Secret One Dana's blog: "Cappuccino and Latte"

For those who do not frequent coffee shops, ordering an espresso-based coffee drink can be intimidating.  The most important thing to know when ordering a coffee beverage is the distinction between the different drinks and their identifying characteristics.  While there are many variations on the basic coffee drinks, there are two main drinks that are the basis for many other specialty drinks.  These basic coffee drinks are the latte and the cappuccino.

The Latte

A latte is the most common type of espresso-based coffee drink.  A latte consists of a small amount of espresso topped with steamed milk.

The steaming of the milk is one of the most important parts of preparing a latte.  Unlike milk that has been warmed in other ways, steamed milk is infused with air as it is heated.  The addition of air to the milk gives it a velvety, creamy texture.

A great many other coffee drinks are a variation on the latte.  For instance, a mocha is simply a latte with chocolate syrup added to it.  Many other flavors can be added, and the drinks can be garnished as well with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, or a dusting of spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg.

The Cappuccino

The cappuccino is perhaps the most misunderstood of the espresso-based coffee drinks.  While the basic ingredients of a cappuccino are the same as those in a latte, the difference lies in the preparation of the drink.

When preparing milk for a cappuccino, a large amount of air is infused into the milk.  Adding a lot of air to the milk gives it a light, fluffy, foamy texture.  Because of this, a properly prepared cappuccino should weigh significantly less than a latte of the same size.  This also means that there is a smaller volume of milk in the drink, giving it a much stronger coffee flavor than a latte.

Many people associate the cappuccino with the gas station variety, which is made from a sweetened, powdered mix and dispensed from a machine.  A true Italian cappuccino bears no resemblance to the gas station cappuccino.  For those accustomed to the flavor of a gas station cappuccino, a flavored latte wil likely be a more satisfying option when ordering a drink at a coffee shop.