Cappuccino vs. Latte Macchiato: What's the Difference?
Cappuccino and latte macchiato: Both are typical expressions of the Italian way of life. Both consist of coffee and milk. But each coffee specialty has its own character. But what exactly is the difference between a cappuccino and a latte macchiato? Find out here!
Cappuccino and Latte Macchiato: These are the differences
In addition to black coffee and espresso, cappuccino and latte macchiato are The most popular coffee specialties . They are immediately distinguishable: The cappuccino is served in a small, bulbous cappuccino cup with a small amount of semi-liquid milk foam. The latte macchiato is served in a tall glass with plenty of thick foam.
A little reminder: Cappuccino is actually coffee with milk, while latte macchiato is more like milk with coffee . Translated, latte macchiato means "tainted milk."
But don't confuse a latte macchiato with a latte! A latte is usually filter coffee topped with warm milk. It contains equal parts coffee and milk. Occasionally, a latte macchiato is also served with extra milk foam.
Did you know?
Latte macchiato should not be confused with the Italian caffè latte. This double espresso with plenty of hot milk lacks the layers typical of a latte macchiato.
The biggest difference between cappuccino and latte macchiato is still the Preparation .
Cappuccino preparation: The mixing ratio is important
A cappuccino contains about One-third espresso and two-thirds milk . Preparation is as follows:
- Pour freshly brewed espresso into the cup.
- Warm the milk and froth it lightly. A cappuccino typically uses semi-liquid milk foam.
- Fill the cup to the brim with the light milk foam. This will reveal the brown crema that gives the cappuccino its typical appearance.
- Connoisseurs can now sprinkle some chocolate powder on top – and the homemade cappuccino is ready!
Latte macchiato preparation: It's all about the milk
The latte macchiato, which originates from Italy, consists of One-quarter espresso and three-quarters milk . Therefore, it's not uncommon in Italy for children to try this coffee specialty. Here's how to prepare it:
- Heat two-thirds of the milk to approximately 60 degrees Celsius and froth the remaining third; the foam should have a firm consistency.
- Pour the hot milk into a tall glass.
- Then add the milk foam on top.
- Now slowly pour the espresso into the glass. Important: To create the typical layers of a latte macchiato, the espresso must be freshly brewed and hotter than the milk.
- Serve the finished coffee specialty with a long spoon. This way, those with a sweet tooth can enjoy their hot drink with sugar.
How to make the perfect milk foam for latte macchiato
Have you ever reached your limits when it comes to frothing milk when preparing a latte macchiato? No wonder: The firm consistency isn't easy to achieve. Here are a few Tips for making perfect milk foam :
Not all milk foam is created equal: There are big differences between the foam used for cappuccino and the foam used for latte macchiato! © Mamis Caffè
- The more fat the milk contains, the creamier and firmer the foam will be. The ideal fat content is 3.3 to 4 percent . The milk should also be as fresh as possible and not straight from the refrigerator. Room temperature is optimal.
- The milk should be warm, but not boiling. Ideally, Temperature between 60 and 70 degrees .
- If you're using a portafilter machine or a coffee maker with a steam wand to prepare milk foam, you should only fill the milk container two-thirds full. As the milk foam increases in volume, lower the steam wand and gently rotate the container back and forth to allow the milk to thicken.
Interested in calories?
Another difference between a cappuccino and a latte macchiato is their calorie content. A cappuccino has about 50 calories, while a latte macchiato has around 130 calories.
Perfect for your cappuccino or latte macchiato: Gran Crema from Mamis Caffè. © Mamis Caffè