and practical.
- Separate cup for cappuccino. It can have a greater height compared to a coffee pair, as well as a cylindrical shape. Recently, cappuccino cups have appeared on sale, shaped like tall bowls.
Cappuccino cups should be made of thick-walled porcelain or ceramic with a protective inner coating. The dense layer of cup material retains the temperature and delicate taste of the drink longer, as well as the high and strong cappuccino foam.
Oriental coffee cup
Turkish or Oriental coffee has a pronounced taste and strength, so cups that hold small portions are intended for it.
To maintain strength for a long time and prevent rapid cooling, cups are designed with a volume of 50 to 90 ml. They are called demitasse, oval in shape on the inside, with thick walls and bottom, perfect for Turkish coffee and hand-brewed drinks.
Frappuccino mug
This coffee cocktail is considered less of a drink and more of a dessert. It is made from cappuccino, to which frothed milk and a serving of ice cream are added.
It has a large volume, so it requires large dishes from 350 ml; coffee mugs with a capacity of up to 500 ml or original glass dessert glasses with transparent walls are often used for it, allowing you to admire the beauty of the drink. Other coffee-based cocktails are also served in such dishes - Freddo, raf, mochaccino, drinks with added chocolate, alcohol, juices, and so on.
Espresso cup
This strong drink is traditionally served in small mugs with thick walls and a bottom, with a capacity of up to 45 ml, or a little more - up to 70 ml, sometimes up to 90 ml, in which case sugar and cream are added to it.
The outer surface of the cup can be of different shapes, but the inside is always egg-shaped. Gourmets believe that the round shape does not allow the drink to cool quickly. The handle is small and is usually held with two fingers.
A classic shot of espresso consists of 30 ml of coffee, sugar and the foam that forms during brewing. A cup of strong drink comes with a saucer.
