Barista Techniques: How to Make a Delicious Latte? What's the Difference Between Latte, Mocha, and Cappuccino?

The Art of Latte: From Italian Tradition to Coffee Excellence

Latte is a classic blend of Italian espresso and milk, and Italians also enjoy latte as a breakfast beverage. In an Italian morning kitchen, sunlight typically illuminates a stove where coffee and milk are simultaneously brewing. Italians who drink lattes might be said to prefer milk over espresso itself, yet it's only espresso that can transform ordinary milk into an unforgettable flavor experience.

Now we understand that latte consists of two main components: espresso and milk. For hot latte, steamed milk is essential, which significantly tests a barista's milk-steaming skills. Therefore, making a hot latte involves three stages: first, extracting the espresso; second, steaming the milk; and third, pouring the steamed milk into the espresso to create latte art.

Milk steaming primarily relies on the espresso machine's steam wand. Pour an appropriate amount of milk into a pitcher—for instance, FrontStreet Coffee uses 300ml cups for lattes, so you would pour in 280ml of milk, as the milk expands after steaming due to air incorporation. Before steaming, briefly open the steam valve to purge excess water from the wand, then immerse the steam tip just below the milk surface and open the valve.

Steaming milk consists of two stages. In the first stage, the steam holes should touch the milk surface to create foam, producing a sharp, paper-tearing sound. This stage determines the foam thickness. The second stage is texturing—once enough foam is created, lift the pitcher to submerge the steam holes in the milk, allowing it to spin and texture under the steam's force. This stage determines foam quality.

Latte foam should be moderately thick, about 1 centimeter, with a glossy surface, no bubbles, and proper fluidity. Finally, pour the steamed milk into the extracted espresso to create latte art. Begin by pouring from a higher distance to create impact and gently merge the milk with coffee until the cup is seven-tenths full. Then lower the pitcher, bringing the spout close to the coffee surface, reducing impact. The foam will rise to the surface due to buoyancy, creating white patterns. By moving your arm, you can create ripple patterns—the moderate foam with proper fluidity will form flowing lines. Finally, lift the pitcher and push forward to complete a basic heart-shaped latte art design.

What's the Difference Between Latte, Mocha, and Cappuccino?

So what distinguishes latte from mocha and cappuccino?

For mocha, the difference lies in chocolate sauce. Compared to latte, mocha adds chocolate syrup to the espresso, making the coffee sweeter and more concentrated.

Cappuccino differs from latte in its proportions—it's made with equal parts: one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third milk foam.

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473