Milk is the most frequent companion of Coffee. In fact, currently, when we hear the word Coffee, the first image that comes to mind is a frothy cup of Coffee Latte.
Today, the combinations of coffee and milk result in a wide variety of recipes. In those that are considered the type of coffee, the type of milk, the infusion techniques, the way to texturize the milk, even how you prefer the Art Latte in your cup.
Note: Art Latte is different from the definition of Coffee Latte that we will see below.
What is a Coffee Latte?
The Latte is a classic preparation consisting of two ingredients: Expresso coffee and milk steam.
To verify that your cup is a Coffee Latte, you must comply with this recipe: 1/3 espresso, 2/3 steamed or textured milk, and finally, a layer of micro-foam that covers the surface.
The combination of coffee and milk has been known since the seventeenth century, only its name and recipe have evolved to what we know today.
In Austria, in the 1700s a drink consisting of coffee, cream, spices, and sugar was offered called Kapuziner. To which they relate as the origin of the Italian cappuccino.
However, it is in 1867 that the term coffee Latte appears in a publication called Italian Journeys. Hence, it is considered native to Italy.
Although those who popularized the Coffee with milk were the Americans since they already used to consume it at breakfast, in a simple recipe: one part of coffee another of milk.
The Coffee Latte is distinguished by a lot from this simplicity. Well, it can be combined with aromas such as caramel, vanilla, cinnamon; as well as it can also be prepared with almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk.
For me, as a faithful taster, Coffee Latte allows you to enjoy softened espresso, with nuances of cream that lighten its robustness and texture.
What is the difference between Coffee Latte and Coffee with milk?
It is well worth clarifying that both preparations are coffee with milk, the difference is in the recipe, proportions, and preparation techniques. Let’s see
Coffee with milk
It’s called Café con Leche in french if you make it with a type of coffee other than espresso. That is, a coffee made by dripping or filtered, which contains a higher proportion of water.
Add in equal parts, ½ of filtered coffee for ½ of steamed or textured milk.
What differences does it have with the cappuccino?
In the cappuccino recipe, espresso coffee is added in its preparation. The difference with Coffee Latte is in the volume, the proportion of the ingredients, and the intensity of the flavor.
In other words, cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, milk, and foam. This means that they have much more foam and a more intense flavor than Coffee Latte.
Coffee Latte: Step-by-step preparation
Although it is very popular and easy to make preparation, I leave you this step by step so you do not lose detail. To get started, you should have the following:
- Coffee maker to prepare espresso
- Milk frother or frother
- Coffee grinder (fresh coffee is always better)
- Milk of your choice
- Coffee beans or ground
- One 10-12 oz or 230 ml cup
Preparation
- Grind the coffee beans , depending on the coffee maker you use, an Italian coffee maker or an espresso machine , in a fine to medina grind. Remember this is a quick extraction, no more than 25 seconds.
- Prepare a robust espresso shot preferably.
- Heat the milk to 65-70 ° C.
- Lift the foam with the steamer until it reaches the rim of the pitcher. In the same way if you use foamer .
- Preheat the mug
- Add one part espresso to two parts steamed milk
- Fill the last inch of the cup with the foam until it covers the surface.
Finally, it remains to comment that in each country or region you will find different versions of coffee combined with milk. The Coffee Latte is already a standardized recipe that should be served as is wherever you are.
Leave me your opinion in the comments, I would love to know your experience to share it here and on social networks.