Coffee types

Latte vs Cappuccino vs Everything Else: A Simple Guide to Coffee Drinks

Walk into any coffee shop and the menu can feel like a foreign language. Latte, cappuccino, flat white, macchiato, americano, each sounds familiar, yet different. While all of these drinks start with espresso, the ratio of espresso, milk, and foam is what makes each coffee unique.

Let’s break it down in plain terms so you can order with confidence (or brew better at home).

The Foundation: Espresso

Nearly every café drink begins with espresso, a concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground beans. It’s bold, rich, and intense. From there, milk, water, or foam is added to create different styles.

Latte: Smooth and Milky

A latte is one of the most popular coffee drinks worldwide.

What’s in it:

1 shot of espresso Steamed milk A thin layer of foam on top

Lattes are creamy, mild, and easy to drink. Because they contain more milk than most espresso drinks, they’re less bitter and often served in larger cups. This makes them ideal for flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut.

Best for:

People who enjoy a smooth, comforting coffee with a softer espresso taste.

Cappuccino: Bold with Foam

A cappuccino has a stronger coffee flavor than a latte, even though it uses the same ingredients.

What’s in it:

Equal parts espresso Steamed milk Thick milk foam

The foam acts as insulation, keeping the drink hot while delivering a lighter, airier texture. Cappuccinos feel richer and more intense than lattes because there’s less milk diluting the espresso.

Best for:

Coffee lovers who want a balanced drink with a noticeable espresso kick.

Flat White: Creamy but Coffee-Forward

A flat white originated in Australia and New Zealand and has become a café favorite.

What’s in it:

Espresso Steamed milk Very little foam

It’s similar to a latte but uses less milk and almost no foam, allowing the espresso flavor to shine through while still being creamy.

Best for:

Those who want richness without excessive milk or foam.

Americano: Espresso Meets Hot Water

An americano is espresso diluted with hot water.

What’s in it:

Espresso Hot water

This creates a drink that resembles traditional drip coffee but with a smoother, deeper flavor profile.

Best for:

People who like black coffee but want something slightly richer.

Macchiato: Espresso with a Mark of Milk

The word macchiato means “stained” or “marked.”

What’s in it:

Espresso A small amount of milk or foam

This drink is espresso-forward with just a touch of milk to soften the edge.

Best for:

Those who enjoy strong coffee with minimal milk.

Mocha: Coffee Meets Chocolate

A mocha blends espresso with chocolate.

What’s in it:

Espresso Steamed milk Chocolate syrup or cocoa

It’s essentially a latte with chocolate added, making it dessert-like and indulgent.

Best for:

Anyone who enjoys sweet coffee or wants a treat-style drink.

Cortado: Perfectly Balanced

A cortado uses equal parts espresso and warm milk, with no foam.

What’s in it:

Espresso Warm milk

It’s small, strong, and smooth, designed to reduce acidity without overpowering the espresso.

Best for:

Coffee purists who want balance without sweetness.

So What’s the Real Difference?

The key difference between all coffee drinks isn’t the beans, it’s how much milk, foam, or water is added and how it’s textured. A latte is milk-heavy and smooth, a cappuccino is foamy and bold, and everything else lives somewhere in between.

Once you understand the ratios, coffee menus stop feeling overwhelming and start feeling like a playground of options.

Final Sip

Whether you’re sipping a frothy cappuccino on a cold morning or easing into the day with a creamy latte, each coffee style offers its own experience. The best part? There’s no wrong choice, just the one that fits your mood.