What Is a Latte? Espresso, Milk Ratios, and Types Explained

A latte (short for “caffè latte”) is a shot of espresso combined with steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam — typically 1–2 espresso shots with 6–8 oz of milk, giving a smooth, mildly coffee-flavored drink. It is the most popular espresso-based drink in most coffee shops worldwide and one of the easiest to make at home once you can steam milk. How Is a Latte Made? A traditional latte has three components: ...

April 17, 2026 · 7 min · Barista At Home

Are Espresso Beans Different from Coffee Beans? The Truth Explained

Espresso beans and coffee beans are the same thing. There is no special variety of coffee plant that produces “espresso beans.” The label “espresso” on a bag of beans describes the roast profile and intended brewing method — not a different species or botanical variety. Here’s what that actually means for you. What “Espresso Beans” Actually Means When a roaster labels beans as “espresso,” they’re typically telling you two things: ...

April 6, 2026 · 5 min · Barista At Home

Cappuccino Recipe: How to Make a Cappuccino at Home

A cappuccino is made from equal thirds: one part espresso, one part steamed milk, and one part dense milk foam. A classic cappuccino is 5–6 oz total — smaller than a latte, with a thicker layer of foam and a more pronounced espresso flavor. This guide covers the exact cappuccino recipe, how to steam the milk correctly, and how to adapt the drink to what equipment you have at home. ...

April 4, 2026 · 6 min · Barista At Home

Espresso vs Coffee: What's the Real Difference?

Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee. Regular coffee is brewed through slower, lower-pressure methods like drip, pour-over, or French press. Both use the same raw ingredient — roasted coffee beans — but they produce very different drinks with different flavors, textures, and uses. This guide covers everything you need to know about the espresso vs coffee comparison: how they’re made, how they taste, the caffeine question, and which brewing method is right for you. ...

April 4, 2026 · 7 min · Barista At Home

Latte Recipe: How to Make a Latte at Home

A latte is made with a double espresso and steamed milk, with a thin layer of microfoam on top. The standard recipe is 2 oz of espresso plus 4–6 oz of steamed whole milk — silky, smooth, and milky with just enough coffee flavor to come through. A latte is one of the most forgiving espresso drinks to learn at home. The large volume of milk hides minor espresso imperfections, and the milk steaming technique is less demanding than a cappuccino. ...

April 4, 2026 · 8 min · Barista At Home