Coffee Latte: What It Is, the Correct Ratio, and How to Make One at Home

A coffee latte is a double shot of espresso combined with 6 to 8 oz of steamed milk and topped with a thin layer of microfoam. It is the most popular espresso drink in most cafes. The latte is larger and more milk-forward than any other espresso drink, making it approachable for those who find straight espresso too intense.

This guide covers the correct latte ratio, how it differs from a cappuccino and flat white, milk alternatives, and how to make one at home.

Coffee Latte vs Cappuccino vs Flat White

What Makes a Coffee Latte a Latte

The standard SCA latte uses one double shot of espresso (roughly 2 oz) with 6 oz of steamed milk and a thin microfoam layer on top. In an 8 to 12 oz cup, the espresso represents roughly one-fifth to one-quarter of the drink by volume. The large milk volume is what makes the latte taste smooth and mild compared to other espresso drinks. A correctly made latte has no separate foam layer. The microfoam is fully integrated with the milk.

Size: a latte is 8 to 12 oz. A cappuccino is 5 to 6 oz. A flat white is 5 to 6 oz. Foam: a latte has only integrated microfoam , no separate foam layer. A cappuccino has thick stiff foam as a distinct layer. A flat white has microfoam but no foam at all. Espresso ratio: a latte is about one-fifth espresso by volume at 8 oz. A cappuccino is one-third. A flat white uses more espresso per ounce than a latte at the same size. If you want the milk-forward experience but smaller, order a flat white. If you want the bold coffee flavor with less milk, order a cappuccino. See our cappuccino guide for the full comparison.

You need an espresso machine with a steam wand. Pull a double shot into a preheated 8 to 10 oz cup. Steam 6 oz of whole milk: introduce air briefly near the surface, then plunge deeper to heat and integrate. Stop at 140 to 150°F. The milk should look glossy and have a paint-like texture , not bubbly or foamy. Pour by tilting the cup and pouring from a low height, letting steamed milk flow in first and microfoam follow. See our espresso at home guide for how to pull the double shot and our latte art guide for how to pour patterns.

Whole milk produces the smoothest, sweetest latte. The fat and protein create a dense, integrated microfoam with good sweetness that complements the espresso. 2% milk works but produces slightly less body. Oat milk is the best non-dairy option: it steams well and integrates cleanly with espresso. Almond milk produces thinner foam. Soy milk steams well but can taste beany in a latte. Coconut milk adds sweetness but changes the flavor profile significantly. For a bolder espresso base that holds up through milk volume, browse our premium dark roast coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions: Coffee Latte

A coffee latte is an espresso-based drink. It is not brewed drip coffee with milk added. The espresso base is extracted under pressure, producing a concentrated shot with crema. The steamed milk is then combined with the shot. Regular coffee with milk is a different drink: thinner body, no crema, less intensity.

A standard single-shot latte contains 60 to 80 mg of caffeine. A double-shot latte contains 120 to 160 mg. The milk contains no caffeine. Most cafe lattes use a double shot as the base. A 12 oz double-shot latte has about the same caffeine as a standard drip coffee, but tastes milder because of the milk volume.

An iced latte is a double shot of espresso poured over ice with cold milk. There is no steaming involved. The espresso is pulled hot and poured directly over ice, then cold milk is added. The ratio is the same as a hot latte but the texture differs since there is no microfoam. Shake with ice before drinking or stir to integrate the espresso and milk.

Not a true latte. You need espresso pressure for the shot. A moka pot produces strong coffee but not crema or the concentrated intensity of espresso. A French press with frothed milk makes a milk coffee but not a latte. For a true coffee latte, the double shot base matters as much as the steamed milk. See our espresso machine guide for the right setup.

Medium to dark roast. A latte uses a large milk volume , 6 to 8 oz of steamed milk per shot. Light roast espresso can get lost in that much milk. A medium or dark roast produces enough intensity and body to taste through the milk. Blackout Coffee's Brewtal Awakening dark roast and Morning Reaper medium roast both hold up well in milk drinks. Browse our premium coffee collection for whole bean options.

Bold Espresso for a Better Coffee Latte

A great latte starts with a shot strong enough to taste through the milk. Browse our premium whole bean coffee , dark, medium, and light roast , all shipped within 1 to 2 business days of roasting.

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