A cappuccino is a 5–6 oz drink with thick foam and a bold espresso flavor. A latte is 8–12 oz, creamier, and more milk-forward with only a thin layer of microfoam on top. The key differences are size, foam texture, and milk ratio — cappuccino is stronger and smaller, latte is milder and larger. Both are made with espresso and steamed whole milk. The ratio of milk to espresso is what changes everything. ...
A macchiato is an espresso drink “stained” with a small amount of milk. The word macchiato means “stained” or “marked” in Italian — the milk marks the espresso rather than diluting it. Depending on the version, that can mean a drop of foam on a shot of espresso, or a layered drink with espresso over steamed milk. There are three very different drinks that go by the name “macchiato,” and they taste nothing alike. This guide covers all of them. ...
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. ...
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. ...