Walk into any coffee shop and you’re likely to see cappuccino, latte, and flat white listed on the menu. At first glance, these drinks might seem similar—they all contain espresso and steamed milk—but their differences lie in the milk texture, ratios, and presentation.
If you’ve ever wondered what sets these creamy classics apart, this article will break it all down, so you can choose (or make) the perfect cup for your taste.
Shared Base: Espresso + Milk
Before diving into the differences, let’s highlight what these drinks have in common.
All three beverages are based on espresso, a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under pressure. Then, they are topped with steamed milk and varying amounts of milk foam.
So what makes a cappuccino a cappuccino, and not a latte or a flat white? The answer lies in the ratios and the milk treatment.
What Is a Cappuccino?
A cappuccino is a traditional Italian coffee drink known for its equal parts balance of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
Standard Ratio:
- 1/3 espresso
- 1/3 steamed milk
- 1/3 milk foam
Characteristics:
- Size: Typically 5–6 oz (150–180 ml)
- Texture: Frothy and airy
- Flavor: Bold espresso balanced by light, airy milk
- Presentation: Often served in a ceramic cup, topped with thick foam
Milk Texture:
The milk in a cappuccino is heavily aerated to create a dry, fluffy foam that sits atop the drink, creating a clear separation of layers.
Ideal For:
Those who enjoy a strong coffee flavor but want a touch of creaminess and foam. The foam acts as an insulator, keeping the drink warm longer.
What Is a Latte?
A latte (short for caffè latte in Italian, meaning “milk coffee”) is a milder, milk-forward espresso drink that emphasizes creaminess over intensity.
Standard Ratio:
- 1/6 espresso
- 4/6 steamed milk
- 1/6 milk foam
Characteristics:
- Size: Typically 8–12 oz (240–350 ml)
- Texture: Smooth, creamy, with light foam on top
- Flavor: Milder, more milk-dominant
- Presentation: Served in tall glasses or large ceramic mugs
Milk Texture:
Latte milk is steamed with minimal foam, producing a velvety texture with just a thin layer of foam on top. This allows latte art to be poured easily.
Ideal For:
Those who prefer a softer coffee experience with more milk and less intensity. Great for adding syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut.
What Is a Flat White?
The flat white originated in Australia or New Zealand (depending on whom you ask) and is known for being a balanced, stronger alternative to a latte.
Standard Ratio:
- 1/3 espresso
- 2/3 steamed milk
- Minimal to no foam
Characteristics:
- Size: Typically 5–6 oz (150–180 ml)
- Texture: Silky, with little to no foam separation
- Flavor: Espresso-forward but smooth
- Presentation: Served in a ceramic cup, often with a “flat” top of microfoam
Milk Texture:
Flat white milk uses microfoam—steamed milk with tiny, fine bubbles that create a silky, textured surface. Unlike the latte, there’s no thick foam cap; instead, it blends seamlessly with the espresso.
Ideal For:
Those who want a stronger coffee taste than a latte but still enjoy a smooth mouthfeel. It’s often considered the perfect balance between cappuccino and latte.
Key Differences: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Cappuccino | Latte | Flat White |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5–6 oz | 8–12 oz | 5–6 oz |
| Milk Ratio | Equal parts espresso, milk, foam | More milk, less espresso | Less milk, more espresso |
| Foam Level | Thick and airy foam | Thin layer of foam | Microfoam (very little foam) |
| Texture | Frothy | Creamy and light | Silky and smooth |
| Espresso Flavor | Noticeable but balanced | Milder and milkier | Bold yet velvety |
| Origin | Italy | Italy (modern adaptation) | Australia/New Zealand |
Understanding Milk Frothing Differences
The technique used to froth milk is what truly distinguishes these drinks:
- Cappuccino milk: Introduces more air early in the steaming process, resulting in bigger bubbles and drier foam.
- Latte milk: Less air introduced, creating a thinner, more fluid foam layer ideal for latte art.
- Flat white milk: Carefully steamed to create dense microfoam that integrates with espresso for a smooth consistency.
Mastering these milk textures at home requires practice, but even small improvements can elevate your results.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between a cappuccino, latte, and flat white comes down to your personal preferences.
Choose a Cappuccino if:
- You like strong coffee with a distinct foam cap
- You enjoy layered textures and a smaller drink size
- You want a traditional, European-style espresso drink
Choose a Latte if:
- You prefer a milder, creamier drink
- You like to customize with syrups or flavors
- You want a larger portion and smoother texture
Choose a Flat White if:
- You enjoy a stronger coffee flavor but smooth milk integration
- You appreciate rich texture without the bulk of a latte
- You want a modern café-style drink in a smaller serving
Making These Drinks at Home
You don’t need a professional espresso bar to make these drinks at home. Here’s how you can do it:
Equipment:
- Espresso machine or alternative (AeroPress, Moka pot)
- Milk frother or steam wand
- Stainless steel milk pitcher
- Thermometer (optional, but helps prevent overheating milk)
Tips:
- Use whole milk for best foam texture (oat milk is a good dairy-free alternative)
- Keep milk temperature under 150°F (65°C) to avoid scalding
- Practice frothing techniques specific to each drink
- Focus on espresso quality—it’s the foundation for all three
Final Thoughts: One Base, Many Experiences
It’s fascinating how one base ingredient—espresso—can lead to such diverse beverages simply by changing how milk is prepared and combined. Cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites all offer something unique, whether it’s boldness, balance, or creaminess.
Experiment at home, learn to control your milk texture, and you’ll soon be able to craft the perfect coffee drink for every mood and moment. Whether you’re in the mood for something airy, silky, or milky—there’s a drink here for you.